There is Nothing as Practical as a Good Theory
This week we are hosting the launch of a book written by an ex LEYF staff member Mine Conkbayir and her co-writer Professor Chris Pascal CBE, who has been a…
LEYF News and CEO Blog
Read the latest news and updates from our CEO and the wider LEYF team.
Baby Look into My Eyes…
This week I attended the 5th Annual Baby Room Conference organised by Kathy Goouch and her team at Canterbury University. The keynote speaker Annette Karmilof- Smith reflected…
Reading and Writing Float on a Sea of Talk: So Lets Ensure More Conversations
Last week I spoke at the UK National Literacy Conference. My role was to share how we support children to become literate in LEYF nurseries.
Where does Early Years fit in the ‘British Values’ in Education Debate?
Mr Gove seems unable to avoid controversy and so began another educational debate when he decided that schools would need to promote ‘British values.’ As ever, Early Years education was…
The International Periscope : Learning About, Around and Seeing Obstacles
Returning from a week’s holiday on a crowded EasyJet flight from Milan, I glanced at my emails and despite the sterling work of my efficient EA, was…
Visiting the Farmer in his Den
Last week I visited Paddington Farm in Glastonbury Somerset of which I am Chair. It’s a lovely 43 acre organic farm which is run as a social…
What is teaching and who are the teachers in Early Years?
Recently, the Chief Inspector for Schools, Sir Michael Wilshaw launched the Annual Report on Early Years 2012-13 with a fairly controversial speech. He threw down the gauntlet…
The #OfstedBigconversation – London
The London Big Conversation was hosted last week at LEYF and an informed and lively audience greeted three inspectors. Led by Debbie Jones, Regional Director for London and National…
If we want to improve the lives of poor two year olds, we need to have an intelligent Ofsted conversation
‘More nursery education should be carried out in schools to prepare children better for later education and help bridge the gap between rich and poor’ the Chief Inspector of schools…
What would St Patrick say if he was a Social Entrepreneur?
This week, I had the opportunity to be featured on the BBC Sunday Politics Show as an example of a social enterprise. https://www.bbc.co.uk/iplayer/episode/b03xjvvm/Sunday_Politics_London_16_03_2014/ (51.20 mins) Like anyone who ever…
The London Men in Childcare Network Celebrates its Second Birthday and Launches its Video
‘Men in Childcare is women’s business’ said a colleague at the first official meeting of the London Men in Childcare Network for 2014 which was held last…
The Tale of Two Michaels; ‘Le Ofsted Split’
The breakup of relationship always fascinates us. We are drawn to the details like a moth to light. The intricate relationship between the Secretary of State for Education and Ofsted…