EARLY YEARS NEWS
Talk, Sing and Play to Build Young Brains A survey of more than 2,000 parents and expectant parents by the NSPCC found that 62% were unaware that moments playing, singing or telling stories can help to build children’s brains. Almost two thirds of the parents in the study didn’t know that this kind of back and forth interaction with their child from birth can help their babies’ social, emotional and cognitive development. NSPCC research has found some parents struggle with ideas about how to interact with their young child beyond eye contact and cuddling, especially in the early
months when they do not receive obvious feedback from their babies. In response, the charity is launching a campaign, ‘Look, Say, Sing, Play,’ to encourage new parents to use everyday scenarios to have more two-way interactions with their babies. Going to the shops, having a bath, going to bed – whatever you and your baby are doing can be turned into a back-and-forth. Parents can sign up to get weekly brain building tips that are fun and age appropriate. More info: www.nspcc.org.uk
COMPETITION
Keep Little Ones Safe In The Sun With Cuddledry’s SPF50+ Poncho Towel Toddlers can now play safely in the sun with the SPF50+ Poncho Towels by Cuddledry. From the creators of the original hands-free baby bath towel, the SPF50+ poncho towel is the first of its kind in the UK. It uses the patented RayosanTM technology from Australia, deflecting harmful UVA and UVB rays like a mirror, protecting delicate skin from potential sun damage. The SPF poncho towel is made with Cuddledry’s signature blend
of supersoft bamboo and cotton. With handy poppers under the arms and a hood to keep little heads protected, it features fun sea life characters. For more information see www.cuddledry.com
They cost £27.99 each but we have one to give away. To enter email editor@familieswestkent.co.uk with header ‘Cuddledry’ and a winner will be picked at random after closing date of August 10.
YOUR COMPLETE GUIDE TO A
GOOD BIRTH Hypnobirthing Classes & Courses Birth Doula Positive Birth Movement Sevenoaks
YOUR FIRST CLASS FREE www.thegoodbirthpractice.co.uk 4 Families West Kent July/August 2019
Nursery children being ‘coached for exams’ Education experts are concerned that nursery children are already being coached for school exams. Research by the National Education Union has found children as young as three are being grouped by ‘ability’ to prepare for Phonics Screening Check and Key stage 1 SATs. In 2017 the Government announced that the new assessment would be introduced in Reception from September 2020, as a baseline measure to track pupils’ progress during primary school. The new test focuses on communication, language and literacy, numeracy and ‘selfregulation’.
Neil Leitch, chief executive of the charity the Pre-school Learning Alliance, has warned the test risks putting pressure on children and also encourage the coaching of pre-schoolers to ensure they were ‘test-ready’. Melanie Pilcher, quality and standards manager at the Alliance, commented: “Grouping very young children by ability goes against the principles of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and its emphasis on the ‘unique’ child.” She added: “The report’s findings are clear: assessment in reception will lead to more ‘teaching to the test’ throughout the early years and first years of school.”
Stop press – new classes launch! New Busylizzy classes are launching in Tunbridge Wells for mums to be, mums and babies. A Busylizzy membership is a ‘must have’ for mums looking to enjoy a fun and friendly pregnancy, or postnatal fitness (no childcare required!). You can choose any combination of mummy fitness sessions: Baby Massage, Baby
Boogie, Mummy & Me Pilates, Mummy & Me Aerobics, Mum-to-bee Yoga and more. Sign up to a free taster session in July/August (booking essential) at www.busylizzytunbridgewells.co.uk/ or call 01892 323232 / 07747845346 or email: tunbridgewells@busylizzy.co.uk
ESTABLISHED NANNY AGENCY BASED IN SEVENOAKS We provide professional and fully checked permanent or temporary: ✿ Nannies ✿ Maternity Nurses & Night Nannies ✿ Housekeepers ✿ Babysitters Facebook: www.facebook.com/mumsthewordkent/ Website: www.mums-the-word.co.uk (follow the link to the Kent branch)
Email: kent@mums-the-word.co.uk Telephone Kaz on: 07545-147204
NO PLACEMENT, NO FEE - GUARANTEED! www.familiesonline.co.uk
