One of the most successful of the training programmes, Making the Most of Circle Time has proven to offer so much more in terms of ensuring links with all aspects of the early years foundation stage and the opportunity to have some fun. A selection of resources that can be mixed and matched and extended to respond to the children’s interests and curriculum themes ensures practitioners have the confidence to be really creative. Below are some examples of the impact this particular training has had on practice and outcomes for children:
The puppets link with the workshop The Magic of Imagination and the Story Time bags (see Creative Resources) that also include guidance and top tips for helping children create their own stories along with a host of ideas to extend, develop and celebrate story telling.
Designing a variety of activities with key questions ensures settings are able to capture children and young people’s views across a wide age span. We’ve included examples from Feeling Safe at School and Parental Engagement.
Talking to parents and carers and capturing their views helps ensure parents are able to engage and support their children. The consultation is the first stage, followed by a summary and report with key findings and next steps. Here are just a few examples from the parents we spoke to: