From a parent’s perspective As a first-time parent of a one-year-old, I started researching suitable nurseries more than six months ago during my maternity leave. Looking back now, I realise how difficult it was to find the perfect setting. As a new mum, I was unsure about the type of nursery that would be best for my child, and there were various factors to consider such as cost, location, facilities and resources. I relied on several sources of information to guide me and help me make the right decision. As the new term approaches this September, many parents will be weighing up their opt ..read more

Guest blog by June O’Sullivan – CEO of London Early Years Foundation (LEYF). I became aware of the impact of prisons on small children through a chance conversation with one of my managers. She noticed the grandparent was bringing the child to nursery much more often and they were no longer seeing Mum. Nobody said anything until the manager gently broached the Mum’s absence with the grandparent.  It turned out that Mum was in prison and the grandparent was very embarrassed and ashamed of the situation but really struggling emotionally and financially.  The manager was highly sens ..read more

Childcare settings are engaging environments where children are encouraged to play, learn, and develop. These early years are pivotal in shaping a child’s growth and potential. Therefore, the practices of planning and observation hold significant importance.  In early years education, every moment presents a learning opportunity. This underscores the crucial roles of planning and observation, as they synergise to create enriching and effective learning experiences for young children. Let’s explore the significance of planning and observation in early years education, and how they cont ..read more

The updated Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) framework emphasises the vital role of play in children’s development without prescribing specific teaching methods. Highlighting the significance of play, the framework underscores that, “play is essential for children’s development, building their confidence as they learn to explore, relate to others, set their own goals, and solve problems. Children learn by leading their own play, and by taking part in play and learning that is guided by adults”. This indicates that a balanced blend of child-led and adult-led play is essential in early ye ..read more

Sure Start centres have supported families and nurtured children’s development since the incentive was launched in 1998. A recent report by the Institute for Fiscal Studies (IFS) underscores these centres’ vital role in shaping children’s educational outcomes and long-term development. This article delves into the impact of Sure Start centres on families and highlights the significant benefits they have provided from the outset. The impact of Sure Start Centres The IFS report sheds light on the transformative effects of Sure Start centres on children’s educational achievements. Launched ..read more

In this blog, we’ll explore how technology is impacting early years education. Innovations like Connect Childcare, iConnect, and ParentZone support educators and engage families to create diverse and inclusive learning environments. These tools empower educators to better connect with families and provide more comprehensive learning experiences for young children. Join us as we delve into how technology aids in understanding and celebrating each child’s uniqueness. Discover how these tools not only streamline tasks but also enhance the overall early years education experience, creating a mor ..read more

Overview Established in 2005, Hunny Nurseries provides home-from-home care for children 51 weeks a year. It currently has eight sites that offer safe and creative facilities to give children the perfect start to their education. Starting off with the one site — The Hunny Pot Nursery in Wigston — the provision was soon extended to offer places to more children in the local area to alleviate a lengthy waitlist. Since then, the group has grown to eight sites across Leicestershire and employs around 170 members of staff — including directors, area managers, nursery managers, room leaders, qual ..read more

Overview Established in 2002, Mama  Bear’s Day Nursery’s initial aim was to ensure high-quality, affordable childcare was available to families living and working in south west England. It opened the doors to its first nursery, located in Bristol, in 2004. Since then, it has opened another six sites in the city, as well as three in Torbay, two in Plymouth, and a further three sites across Taunton, Bridgwater, and Yeovil.  Consistently rated by OFSTED as ‘Good’ or ‘Outstanding’, Mama Bear’s Day Nursery continues to be a family-run organisation that employs 250 staff across all 15 ..read more

Embarking on the daunting task of compiling reports can often feel like navigating a maze of data scattered across various sources. Here at Connect Childcare, we recognise the time-consuming nature of this task and have a transformative solution. This blog explores the common pain point of report compilation and sheds light on how our platform streamlines the process. Join us in uncovering the vast array of reports available in the Connect Childcare system, from occupancy to finance and beyond. The challenge: time-consuming reporting Reports are an integral aspect of nursery management ..read more

Child safety is paramount in any childcare setting, and proactive measures are crucial in preventing accidents and ensuring a secure environment for children to learn and play. However, understanding accident data to improve risk assessments and prevent similar incidents can be challenging and time-consuming for childcare providers, especially when trying to access various accident reports to get to the bottom of a potential problem. At Connect Childcare, we value our customers’ feedback and understand the critical need for efficient accident reporting. That’s why we’ve developed a solutio ..read more