Future Creative Early Years Training 2014
“Very valuable and worthwhile training – I thoroughly enjoyed the course I attended.” (Esta Ford, SEN Early Years Development Worker, Isle of Wight Council) “This training has helped me to equip children to become more confident and secure in their journey through life.” (Nursery practitioner, Toy Box Nursery, West Sussex)
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Some success stories... "We are moving to a new building in September and I am now inspired to look at theorist research and consider our early years environment." (Debbie Latham, Lilliput Pre-School, Peterborough)
“Sensory Journey has taught me a lot about how my child learns and how his brain works. It’s been a real eye-opener and very enjoyable.” (Parent, Priory Children’s Centre, Ramsgate) In 2013, Future Creative worked with Children’s Centres in East Kent to empower parents to gain essential skills and confidence to support their children’s learning and development.
65% of parents reported an increase in their children’s readiness to start school.
98%
68% of parents showed an improvement in their child development knowledge.
Practitioners who reported an increase in their understanding and knowledge after attending a Future Creative training course. Data taken from Future Creative early years impact review 2012-13.
Future Creative CIC is a social enterprise organisation which provides high-quality innovative learning, business training, professional development and community engagement opportunities to those who work in education, creative, cultural, public and business sectors. Our programmes provide opportunities for people to use and enjoy creative thinking skills and approaches to maximise their potential through education, professional training and community development.
www.future-creative.org
Early Years Training & Development Since September 2008 and the introduction of the
We deliver an extensive range of training
EYFS, children’s learning and development has
courses for early years settings, and we work
been at the heart of government policy. Future
with local authorities and private, voluntary
Creative empowers Early Years practitioners to
and independent settings across the country.
enable young children to be creative and critical
We also offer bespoke training and
thinkers. We believe in the importance of placing
consultancy programmes which are tailor-
the child at the centre of Early Years provision and
made to the needs of individual settings. Our
maintaining the correct balance between child-
creative and unique style of training gives us
initiated and adult-led activity.
a distinctive selling point in what we can do.
Using our extensive Early Years knowledge and
All of Future Creative’s courses are interactive,
experience, Future Creative delivers training
challenging and fun – we encourage active
courses and consultancy to help your practice be
learning to ensure all attendees get the most
the best. This is not just ‘bums on seats!’
out of our time together.
"I have learnt some easy resourcing ideas and how to think more creatively." (Francesca Sharpe, Reception teacher, St Elphege’s School, Surrey) "Absolutely amazing – the training has given me some really good ideas and great tips on restructuring some of our maths activities." (Early years practitioner, Hounslow, London)
“I am much clearer in my understanding of the EYFS, and now feel I can use it even more effectively.” (Jane Stokes, Patchwork Day Nursery, Hampshire)
Please see overleaf for a selection of early years training courses
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Early Years Training Courses
“Excellent course! As well as learning a lot, it was also a brilliant team building experience.” (Nursery Manager, Kent)
NEW Characteristics of Effective Learning This course is a detailed exploration of the characteristics of effective learning. The characteristics are ‘the ways in which a child engages with other
people and their environment’ (EYFS 2012) We look closely at playing & exploring, active learning, and creating and thinking critically and consider how they underpin learning and development across all areas and support the child to remain an effective and motivated learner.
Experiences, Interactions and Environments for under 3’s Supporting the needs of 0-3’s This course supports practitioners working with children from 0 to 3 years old. We look closely at the prime areas of learning and development and consider the kinds of experiences, interactions and environments that foster the characteristics of effective learning in babies and toddlers. We also explore early brain development and examine how young children make connections and develop new understandings to help practitioners understand and support each individual child’s developmental pathway
Embedding the EYFS
“To Infinity and Beyond!” Child Development in the Early Years
This course will provide practitioners with an opportunity to reflect on their implementation of the
This course examines the development of young
revised EYFS curriculum. We aim to enhance
children from conception through to five years of age.
knowledge, understanding and confidence, in order to
We examine the EYFS guidance material and highlight
support and challenge practitioners working with
the importance of starting with the unique child when
children and families within the revised framework.
observing and assessing children’s development
Learners are encouraged to evaluate key aspects of
within the framework of EYFS. We examine the impact
their provision and identify what they need to do next
of the environment in supporting learning and
in order to improve educational outcomes for children.
development, and consider how to ensure that the resources and activities foster the characteristics of
“The interactive and thought-provoking course broadened my knowledge of the EYFS in a creative way.” (Abigail Wilkinson, Development Officer for Early Help, Isle of Wight Council)
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effective learning, are based on children’s interests, and meet their individual developmental needs.
“Our Future Creative consultant was openminded, very knowledgeable, and a helpful ‘insider’ of our day-to-day challenges.” (The Village Children’s Centre, Folkestone) ‘Each Peach Pear Plum’ Communication and Language in the EYFS This course highlights the key aspects of communication and language development within the Early Years Foundation Stage and identifies how activities, routines, the environment and role models support this prime area. We examine how to plan activities and experiences that support early communication and language and reflect on how best to use the environment, equipment and resources available.
Supporting Transitions Continuing the Learning Journey from Foundation Stage to Key Stage 1 This course equips early years practitioners to support the key-stage transition of their children, through introduction and involvement of aspects of KS1. We also discuss how parents can be encouraged to help their children prepare for the transition and how information on children’s progress and achievements is passed to KS1. We also discuss coping with changes in daily
Boys and Girls, Play, Learning & Development
routines, working with parents, gaps in skills and understanding, and phonological learning.
This course explores both the theory and practice
Are you ready for Ofsted?
relating to how boys and girls learn. It provides a
Future Creative will visit your setting and equip
comprehensive examination of all aspects relating to
you and your team with the confidence and ability
boys and girls development from birth to five, and
to demonstrate best practice.
blends theory with practical help and guidance. The course investigates play and learning within the Early
We visit settings across the country, offering
Years Foundation Stage by considering the
specialist advice and guidance to ensure you are
characteristics of effective learning, and the impact of
as prepared as possible for Ofsted’s arrival.
indoor, outdoor and emotional environments on children’s learning.
We will observe you and your existing practice, engage in a professional discussion with your
We discuss the factors that make an effective learning
senior management team, and provide you with a
environment and offer practitioners an opportunity to
set of written recommendations regarding
reflect on their own role. The course also suggests
improvement priorities and next steps.
practical strategies and ideas for supporting the learning and diverse needs of girls and boys.
Our consultants are Ofsted inspectors themselves, so they know what to look for.
"This course was lively, interactive, and full of interesting facts!" (Pat Stevens, Supervisor, Owl Pre-School, Gravesend) www.future-creative.org
Our aim is not to criticise, but to empower your setting to reach its full potential!
"The course has helped me to realise how much of an impact that I can have on the start of a journey in a young child's life." (Toddler Room Supervisor, Bournemouth) Developing a Stimulating Learning Environment in your Setting
The Snowman and the Windy Day’ Cultivating Creativity in Early Years
This course links indoor, outdoor and emotional
The course explores nature of creativity in the early
environments to all aspects of the EYFS and explores
years and encourages practitioners to consider their
the crucial role that Enabling Environments play in
own creativity. We highlight how their own attitude to
supporting children’s play learning and development.
creativity is important in supporting children’s play experiences, and fostering the characteristics of
We examine environments that support children to
effective learning. We highlight the importance of
learn through playing & exploring, active learning and
placing the child at the centre of creative thinking
creating and thinking critically. We critically examine
processes, and explore how creative thinking has a
observation, assessment and planning and consider
positive impact on learning within all seven areas.
how these crucial processes support and extend environments for learning.
During this course, we also examine how to resource enabling environments that facilitate children’s creative thinking. We examine the role of the playful
‘No Doors Shut’ Diversity in the Early Years
practitioner in promoting creativity; focussing on sustained shared thinking processes rather than predetermined products.
The course investigates how a developed and secure and positive sense of individual identities can develop whole organisations. We explore diversity in relation to the EYFS through a series of interactive and experiential activities and look at diversity in the broadest sense. We explore the diverse needs of individual children and in addition examine how to meet the diverse needs of parents.
"I've been given lots of different views and ideas of how to cope with various diversity issues in my early years practice." (Dawn Warner, Childminder, Bracknell) "I enjoyed the Cultivating Creativity - this training has challenged my view of what it means to be creative." (Janet Robinson, Headteacher, Belford First School, Northumberland)
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"I feel inspired to incorporate different activities into my practice to improve my children's learning." (Childminder, Liverpool)
‘Lend a Hand’ Involving Parents in their Children’s Learning
“All Well and Good” Managing Behaviour in the Early Years
This course acknowledges the challenges and
This course explores behaviour management across
dilemmas that practitioners face when developing and
the seven areas of learning and development. The
sustaining effective, communicative relationships with
course further equips practitioners to help children to
parents. We explore how to involve parents in
develop a positive sense of themselves, and others; to
exchanging information, and highlight the benefits to
form positive relationships and develop respect for
children of a diverse range of parents and practitioners
others; to develop social skills and learn how to
working in partnership.
manage their feelings; to understand appropriate behaviour in groups; and to have confidence in their own abilities.
Eyes Wide and Open Minds Observation, Assessment and Planning This course recognises that on-going formative
‘It All Adds Up’ Mathematical Development in the EYFS
assessment is at the heart of effective early years practice. It explores the cycle of observation,
This course recognises the key aspects of
assessment and planning (OAP) and reflects on the
mathematics in the EYFS, identifying how activities,
importance of placing the child at the centre of the
routines, the environment and role models support this
OAP process. We encourage practitioners to observe
specific area. We investigate how best to use the
with their eyes wide and their minds open.
environment, equipment and resources available.
We look closely at the commitment to planning; both
We identify the significance of understanding child
long-term and medium-term and how to reconcile
development and of adopting a holistic approach to all
planning processes with the requirement to be
areas of learning and development. We highlight the
responsive to children’s changing needs.
critical importance of mathematics and how it links to all seven prime and specific areas of learning and
"Future Creative’s training gave us plenty of opportunities to discuss all sorts of things, including being creative and involving our parents." (Theresa Howard, Teacher, South Hylton Primary School, Sunderland)
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development.
"Lots of useful tips and ideas for maths to be used in a fun way! (Katie Johnson, SENCO, Casper Nursery, Folkestone)
Future Creative is delighted to be working in partnership with Outdoor Matters, promoting the importance of the outdoor environment for young children’s play, learning and development.
Leading Learning Outdoors
We deliver a selection of courses to support
setting leaders in promoting, developing and
practitioners to implement a high quality early years
using the outdoor environment –and making
curriculum in the unique and special environment of
sure their staff teams enjoy and make best use
outdoors.
of it to support children’s play and learning.
Why Go Outdoors? This course explores the value and benefits of the
Characteristics of Effective Learning Outdoors
outdoor environment and provides inspiration for
What are the factors that play a central role
anyone who is unconvinced about the importance of
in children’s learning from birth? What does
this unique and special environment for young
sustained shared thinking look like
children. The key messages can be tailored to
outdoors? Are we providing appropriate
different audiences, for example practitioners, parents,
contexts for thinking outdoors? How can we
senior management, childminders etc.
promote and encourage the characteristics
Do you lead a team of practitioners who are reluctant to go outdoors? Are you struggling to overcome resistance and concerns about risk? This course explores the responsibilities of
and build children’s capacity for lifelong
Developing an Enabling Environment
learning?
Are you struggling to develop your outdoor area?
This course examines the role of the practitioner
Are you unsure where to start or who to involve?
outdoors. It considers the characteristics of
Then this is the course for you!
effective teaching and learning and explores the
This course give you the tools, tips and strategies to
ways in which outdoors can provide an enabling
ensure that the outdoor space you create really meets
environment for learning to take place.
the needs of your children and their families.
Getting Outdoors with Babies and Toddlers Should babies and toddlers go outdoors? What
Using Outdoors to Engage and Involve Parents and Carers
experiences can we offer them? How do we keep
Are you looking for new and innovative ways
them safe?
to engage your parents? Do you want to
This course provides ideas and inspiration to
work more closely with dads?
practitioners working with babies and toddlers. It
The outdoor environment is a great way to
examines some of the common challenges and
create closer links with parents! This course
dilemmas –and shares some potential solutions!
offers ideas and inspiration to help you make the most of your outdoor space to develop closer links with families.
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“Very enjoyable two days – the course has given me a chance to step back and think about how I can help the children in my nursery.” (Nursery Nurse, Sunderland)
Developing Positive Relationships in the Early Years From birth, children are responding to and interacting
“We’re Actually Going on a Bear Hunt…” Storytelling in the Early Years
with those who care for them, and that secure attachment and the process of establishing positive
This course explores the opportunities to both
emotional connections lay the foundation for the
tell and hear stories, and the impact of
successful development of social intelligence and
storytelling on children’s learning and
lifelong learning.
development. We identify our role in storytelling, the development of speaking and
This course investigates how positive relationships
listening skills, and the creation of enabling
enable children to be strong and independent, as they
environments for storytelling.
discover who they are and begin to understand their place in their world. We aim to equip practitioners to
During the course, we look at how storytelling
create enabling environments that nurture positive
and traditional tales provide a vehicle for the
relationships, as well as supporting them to meet the
discussion of social morals and personal ethics
needs of individual children, families and colleagues.
and emotional expression. Storytelling is not just about books! We make
‘Shaving Foam and Gloop’ Sensory Play in the Early Years
links to the development of children’s vocabulary and investigate how we can best support children in the lowest talking families.
This practical and hands on course provides a detailed explanation of the impact of sensory play on children’s learning. We look at the theoretical context and explanations of sensory play, examining it in relation to
Supporting the Needs of Two Year Olds in your setting
brain development, the characteristics of effective
What are the challenges and benefits of
learning, and the seven areas of learning and
providing care for funded two year olds? How
development. We consider the use of a wide range of
can we best support the developmental needs
everyday low cost materials in sensory play
of children aged two?
experiences. This course investigates at challenges, myths
"Really good ideas that I will be able to put into practice straight away. This training was brilliant, thank you!" (Ruth Hiscock, Manager, Rainbows Nursery School, Hampshire) www.future-creative.org
and perceptions, and explores solid solutions. We explain how to create a stimulating learning and play environment for two-year-olds that is built particularly from knowledge and understanding of children’s next steps.
"The trainer had a very positive 'can-do' attitude participants were encouraged to look at how to change their environment rather than the child." (Early Years Advisory Teacher, West Sussex)
‘Unlocking Potential’ The Role of the Key Person in the Early Years
Do you want a fresh pair of eyes to look at your practice?
This course explores the special responsibilities a key
Future Creative has a team of early years
person has for working with a small number of children
consultants that visit and advise settings across
and giving them the reassurance to feel cared for and
the country. We provide specialist advice and
safe. We look at the statutory responsibilities of the key
support around the effective implementation of
person. We share theories of brain development and
the EYFS, in conjunction with the development
attachment and consider the impact of the key person
of self-reflective practice for practitioners.
in supporting brain development and learning.
Our consultants are experienced, approachable,
We also examine the cycle of observation, assessment
and
and planning and highlight how the relationship that
passionate
about
building
strong
relationships with early years practitioners.
the key person builds with parents enriches children’s learning experiences.
Our aim is not to criticise, but to support and empower! To benefit from Future Creative’s consultancy, contact us to find out more.
“My Place in My World” Understanding of the World in the EYFS This course reflects on the importance of
For more information or to book any of
Understanding of the World in children’s overall
these courses for your setting/s, please
learning and development. We recognise the key
contact:
aspects of Understanding of the World and identify how to recognise good practice and extend this. We
Gail Ryder Richardson
reflect on how to support and extend children’s
Early Years Manager
learning and development through understanding the
01304 370310
world in the indoor and outdoor environments.
gail@future-creative.org The course also investigates how best to use equipment and resources available to allow for
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children’s explorations and investigations, by equipping practitioners to build upon the natural curiosity of their children.
.
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Please turn over for Future Creative’s latest Early Years Impact Report www.future-creative.org
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Early Years Impact Report 2012-13
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"This training has helped me to equip children to become more confident and secure in their journey through life." (Early Years practitioner, Toy Box Nursery, West Sussex)
Contents Executive Summary ................................... 4 Latest News ............................................... 5 What courses did we deliver? .................... 6 Who did we train? ...................................... 8 Who are our partners? ............................... 9 What is the impact? .................................. 10 Supporting the local community ............... 12 What does the future hold? ...................... 14
“I am much clearer in my understanding of the EYFS, and now feel I can use it even more effectively.� (Jane Stokes, Patchwork Day Nursery, Hampshire)
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Executive Summary Future Creative CIC is a social enterprise organisation which provides high quality creative learning, business training, professional development and community engagement opportunities to those who work in education, cultural, and business sectors. Our programmes provide opportunities for people to use and enjoy creative thinking skills and approaches to maximise their potential through education, professional training and community development.
"I enjoyed everything the training course. I have lots to think about and take back to my setting. Thank you!" (Sally-Ann Putley, Brishing Barn Day Nursery, Kent) Using our extensive Early Years knowledge and experience, Future Creative delivers training courses and consultancy to help your practice be the best. This is not just ‘bums on seats!’ We believe in the importance of placing the child at the centre of Early Years provision and maintaining the correct balance between child-initiated and adult-led activity.
Future Creative empowers Early Years practitioners to enable young children to be creative and critical thinkers. We deliver an extensive range of training courses for early years settings, and we work with local authorities and private, voluntary and independent settings across the country. We also offer bespoke training and consultancy programmes which are tailor-made to the needs of individual settings. Our creative and unique style of training gives us a distinctive selling point in what we can do. All of Future Creative’s courses are interactive, challenging and fun – we encourage active learning to ensure all attendees get the most out of our time together.
"I have learnt some easy resourcing ideas and how to think more creatively." (Francesca Sharpe, Reception teacher, St Elphege’s School, Surrey)
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Latest News Future Creative was delighted to welcome Gail Ryder Richardson as our new Early Years Manager in June 2013. Gail has worked in the early years sector for over 30 years in a wide range of roles including advice and support, education inspections and quality assurance. Prior to taking up her role as Early Years Manager for Future Creative, Gail worked as an independent early years trainer and consultant promoting the message that outdoor matters. She has published books, developed revolutionary training resources, written articles for a national early years magazine, and has spoken at many key seminars and conferences. Between 2008 and 2011 she also worked as part of the National Strategies team supporting and challenging local authorities to improve outcomes for children. We are thrilled to welcome her to Future Creative, and we look forward to continued success in our early years programmes with Gail at the helm. Gail says:
“I am delighted to join the Future Creative team and I am looking forward to working as part of such a highly regarded organisation.�
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What courses did we deliver? Being a Funded 2’s Provider Supporting practitioners to maximise the benefits and overcome the challenges of becoming a funded two-year-olds provider. Boys and Girls Learning and Development This course provides a detailed examination of how boys and girls develop, and links these discoveries to the EYFS. Brainy Babies Equipping practitioners to cultivate and resource a stimulating learning environment for children under 3. Characteristics of Effective Learning and their Significance in the EYFS This course explains how effective practice and quality interactions build children’s capacity for lifelong learning.
"The workshops were thoughtprovoking and effective, and very well received by all of us on the course." (Ann Aikeers, Foundation Stage Advisor, Cambridgeshire County Council)
Child Development This course provides theoretical perspectives and practical ideas to support practitioners in their understanding and application of child development. Cultivating Creativity in the Early Years This course examines the significance of creativity in the early years and supports practitioners to best resource and enable children’s creative explorations.
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Future Creative delivers a wide variety of courses which support and equip practitioners to maximise the benefits of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Developing a Stimulating Learning Environment This course investigates how a multi-sensory environment has a positive effect on children’s learning and development. Handling Enquiries and Showrounds in Your Setting Enabling practitioners to handle enquiries to the setting from the initial contact, through to the show-round and the first visits to the setting. Involving Parents in their Children’s Learning This course equips practitioners to create and sustain effective, communicative relationships with parents. Managing Behaviour in the Early Years Supporting practitioners in their continued implementation of behaviour management, based on the requirements of the revised Early Years Foundation Stage. Mathematical Development in the Early Years This course recognises the key aspects of mathematics in the EYFS, identifying how activities, routines, the environment and role models support this specific area.
"I am now going to make maths fun and less regimented in my setting. I've learnt how to use the natural materials we have around us." (Clare Clarke-Jones, Tiggers Pre-School, West Sussex)
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"The Future Creative trainer was open-minded, approachable, very knowledgeable, and an 'insider' of our day-to-day challenges."
Did you know?
(Georgi Hristov, The Village Children's Centre, Kent)
75% of brain connections are established in the first 6 years of a child’s life.
Observation, Assessment and Planning in the EYFS This course examines the various methods of quality observations, meaningful assessments and effective planning and resourcing.
Every year, more than 200 million children worldwide under five years old fail to reach their full cognitive and social potential
Role of the Key Person in the EYFS This course recognises the benefits of the key person system and highlights key areas and practice in relation to children’s learning and development. Sensory Play in the Early Years Providing a detailed explanation of the importance to children’s learning and development of sensory play.
"It was very good doing the practical activities - it keeps the mind going rather that sitting still for 4 hours!" (Kristina Sameson, Thorney Close Childcare, Sunderland)
Supporting Transitions This course investigates the key-stage transition of their children from Foundation Stage, through introduction and involvement of aspects of KS1. Team Building in Your Early Years Setting An interactive course exploring the importance and methods of team building in the early years setting.
"Very valuable and worthwhile training - I thoroughly enjoyed the day." (Esta Ford, Special Educational Needs Early Years Development Worker, Isle of Wight Council)
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On average, children will learn a new word every two hours between the ages of 2 and 12. 98% of nursery-aged children measure at genius level in creative and divergent thinking.
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Who did we train?
1706
Number of practitioners we trained in 2012/13.
Percentage of training delegates that were men.
0.2%
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Number of counties we visited to train local practitioners.
118
Number of courses we delivered.
We surprised one early years practitioner in West Sussex, by informing her that she was our 1000th training delegate of 2012. She was delighted with her box of chocolates. As you can see, the rest of her course mates were hoping she would share them!
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Who are our partners?
...and many more!
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What is the impact? "I am going to re-evaluate opportunities available and use of resources in our early years classrooms ." (Ros Newington, Reception teacher, John Wesley School, Kent)
"This course has helped me a lot with understanding and being able to explain to the parents about the revised EYFS and planning for their child." (Samantha Leigh, Nursery Officer, Lancaster University Pre-School Centre)
"Absolutely amazing – the training has given me some really good ideas and great tips on restructuring some of our maths activities." (Early years practitioner, Hounslow, London)
"We are moving to a new building in September and I am now inspired to look at theorist research and consider our early years environment." (Debbie Latham, Lilliput Pre-School, Peterborough)
"This course has revitalised my thoughts and ideas on outdoor learning, and has given me enthusiasm to tackle our rather outdoor tired area." (Reception teacher, Primary School,Surrey)
"I have learnt how to encourage children to use their imagination to help them develop further." (Zoe Taylor, Childcare practitioner, Sunderland)
"The interactive course broadened my knowledge of the EYFS in a creative way, with thought-provoking discussion." (Abigail Wilkinson, Development Officer for Early Help, Isle of Wight Council)
"The course was very enlightening for me and I feel much more confident in my role as a key person." (Sarah Basley, The Pink Cottage Day Nursery, Chichester)
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98%
Practitioners reported an increase in their understanding and knowledge after attending a Future Creative training course.
Delegates reported an interesting and engaging experience with their Future Creative trainer
99%
Would you like a fresh pair of eyes to look at your setting? Future Creative has been working with a selection of schools in Kent, to support Foundation Stage teams in developing their early years practice. Future Creative has a team of early years consultants that visit and advise settings across the country. We provide specialist advice and support around the effective implementation of the EYFS, in conjunction with the development of self-reflective practice for practitioners. Our consultants are experienced, approachable, and passionate about building strong relationships with early years practitioners. Our aim is not to criticise, but to support and empower! To benefit from Future Creative’s consultancy, please call 01304 37030 or email earlyyears@future-creative.org to find out more.
“Plenty of practical exercises with very good training resources. We were given lots of advice for improving our setting." (Laura Kenny, B2b Nursery, Sunderland)
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Supporting the local community “Sensory Journey has taught me a lot about how my child learns and how his brain works. It’s been a real eye-opener and very enjoyable.” (Parent, Priory Children’s Centre, Ramsgate, Kent) Future Creative worked with Children’s Centres in East Kent to empower parents to gain essential skills and confidence to support their children’s learning and development. We’ve taken parents on a sensory journey, using arts and creative activity to allow them to explore child development and how it relates to their unique child. We also provide parents with a creative toolkit to take away, which will allow them to transfer their skills to their children in their homes.
Through the sessions, parents discovered different ways of helping their children to explore their world, according to the different stages of their development. We particularly focussed on how the brain, neurons and synapses develop in response to sensory input from the world and how a baby’s experiences influence the strengthening of the connections in the brain.
The sessions also used various early years theorists to further support the activities. We mainly focussed on Jean Piaget and his theories of child development. Parents learnt about the sensory motor and pre-operational stages and the ways children learn during these different periods. www.future-creative.org
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"I have learnt a lot of things about child development that I didn't realise before." (Parent, Newlands Children’s Centre, Ramsgate, Kent) During the sessions, parents explored ways that they can help to prepare their children for their journey into the wider world. We particularly focussed on how the brain, neurons and synapses develop in response to sensory input from the world and how a baby’s experiences influence the strengthening of the connections in the brain. Parents then applied this by learning about activities they can do at home, to continually support their children’s learning and development to prepare for next steps in their lives.
68% of parents showed an improvement in their child development knowledge. The Sensory Journey sessions equip parents to encourage their children to continue to develop confidence as learners through their early years and as they prepare for new challenges, such as primary school. Parents have developed their own deeper understanding of child development, allowing them to incorporate effective activities and processes into everyday life to ensure their children grow into active and willing learners. This enables parents to provide a firm foundation and a smooth transition for their children into school life when that time arrives.
65% of parents reported an increase in their children’s readiness to start school. At the end of the Sensory Journey projects, parents consistently reported on their newfound enthusiasm for making things at home with their children. Most were surprised at how many easy opportunities there are for helping their children to learn and develop.
"I am looking forward to doing lots of new activities with my daughter that I've learnt." (Parent, Green Banks Centre, Margate, Kent) If you would like to find out more about delivering the Sensory Journey project in your area, please contact Gail Ryder Richardson (Early Years Manager) on 01304 370310 or email gail@future-creative.org.
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What does the future hold? Future Creative is delighted with the scope and results of the training and consultancy we have delivered during 2012-13. We are looking forward to continuing to support and equip early years practitioners in the year ahead. We are pleased to announce the launch of the ‘Leading the Way in the Early Years ’ training programme for 2013/14. This menu of courses is designed specifically for early years leaders and headteachers, providing the opportunity to be inspired and empowered to sustain high quality EYFS provision in their setting or school.
“Plenty of new ideas, relaxed atmosphere with friendly leaders. Plenty of opportunity for discussion and consolidation.” (Joan Berry, Early Years leader, East Kent Children’s Centres) We will be focussing on outdoors, good practice, two-year-old provision, observation, assessment and planning, safeguarding, and much more. For more information and to book your place/s on these courses, please visit www.future-creative.org/leadingthe-way-in-early-years. Future Creative is also thrilled to announce new partnerships in their early years sector in 2013-14. These new connections give Future Creative a wider scope to spread key messages for early years practitioners, to improve outcomes for young children across the country. Here are just some of the organisations we are looking forward to working with over the next few months:
"The training was really good and the activities were really interesting. I would recommend the course to others!" (Heidi Ireland, Nursery Nurse, Camelia Botnar Children’s Centre, West Sussex)
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“To have found a quarter of the answer to his own question by his
own efforts is of more value to the child than to hear it all, halfunderstood, from another.” Frederick Frobel, 1782-1852 “The child, making use of all he has around him, shapes himself for the future .” Maria Montesorri, 1870 – 1952
“Any subject can be taught effectively in some intellectually honest form to any child at any stage of development.” Jerome Bruner, 1915 – present
“When it comes to building [a child’s] brain, nature supplies the
construction materials and nurture serves as the architect that puts them together.” Ronald Kotulak, Author of Inside the Brain, 1997
The principle goal of education is to create men who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done, men who are creative, inventive and discoverers. Jean Piaget 1896 – 1980
Join the debate. Get involved. Keep learning.
To find out more about Future Creative’s early years training and consultancy programmes, please contact: Gail Ryder Richardson Early Years Manager 01304 370310 gail@future-creative.org
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Ruth Barnard Early Years Administrator 01304 370310 ruth.barnard@future-creative.org
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We would be delighted to support you in continually developing your early years practice to be the best it can be! To find out more information about what you have read, or to book training/consultancy visits, please contact Gail Ryder Richardson (Early Years Manager) on 01304 370310 or email earlyyears@future-creative.org.
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