9th September
Play4Life Scheme Provides £2m Worth of Free Indoor Play
Children across the UK will have access to £2m worth of free indoor play under a scheme launched by the Play Providers Association this week.
The Play4Life scheme is helping to deliver the active side of the government's Change4Life campaign, which is promoting healthier lifestyles among children.
Parents can find their local participating play centre on the Play Providers website http://www.playproviders.org.uk/ and can claim free play on visits until the end of this month.
Janice Dunphy, chair of the association, said: "Indoor play is a great way for children to let off steam and the beauty is that the British weather cannot spoil it. Because the children are having fun they don't even realise what they're doing is helping them stay healthy."
According to the Play Providers Association, which represents the interests of indoor play centre operators, an average two-hour visit to a play centre provides double the government's recommended daily activity for children.
source: Janaki Mahadevan, Children & Young People Now
2nd September
Ofsted Publishes Childcare Inspection Guidance
Ofsted has published guidance for childminders and childcare groups to help with preparation for inspections.
The booklet Are You Ready For Inspection? gives details about what can be expected from an inspection and how to prepare for it.
It includes important information such as what records are required to be kept relating to each child cared for on the premises.
The guide also answers questions on how long inspections take place and what happens if a childminder is not caring for a child at time of inspection.
Another new publication on the Ofsted website is a factsheet for childminders, outlining what makes an outstanding childminder.
Based on the opinions of childminders receiving the highest grade in Ofsted inspection, it lists what best practice should be in keeping children safe, diversity and inclusion, learning and development, planning, partnership and improvement.
source: Neil Puffett, Children & Young People Now