smalltalk - November 2024

smalltalk…supporting the early years sector in Wales for over 30 years.

Published since spring 1986, and mailed free of charge to all Early Years Wales members. smalltalk is the must-read title for early years education and early years childcare providers in Wales.

Whether you are looking for ideas to implement within the setting or to help you with your training and development, wanting to keep up to date with the latest curriculum changes or changes in legislation, our 64-page, fully bilingual, full-colour magazine is packed full of articles to inspire you to embed and inform high-quality practice, whilst continuing to run a successful business.

Welcome to the November 2024 edition of smalltalk

What’s on the cover?

The Movement Issue; and why it matters in the early years

• We're delighted to open the issue on page 4 with Sally Goddard Blyth MSc. Sally discusses early years settings' role in encouraging the development of neuromotor skills in children, and how to spot the signs and symptoms that may indicate neuromotor immaturity.
• On page 6, we read how Sense Cymru supports children with complex sensory disabilities, their families, and the settings that help them to make the most of their abilities and to ensure that no one is left out of life.
• As with movement, food shapes the way a child develops. Louise Mercieca Nutritional Therapist, author and podcaster talks to us about the 'buliding blocks' of good nutrition in the first 1000 days on page 12.
• On page 23 Sarah Wiggin looks at the role we can all play in making bare feet an accepted part of developmental movement play, and on daily life.
• We are witnessing a global decline in children's physical activity. Helen Battelley MA delivers a call for action on page 26 for all adults to recognise the responsibility we all hold in shaping children's behaviours and attitudes towards physical activity.
• Booktrust Cymru announces the titles chosen for inclusion in the Bookstart Early Years pack for 2-3 year olds on page 30.

Read on for a full list of contents...

4. Learning to Move; Moving to Learn

Sally Goddard-Blythe MSc, Director of The Institute of Neuro-Physiological Psychology talks to us about the importance of nurturing physical literacy in the early years.

6. Case Study: Inspiring spaces for enquiring bodies; why movement is so important for young children

The first of two case studies from settings who have completed our Active Baby training. Mrs Puddleducks Day Nursery in Ebbw Vale explain how physical activity is now fully embedded in their practice.

8. Case Study: Using lyrics in songs to stimulate movement

Meadowbank Day Nursery in Abergavenny share their observations on crawling.

10. Moving forwards into life

Is your setting a safe space for all children to try out their movement skills? In this article Sense Cymru, explain how using the principles of Universal Design for Learning can enable children with physical or learning difficulties to be included in activities which promote their movement and learning.

11. Sensory Giveaway!

In partnership with TTS we are giving away a set of Happy Feet Pastel Sensory Playmats (rrp. £69.99).

12. The importance of the first 1000 days; Nutrition and Movement

Louise Mercieca explains how good nutrition during the first 1000 days is critical to children’s development.

15. Welcome to Leo Holmes, Head of Policy and Advocacy.

Leo joined the Early Years Wales team in July, and some of you will already have had the pleasure of meeting him. Here Leo takes the opportunity to introduce himself properly and to outline some of his priorities in this new role.

16. The benefits of balance bikes for toddlers and young children.

Designed in Wales, mwv bikes have a very simple mission, and that is to introduce children to the joy of cycling from an early age. We asked them to share with you why they believe balance bikes are a must-have in the early years toolkit!

17. COMPETITION TIME:

The wonderful team behind mwv bikes are offering two lucky settings the opportunity to win one of their balance bikes. To be in with a chance of winning one, all you need to do is answer a very simple question!

18. Shush! We are being quiet.

To accompany the webinar and Mini Guide to Quiet, Shy and anxious (QSA) Children, Dr Susan Davis and Dr Rhiannon Packer explain why it’s so important to support QSA children in the early years setting.

20. Creative movement in the early years.

Dave Goodger explores what creative movement is, how you can create invitations to move creatively in your setting and shows you how creative movement helps children’s development.

22. “I don’t like wearing shoes”

Sarah Wiggin, Den Early Years is a self-proclaimed barefoot advocate! In this article she explains why barefoot movement matters and how.

26. Early Childhood Physical Development – The role you play!

Helen Batteley MA delivers a call to action to all adults to recognise the responsibility we hold in shaping children’s attitudes towards physical activity.

28. Music and Movement: Rhythmic Awareness – The Key for Language and Literacy.

We all know that music and movement activities provide the best fun! Boogie Mites talk to us about the science behind why. Don’t forget to check out their

special 20% discount offer for Early Years Wales members too.

30. BookTrust Cymru: Children throughout Wales to receive books that encourage movement and promote physical literacy.

BookTrust Cymru announce the titles for inclusion in the Bookstart Early Year pack for 2-3 year olds.

32. Physical Literacy Training Packages

In collaboration with Den Early Years, we have developed a suite of hands-on learning opportunities to enhance the development and education of practitioners working with children in the first 1000 days.