Running a Setting

Understanding the World (UW) empowers children to explore their learning environment. We can help by encouraging them to investigate, communicate, interact and talk about what they want to do, and what they see and feel around them. In doing so,...

Last month saw many of us celebrating World Book Day in our settings, with the traditional dressing up as our favourite book characters. This month, we have International Children’s Book Day, (ICBDO) which his similar, but different in that the...

Have you ever moved from the living room to the kitchen to get something, only to find that when you get there you have forgotten what you wanted? Or have you ever struggled to find the words to finish your sentence, express yourself clearly or...

In this article we look at the upcoming changes to the specific areas of the Early Learning Goals, those for: Literacy Mathematics Understanding the world Creative art and design Literacy The main change here is the addition of “Comprehension”...

As spring dawns, are you kicking up your heels in delight, rushing out into the garden, gloves on and secateurs in hand? Or are you one of the millions of people who are instead, reaching for the tissues and the antihistamines, staring out...

On April 4th, many countries and communities around the world will celebrate Easter Sunday, a day which serves as a reminder of the Christian belief in the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ nearly 2000 years ago. The date of Easter changes...

Tuesday 2nd March is National Old Stuff Day, a great opportunity to educate your little ones on how to be greener, more energy conscious and reduce the amount of waste that we generate. It’s not really known how Old Stuff Day started, but it’s...

“Success is getting what you want. Happiness is wanting what you get.” - Dale Carnegie Do you know what makes you happy? Is it your family and friends? Your new phone or your garden? Perhaps it’s pampering your pets, creating a culinary...

Last month, we looked at some maths activities to help you develop your EYFS curriculum. This month we have part one of “Understanding the World”, focusing on some cross-curricular work with the help of some creative and expressive...

When you think of eating disorders, what images come to mind? People who can’t control themselves, or people who can? Men, women, teenagers or adults? Chances are, unless you are an eating disorders specialist or know someone who has an illness,...

In most years, February can be a difficult month for some – the excesses of Christmas are forgotten, but the credit card balance is real; the cold weather sets in and most of us get up and come home in the dark, with the warmth of carefree...

Within the seven areas of Learning and Development in the EYFS, mathematics is such an important area as it forms the foundation of many life skills, including problem solving and measuring. It also helps children develop spatial awareness and...

There are some topics that no one likes talking about but which are so important that need to be brought into the public eye whether we like it or not. Sexual abuse and domestic violence are two such topics that not only need discussing, but...

At Parenta, we always try to bring you pertinent and timely information. We have articles from experts covering the latest research and thinking on childcare matters; we have fun crafts and seasonal ideas to entertain your children; and we often...

Our third article on the changes to the EYFS looks in more depth at what the changes mean to your curriculum and educational planning.  The first principle to embrace here is that the EYFS is designed to inform your curriculum, not to rule it....

This month brings a wonderful and fun opportunity to learn about one of our most famous charities, the NSPCC, and the important work it does to help keep children safe by raising awareness of child abuse and protecting them from harm. Although...

Big Energy Saving Week runs from the 18th to 24th January 2021 and is a national campaign run to help people cut their fuel bills and get advice on their energy usage, as well as helping them to get any financial support they are entitled to. It...

In Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol”, Ebenezer Scrooge is visited by two charitable gentlemen who ask him to donate to help the poor at Christmas. The passage reads: “At this festive season of the year, Mr. Scrooge,” said the gentleman,...

How well do you know our UK poets? Many English people will hotly debate that the world’s best poet and playwright is indisputably “The Bard of Avon”, aka William Shakespeare; and yet in Ireland, that honour may well be bestowed upon James...

In the second part of our new series, we take a closer look at the changes coming in the new EYFS and some of the key changes to the Development Matters guidance. What is the Development Matters guidance? Sitting alongside the EYFS, is the...

What do Paul McCartney, Joaquin Phoenix and Chris Packham have in common? No, they are not doing a musical wildlife documentary remake of “Gladiator”, but they are all ambassadors for this month’s Veganuary campaign which aims to help people...

Outdoor play is more important than ever for children, especially now when there are still such high restrictions in place to help stop the spread of coronavirus - but did you know it’s actually paramount for their physical and mental wellbeing?...

Winter Solstice falls on December 21st, 2020 marking the shortest day of the year in the northern hemisphere and corresponding with the Summer Solstice or the longest day of the year in the southern hemisphere. Of course, the actual length of...

It has been a strange year in more ways than one and as we approach the end of 2020, many of us are now wondering what Christmas will be like this year; will we be able to see our families or will the traditional British Christmas, be the latest...

Did you know? The first person known to receive a written Christmas greeting was James I in 1611. He and his son were sent a decorated manuscript with a Christmas and New Year greeting by Michael Maier, a German physician Over 200 years later,...

What do you consider to be the most important words ever written? Are they in the Bible, the Quran, the Torah, The Vedas or other holy book? Or are they the words used in your marriage service, at a family member’s funeral, or those in your...