Early years news

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

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

COMPETITION

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

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.

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!

4 Families West Kent July/August 2019 www.familiesonline.co.uk