does anyone NOT do B23 at all?

[andreaschildcare]

I dont normally have under 5's really, or if I do its just for a few hours a week, so I have never done it.

Is it essential?

[Pauline]

andreaschildcare said:

I dont normally have under 5's really, or if I do its just for a few hours a week, so I have never done it.

Is it essential?

At my last inspection I was not caring for under 5's at all, and at the time only ever took on school age children.

She still asked me lots of questions regarding brith to 3 , she explained that it was because I would still be registered to care for the under 5's, even if I didn't want them.

The whole registration is for under 8's so we have to have the knowledge because if they didn't inspect you on it you might suddenly decide to go back to having little ones.

It made sense to me at the time but not sure if I've explained it properly!! - does it make sense?

[angeldelight]

I agree with Pauline on this one

Best to show you have knowledge of it

Angel xx

[mel]

If you have over 3's do you have to use the foundation stage curriculum or is it optional? If you do need it, do any of you have a copy of the foundation stage stepping stones I could have or a link as to where to find it? I have been searching and would at least like a head knowledge so I can cross reference everything for this year with my EYFS stuff

Mel x

[angeldelight]

I think this site is helpful

www.coxhoe.durham.sch.uk/Curriculum/Foundation%20Stage.htm

Angel xx

[donnagwynne]

thanks Angel,

That site is just what I was after too.
Donna

[lorri]

My 4.5 year old mindee starting b4 and after school from Monday will be going to school full-time in two weeks - do I have to do the foundation stage with her or will it just be down to the school?

Lorri x

[sarahnev707]

Hi Lorri - I would work closely with the school if I were you.

Find out what the reading scheme is they are following and offer to do some reading with the child, ask what themes they are following and, if the child is interested, offer some craft stuff around them, ask what sort of number skills they are working towards and inlcude them in everyday conversation/ when baking etc

She'll be knackered anyway just starting school and not wanting to 'learn' but you can still offer fun back-up stuff

Sarahx

[angeldelight]

Sarah is right Lorri

Do not worry too much about this because kids just want to chill after school - most of my children after school are happy just to chill out

Angel xx

[lorri]

Thanks Sarah and Angel.

I'm planning to do things in a very chilled way like reading, colouring and dot-to-dot, maybe dominoes or something and playing with the letters/numbers on the fridge - just got urge to do leaf identification (put thread on with info.), playing with instruments, growing cress, memory games and stuff - not just sitting watching tv - want to do some constructive things as well as completely monged out things! (Obviously this isn't all in one day! Ha ha!)

Does that sound okay do you think?

So sorry to keep asking but I've only got experience of my two year old son so everything is really new to me.

Lorri x

[angeldelight]

That sounds more than ok Lorri

See you have thought of all these ideas yourself - you do not need us at all

Very good

Angel xx

[sarahnev707]

Angel - for the first time in ages - you are wrong!! Of course she needs us.... we're her friends!! LOL

You've got some brill ideas there Lorri - my after schoolers enjoy hama beads and usually have a project on the go from those. Some free patterns here -

www.beadmerrily.co.uk/designgallery.php

and Ikea do the beads really cheaply

Have fun!!

Sarahx

[manjay]

Fab website Sarah. We are always looking for new Hama bead patterns.

It's a bit of a trek to Warrington to go to Ikea but think I will need to make the effort.

Amanda xx

[angeldelight]

Haha very funny Sarah

I hate to be wrong too haha

You are right of course - Lorri you do NEED US haha

Angel xx

[lorri]

Thank you - I had a look at the site and just want to check - are they the iron and water bead thingymajigies?

I will get some of those then, I think that I would like to do them too!

And yes, I do need you all, I love coming on here and 'chatting' to everyone!

Lorri x

[manjay]

Lorri,

The Hama beads are the ones you need to iron and my daughter also likes the bideezs whichare the ones you spray with water.

I love doing Hama beads it is so theraputic. I got hold of some earth and planet templates recently and the earth one looks really effective. You can also buy larger size beads which are easier to hold for the pre schoolers(obviously if they are not going to eat them!!)

Amanda xx

[charleyfarley]

Great site, just what I needed as Charley loves doing them. Just brought her a massive jar of them so new patterns are what we need.

Thanks a lot

Carol xx