Hello all

I'm a newbie here and am due to have my pre registration visit next week. I am pretty confident that my house is prepared and am trying to memorise the standards etc, my main worry at the moment is the play plan. What is expected and are there any examples for me to look at. I have worked in primary and pre schools, is it something of that standard that is expected?

Any advice would be great thanks

x

I would highly recommend Sarahnev's work:

www.knutsfordchildminding.co.uk

(under the books for sale tab):)

Thank you Blaze, that's very kind! :blush:

How to plan play is a question that goes round and round with no definitive answer - Ofsted say they will be looking to see we are effectively meeting the learning and development needs of each child... but there is not requirement to plan (as such) for under 3s...

You might find the downloads on the right of here helpful and they are on the EYFS CD -

http://www.standards.dcsf.gov.uk/eyfs/site/3/1.htm

Much of EYFS talks about play and starting with children's interests, but obviously some play will be adult-led, or children would never learn about festivals, celebrations, multicultural stuff etc... also play can come from what a child is doing at home or in another setting.

I have planning in place which helps me to follow what the children like to do, I research every day when new things come up that they want to do and I let them play their own games, getting involved when they want me there... or sometimes to catch the 'teachable moment' when I can send their play in a more purposeful direction.

What you have done in other settings will help you to think about play for childminding, but have a good look through EYFS as well, there are lots of new ideas there. :D

My planning is basically being aware of all special days, such as Halloween or Chinese New Year or something because you will want to provide very specific resources for those events. Then, if I know there's a particular event in our area (like Festival of Ganesh), I'll plan for that, too. Keep a monthy or weekly calendar with these days written down and then just do a resource list for them, noting down what you need for them. Keep them all because then, if you decide to repeat the activity, the planning is already there. Also, add to your calendar dates special to your setting, like birthdays, drop-in groups, library sessions.

On a daily basis, how do you decide what to have available for the children every day? That could be your basis for planning. Needn't be too specific, just general notes about what you are planning to do for the day. Just shows you think about your job and the opportunities you are giving the children.

I'm still perfecting my planning sheets but trying to keep them as simple as possible.

Oh and a second vote for Sarah's e-books, especially the multi-cultural calendar as a basis for long-term planning.:thumbsup: