Latest news with #EarlyYearsFoundationStage
ITV News
31-07-2025
- ITV News
Campaign for Gigi: Parents' campaign for safer nurseries following baby's death one step closer
The parents of a nine-month-old girl, who was killed by her nursery worker, say they "welcome" the government's engagement in their recently launched campaign calling for change in early years settings. The minister for Early Education Stephen Morgan says he is reviewing calls from Genevieve 'Gigi' Meehan's parents for CCTV to be made mandatory in early years settings. He is also considering if changes need to be made to safe sleep requirements. Genevieve died after she was tightly swaddled and strapped face down on a beanbag for more than an hour and a half at the now closed Tiny Toes nursery in Cheadle Hulme, Stockport, in May 2022. Kate Roughley, who was the nursery's deputy manager at the time of baby Genevieve's death, was found guilty of manslaughter and jailed for 14 years in May 2024. Gigi's parents, Katie and John, launched a campaign in June calling for major changes, including compulsory CCTV in nurseries, mandatory safe sleep training for staff and unannounced inspections by Ofsted to be routine. In a letter, and following their meeting in London with Early Years minister Stephen Morgan, he said "ensuring the safety of children is of utmost importance to both the department and me." He announced that the government "will continue to consider" their suggestions to make early years settings safer, including working with Ofsted to "look at the use of CCTV" in nurseries, pre-schools and playgroups. He added that government officials will be meeting with Jenny Ward, CEO of the Lullaby Trust, and NHS colleagues to discuss if changes need to be made around safer sleep requirements in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) statutory framework. Mr Morgan also said, as of next April, Ofsted will inspect all new providers on the early years register "within 18 months of opening" and move towards inspections every four years, instead of every six. What are the three main points of the campaign? Use of CCTV Compulsory CCTV in nursery settings Review of CCTV footage during Ofsted inspections Ofsted inspection process Unannounced inspections by Ofsted to be routine in early years settings Safe sleep Clear, statutory safe sleep guidance for early years settings Mandatory safe sleep training for all nursery staff and Ofsted inspectors and Clear statutory guidance as to the use of sleep products in early years settings In response to the latest update, Genevieve's parents, Katie Wheeler and John Meehan said: "We welcome the government's engagement with us and the campaign. "Whilst progress has been made, there is significant work to be done and we look forward to working with the government to achieve the campaign's objectives." Katie and John calling for people to write to their local MP to support their campaign.
Qatar Tribune
28-07-2025
- General
- Qatar Tribune
Early Years Education at NAISAK builds bright futures
Tribune News Network Doha Step into one of NAISAK's Early Years classrooms, and you'll feel it right away—laughter bubbling, imaginations soaring, and children deeply engaged in joyful discovery. You might see towers of blocks reaching toward the ceiling, fingers dipped in paint, or a child sharing a story with a friend. To the outside eye, it's play. But here at NAISAK, it's purposeful play—the kind that lays the foundation for lifelong success. 'Everything in our classrooms is designed with the child in mind,' said Kathleen Lyons, head of Early Years. 'From the size of the furniture to the open layout, it's all about helping children feel confident, calm, and curious. 'At NAISAK, we believe that play isn't a break from learning—it is learning. Our carefully designed EYFS curriculum, led by UK-trained Early Years specialists, helps children grow academically, emotionally, and socially, in a way that feels natural and joyful.' Learning Through Play: A Journey Full of Wonder Did you know that by age five, 90 percent of your child's brain is already developed? These early years are a golden window of opportunity for children to form the building blocks of how they think, feel, and interact with the world. That's why we centre everything around play-based learning—a proven, research-backed approach that's core to the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Here's how a typical day at NAISAK Early Years helps children flourish: • Building blocks nurture spatial awareness, creative thinking, and problem-solving. • Sand and water play support early science skills like observation and measurement. • Painting and crafting develop fine motor control, imagination, and self-esteem. • Storytime and reading corners build early literacy and a love of language. • Group games teach sharing, emotional regulation, and teamwork. 'The environment is like a third teacher,' Kathleen shared. 'We set it up so that every corner invites exploration—and every activity opens the door to learning.' Home Away from Home: A Nurturing EYFS Environment When children feel safe, seen, and supported, they learn best. That's why our classrooms are thoughtfully crafted to be warm, welcoming, and child-centred. Every inch of the space—from the child-sized sinks to cozy reading corners—promotes independence, confidence, and discovery. Children are encouraged to choose what they'd like to explore, helping them learn not only what they enjoy but how to make decisions, solve problems, and collaborate with others. 'It's not just about academics,' said Kathleen. 'It's about helping your child feel confident in who they are and excited about what they can do. That's what sets NAISAK apart from other Qatar international schools.' A Team of UK-Trained Educators Who Truly Care At NAISAK, we know that great teachers make all the difference. Our Early Years team is composed of UK-trained educators who specialise in Early Years education and are passionate about what they do. 'Learning through play is part of what's considered 'outstanding practice' in the UK,' explained Kathleen. 'Our teachers have been trained not just in how children learn, but how to build meaningful, responsive learning experiences based on each child's interests.' Teachers regularly update their skills through expert-led workshops and research-informed training, including work with specialists like Anna Ephgrave (on in-the-moment planning) and Greg Bottrill (on creativity in EYFS). A Foundation That Lasts a Lifetime What happens after Early Years? The confidence, independence, and curiosity built in NAISAK's EYFS programme carries seamlessly into Primary, Secondary, and even Sixth Form. 'We've watched children who started with us at age three grow into teenagers who are creative, resilient, and self-assured,' said Kathleen. 'That's the true power of a strong early childhood education.' Students who graduate from our EYFS programme are not just academically prepared—they're emotionally strong, great communicators, and eager to explore new ideas. These are the qualities that help them thrive, not just in school, but in life. Looking Ahead: Our New Early Years Centre (Opening January 2026) We're proud to be taking the next step in our commitment to excellence. In January 2026, NAISAK looks to unveil a brand-new, purpose-built Early Years Learning Centre—a space thoughtfully designed to bring our EYFS vision to life. Features will include: • Spacious outdoor learning zones with a dedicated bike track • Sensory play areas to support emotional and physical development • Creative studios for music, art, and drama • Quiet corners for reading, relaxing, and reflecting • Classrooms with in-room bathrooms and age-appropriate resources 'We're creating a true 'home away from home' for our littlest learners,' said Kathleen. 'This will be a place where your child can explore, create, grow, and feel completely at ease.' Celebrate the Play: Because Play Is Progress As parents, it's natural to look for results. But at NAISAK, we help you see the deeper story—the way your child is growing every day through joyful, structured play activities. Through play, your child learns to: • Think critically • Express emotions • Build friendships • Discover passions • Solve problems • Develop independence 'We always tell parents: don't be afraid of the mess, the noise, the wild ideas. That's where the magic is. That's where real learning lives,' said Kathleen.
Daily Mirror
07-07-2025
- Health
- Daily Mirror
'I was told my headaches were sinusitis - then my world fell apart'
Charlie Broadhurst, 36, was told the headaches he'd been experiencing for a decade were due to sinusitis and he was advised to visit his optician A dad was stunned to find out that the headaches he'd been experiencing since 2011 were caused by a brain tumour he'd unknowingly lived with for more than a decade. Initially told he had sinusitis and advised to see an optician after an MRI scan, Charlie Broadhurst's life took a dramatic turn in January 2022 when he suffered a seizure while recovering from a mild illness. The seizure led to the discovery of a grade 2 astrocytoma, a revelation that shook his family to the core. His wife Siobhan, 34, said: "Our whole world fell apart, it was terrifying, we didn't know how severe it was, but you hear the words 'brain tumour' and we just knew it wasn't good." Facing a prognosis of 10 to 20 years, Charlie, 36, from West Hanney, Oxfordshire, shared his devastation: "I crumbled and was horrified. So many thoughts flooded my brain, I had already lost 11 years due to misdiagnosis. I was so angry." Reflecting on the impact of the delayed diagnosis, he said: "Had I known in 2011 what I was up against, I would never have done this to my children or wife. Knowing now what they must face, I would have saved them from all of this." Discussing the advice to visit an optician, he said: "I kind of left it and, when I did have a headache, made sure I was wearing my glasses a little bit more." Since his diagnosis, Charlie has undergone two brain surgeries, with a significant portion of the tumour successfully removed. He also endured six weeks of daily radiotherapy and six months of chemotherapy, which he admitted was "really hard going". Despite battling intense fatigue and hair loss, Charlie found a sense of normality in continuing to work between treatment sessions. He is currently under active surveillance, with scans every six months to monitor the tumour. In response to Charlie's diagnosis, Siobhan started fundraising for Brain Tumour Research. She has since raised more than £25,000 - with no intention of stopping. Siobhan, who works as an Early Years Foundation Stage teaching assistant, said: "If Charlie's symptoms had been recognised sooner, things could have been very different. I'm doing this for him, for our family, and for everyone going through a brain tumour diagnosis. Brain tumours don't care who you are, they're indiscriminate and relentless. "They kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer in the UK, yet research is still so underfunded. That's why I'm taking on the 88 Squats a Day in July Challenge to raise money and awareness, and to help find a cure. "Since 2022, I've raised over £25,000 for Brain Tumour Research, but I won't stop until families like ours stop hearing the words 'you have a brain tumour'". Brain tumours claim more lives of children and adults under 40 than any other cancer, and they also take more men under 70 than prostate cancer does. To support the cause, you can donate through Siobhan's fundraising page.
Wales Online
07-07-2025
- Health
- Wales Online
Dad was told headaches were sinusitis - then his 'world fell apart'
Dad was told headaches were sinusitis - then his 'world fell apart' Charlie Broadhurst had been suffering from them for more than a decade before the true cause was discovered Charlie Broadhurst pictured during treatment (Image: Brain Tumour Research/SWNS ) A man with headaches told to go the opticians by doctors discovered he'd had a brain tumour - for more than 10 years. Charlie Broadhurst, 36, was suffering with headaches back in 2011. But when he went to hospital for an MRI scan at the time - he was told that his headaches were due to sinusitis and advised to visit his optician. Charlie, a married father-of-two from West Hanney, Oxfordshire, went on with his life - until January 2022. He was resting in bed whilst recovering from a mild sickness bug and experienced a tingling in his lip. Charlie, who said he remembered the familiar feeling from childhood when he had febrile convulsions, then suffered a seizure. He was later diagnosed with a grade 2 astrocytoma - a brain tumour that had grown undetected for over a decade. Charlie's wife, Siobhan, 34, said: 'Our whole world fell apart, it was terrifying, we didn't know how severe it was, but you hear the words 'brain tumour' and we just knew it wasn't good.' Charlie was given a life expectancy of 10 to 20 years. Charlie said: 'I crumbled and was horrified. So many thoughts flooded my brain, I had already lost 11 years due to misdiagnosis. I was so angry. Article continues below "Had I known in 2011 what I was up against, I would never have done this to my children or wife. Knowing now what they must face, I would have saved them from all of this.' Speaking of the advice to visit opticians, he said: "I kind of left it and, when I did have a headache, made sure I was wearing my glasses a little bit more." Charlie Broadhurst with his wife Siobhan during treatment (Image: Brain Tumour Research/SWNS ) Charlie has since undergone brain surgery twice since his diagnosis and a good amount of the tumour has been successfully removed. He also had six weeks of daily radiotherapy and six months of chemotherapy, which he said was "really hard going". Despite intense fatigue and hair loss, Charlie explained how he found a sense of stability in continuing to work between treatment sessions. He is currently under active surveillance, with scans every six months to monitor the tumour. Siobhan began raising money for Brain Tumour Research to channel the fear that came with Charlie's diagnosis. She has since raised more than £25,000 - with no plans to stop. Siobhan, an Early Years Foundation Stage teaching assistant, said: "If Charlie's symptoms had been recognised sooner, things could have been very different. I'm doing this for him, for our family, and for everyone going through a brain tumour diagnosis. Brain tumours don't care who you are, they're indiscriminate and relentless. Charlie Broadhurst with wife Siobhan and their children (Image: Brain Tumour Research/SWNS ) "They kill more children and adults under 40 than any other cancer in the UK, yet research is still so underfunded. That's why I'm taking on the 88 Squats a Day in July Challenge to raise money and awareness, and to help find a cure. Article continues below "Since 2022, I've raised over £25,000 for Brain Tumour Research, but I won't stop until families like ours stop hearing the words 'you have a brain tumour''. Brain tumours kill more children and adults under the age of 40 than any other cancer, and they kill more men under 70 than prostate cancer. To donate, visit Siobhan's fundraising page.
BBC News
22-04-2025
- Business
- BBC News
AuthenThai's alcohol licence bid blocked over nursery concerns
A Thai restaurant which shares a car park with a nursery has had its application to sell alcohol from midday turned down over concerns about the impact on owners of AuthenThai, in Halfway, Sheffield, applied for a new licence seeking to extend its alcohol sales and opening the application prompted objections from the Sheffield Children Safeguarding Partnership and Oak Valley Day Nursery, which said children should not see drinking adults during the daytime "on their doorstep".At a hearing last week, Sheffield City Council's Licensing Sub-Committee rejected the request to sell alcohol from midday but allowed the restaurant to extend its closing time from 21:00 to 23:00. AuthenThai, which according to its website is open from 11:00 to 21:00, Tuesday to Sunday, is allowed to sell alcohol on the premises from 16:00 until closing time, Tuesday to Thursday, from noon until 21:00 on Friday, and from 15:00 to 21:00 at the Valley Day Nursery had argued that the restaurant's revised application to sell alcohol from lunchtime seven days a week would effectively turn it into a "pub", according to the Local Democracy Reporting bosses said the change would interfere with their daily operations, as they are required to allow children access to outdoor space from noon onwards, in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage which they must follow under Ofsted added: "The image of adults sat around drinking alcohol in the daytime is not one that should be portrayed to children as 'normal', and be seen on their doorstep."The nursery, which is open from 07:00 to 19:00 Monday to Friday, also raised safeguarding concerns, noting that there had been incidents of individuals urinating along the nursery's the committee rejected the application in part, it allowed the restaurant to extend closing hours to 23:00 — specifically approving alcohol sales until 22: committee also agreed to allow alcohol to be sold in sealed containers as part of takeaway orders during licensed hours, but stated that no drinks may be served or consumed while customers wait for their to highlights from South Yorkshire on BBC Sounds, catch up with the latest episode of Look North.
