All posts by Karen Boardman

Coalition of Early Years Sector Organisations ‘Press release: Statement on the new non-statutory guidance for the EYFS’

Coalition of Early Years Sector Organisations Read our press release: Statement on the new non-statutory guidance for the EYFS here The EYFS Coalition propose to work with the sector over the next six months to develop guidance for the sector, by the sector: Birth to Five Matters. This is an opportunity to revise existing guidance to develop an evidence-informed document for our times that addresses practitioners’ needs and concerns about doing what is best for children. Priorities are likely to include children’s wellbeing and key skills and knowledge for every child growing up in the 21st century such as digital literacy, sustainability and citizenship. The process of developing the guidance will give practitioners opportunities for active involvement in producing guidance and resources that support practice, that reflect their pedagogic principles and that bring together research and practice knowledge. In this context, we invite all stakeholders (practitioners, parents, the public, policy makers and others) to engage with us in producing guidance for the sector, by the sector, through a public process of consultation over the coming months. More details about the consultation will be made available via the members of the coalition, or sign up for further details at www.early-education.org.uk/birth-to-five-matters Please do feel free to get in touch with us here at TACTYC for further information. We would like all our members to get involved Karen.boardman@edgehill.ac.uk
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Congratulations to our Student Reflections Award winners!

We are delighted to announce the results of the year’s Student Reflections Award with two very timely and personal responses to current concerns. The winner is Diane Garrison from Liverpool John Moores University writing about countering racism whilst the runner-up, Sarah Bennet-Leyh from the University of Sussex shares her experience of how the lockdown shaped their early years community.…
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Resources to support young children’s social and emotional development

New resources to support  younger children's social and emotional development during the challenging times of Covid-19. The activity cards are free to download and are designed for parents, carers and family members of children aged 3-5 years to support their transition back to nursery/childcare or starting school.  The activities are divided into the following topics:  Feelings, communication, friendship, solving problems, change & loss and moving forward. More information about the project here. 

https://www.partnershipforchildren.org.uk/what-we-do/resources-for-parents/early-years-social-emotional-learning-activities.html


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Transitions Initiative

TACTYC and Early Education are busy lobbying for key recommendations to support transition into settings and schools - read the press release here.

As the two leading early years charities, TACTYC and Early Education feel that returning to existing nursery or school provision in the autumn will provide children with the best transitions. We are recommending that entry into nursery, reception and Key Stage 1 should be delayed by up to a term to help children settle, build confidence and be resilient. Read the Transition recommendations and Transition Letter colleagues, Transition Letter parents and carers.

The Observer features the main points here 


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Voices of children, young people and parents – #ChildrenAtTheHeart and #PowerOfYouth

'Put children at the heart of the recovery'

150+ organisations, and counting, are calling on the Government to put children at the heart of the recovery process. The statement to the Prime Minister is here, followed by a full list of the 150+ signatories. The statement was published on Tuesday, 30th June.

The activity on social media is fantastic so far and BBC News online have covered our call here! Thank you and please join in! We encourage you all to respond to the call using #ChildrenAtTheHeart and #PowerOfYouth as well as continuing to promote children and young people’s voices today and beyond.   

Here are some videos promoting children and young people’s voices to the social media pack here.


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Sad farewell and thank you to Nancy …..

On Saturday, TACTYC Trustees are sad to announce that Nancy is stepping down from her role as Chair of TACTYC after many years of dedicated service.  On behalf of everyone involved in the ECEC  field we thank Nancy for her inspiring contribution to the lives of children and families through her influence on policy makers and her work with students as well as with professional colleagues.

We wish her all the very best for the future.

Please do feel free to pass on your thanks to Nancy and fond memories to Karen.boardman@edgehill.ac.uk and we will ensure that Nancy sees them. 


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Invitation to tender for TACTYC Research Project 2020

INVITATION TO TENDER FOR TACTYC RESEARCH PROJECT 2020

Following on from the success of previous commissioned studies, TACTYC invites proposals for a new research project:

Systematic literature review of international research evidence on the impact of staff qualification levels in ECEC on the experiences of and outcomes for children and families.

The project is expected to begin on 21 September 2020 and to reach completion with submission of the final report no later than end April 2021. In light of the Covid-19 situation, TACTYC will consider reviewing dates if necessary.

The maximum funding payable for this work will be £12,000 (inclusive of VAT).

How to bid for this project click here

The deadline for receipt of proposals is 17.00 hours BST on 30th June 2020. An email acknowledging receipt will be sent within 48 hours of the deadline. Proposals received after the deadline time will not be considered.

Further information is here 


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Early years issues: TACTYC members’ perspectives survey

Early years issues: TACTYC members' perspectives survey

We have put together this survey to enable all our members to share stories of recent issues that concern you acoss the ECEC sector. This includes how the sector is responding to the outbreak of Coronavirus. 

The survey takes around 10 minutes to complete. All information will be anonymous, and it will not be possible for anyone to identify your responses. We will use the information to select forum topics at our upcoming conference, and shape our response to policy developments and consultations.

We appreciate you taking the time to consider responding to this survey. Your voice matters!

The survey link is here and the QR code is here 

Thank you! 


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First 1001 Days Movement

CHARITIES CALL ON GOVERNMENT TO TAKE URGENT ACTION TO KEEP BABIES SAFE

Today, over 40 leading mental health, family and children’s charities and professional bodies are calling on national and local decision makers to give urgent attention to the wellbeing of babies, toddlers and their parents during the COVID-19 crisis. Read the call to action report here. 


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