smalltalk - winter 2021 / spring 2022

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

Published quarterly 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 winter 2021 / spring 2022 edition of smalltalk

In this issue we look at the power of community and the role communities have in ensuring children have the best possible start in life by engendering a sense of belonging and pride.

Nothing says community like the unsung heroes of our sector – the volunteers. The lifeblood of voluntary and community organisations in Wales - pre-covid it is estimated that volunteers had an estimated value of £1.7 billion. Our cover story is an 8-page feature focussed entirely on volunteering we consider why people volunteer, the range of opportunities available and what difference volunteering could make within your settings. We celebrate the work of the volunteers and volunteer groups who have been recognised in our annual awards for their passion and commitment.

Read on, for a taste of what else is inside

4. Focus on...Volunteering

Have you tapped into the potential of volunteering? Read on to discover the difference it could make to your setting.

5. Bags of joy!

Having recently retired, we celebrate the work of Pat Moreton - Early Years Wales Volunteer of the Year 2020

6. Volunteering, well-being and Early Years

Ahead of Volunteers Week in June, Fiona Liddell from the WCVA shows us how registering with your local voluntary council could prove to be invaluable.

8. Building for a better future

How one committee members passion for fundraising, resulted in a brand new building.

10. The value of being a trustee

The trustees of Gresford Playgroup have a really hands on approach when it comes to the support they give their setting.

11. What sort of person makes a good trustee?

Guidance from the Charity Commission on the roles and responsibilities of a trustee, and what’s in it for you.

12. The Final Kiss Goodnight

It was tragedy that inspired one childminder & her setting to raise money for a heart defibrillator. She shares her story and we share the stats.

15. easyfundraising

How your supporters can earn free donations for your setting from the comfort of their own home.

16. Continuing Professional Development (CPD):

Developing a bilingual workforce

Assessing the language skills of your workforce is the first positive step you can take towards delivering an Active Offer. We guide you through the tools available to help you.

19. Resourcing Play

Play Wales invite us into the magical world of loose parts play.

22. How loose parts play supports the development of children within our setting

Somebody else’s junk is now one nurserys treasure!

24. Foundation Phase: Talking Point Outdoor risky play and schema development in the early years (part two)

The importance of recognising and nuturing children’s schemas.

28. Toddle Waddle; the benefits of running as a family

You’ve heard of Couch to 5k, Early Years Wales brings you the Toddle Waddle. A brand new four-week course to inspire the next generation and improve families physical and mental well-being.

30. NSPCC - Ending Physical Punishment in Wales

The NSPCC started campaigning for children to have the same protection from physical assault as adults not long after the turn of the century. The law has finally changed, and we hear why this is important.

32. Childcare Offer for Wales – Update on New National Digital Service

The timings of the rollout have changed. Welsh Government share important information on what this means for providers, the benefits of the service and how to access training if you need to improve your digital skills.

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