nmtspecial report
Road to recovery How can we help our children to catch up in the early years? oving forward, the government is determined to keep educational institutions open, however many challenges lie ahead for nurseries, schools, teachers, families and children to negate six months of missed nursery and school time. Our children have been trying to keep up with all that’s going on as their world was turned upside down. As parents and caregivers, we have had to navigate what learning from home entails. During lockdown we have heard many creative stories on how to keep children entertained, from ‘learning from home’ ideas, to indoor obstacle courses, great den building in the living rooms, painting in the bathroom to save on the mess or the everyday struggle for many families of not having enough space! The immediate future may look different to life last year, with limited social bubbles, plenty of handwashing and being careful with social distancing rules, however children are excited to see their friends, teachers and have routines back in their lives.
M
40 NURSERY MANAGEMENT TODAY
The road to recovery after what can only be referred to as an unconventional year for children around the world is hopefully within sight. We have faced challenging and uncertain times here in the UK with schools closing, parents working from home and limited face-to-face contact. Heather Welch, international brand manager, Edx Education explains how to support the early years sector moving forward.
There is lots of discussions at the moment with many educational and medical professionals fear the increase in children’s mental health issues, especially for the more vulnerable children, and the possible long-term effects of lockdown. Even the broadsheets and broadcasters are quoting the respected journal, The Lancet Child & Adolescent Health, saying that there are long-term consequences for children and
November / December 2020
www.nmt-magazine.co.uk
adolescents not seeing their peers during this period. When it comes to early years, it’s not about playing catch-up, it’s about continuing to play, or as we like to say learning through play. As the new school year gets underway ‘play’ is perfect for helping children feel confident. Dr Cindy Hovington, founder, Curious Neuron, quoted in a video on learning through play for Edx Education, says: ‘School readiness means being able to build relationships with peers and