Mark Allen Group

The aim of identifying areas of learning is to help adults to create a balance, to address all the different, equally important areas of what children gain across the years of early childhood.

Young children are important as themselves; they are not pre-anything. For this reason I avoid using the word ‘pre-schooler’ to refer to children under five years. We do not call adolescents ‘pre-workers’ or people in their fifties ‘pre-retirees’!

However, in my view, calling young children themselves ‘pre-schoolers’ seriously increases the risk that their learning and experiences are valued only as school preparation.

also able to delay their gratification, and this is important when you think how many things in life require hard work and determination.

. It is crucial – a non-negotiable part of quality in the service – that these very young children are able to make a close relationship of affection and shared experiences with their childminder, their key person in a group setting

It is tough, but parents need to recognise that shared care means shared affection.

Very good quality childcare matters, but should never distract parents from ensuring that they spend enough time with their own children.

behaviour that lets children know they are being ‘kept in mind - so that even in the busiest times of the day, young children feel secure that they have not been forgotten, by being given a smile, by being talked to, by being noticed

Young children need plenty of relaxed opportunities to talk as well as listen.

Spoken communication is now about what kind of words young children understand and use.