Worthing Lifestyle Jul - Aug 2021

SION JUNIOR SCHOOL
An ambitious start
for every child
• Nurturing approach •
• Creative, imaginative curriculum •
• Academically rigorous,
instilling a love of discovery •
• Inspiring, affordable education •
• Early Years - ages 3 - 5 •
• Junior School, Senior School, Sixth Form •
• Central Worthing •
For a visit at any time,
contact our Admissions Registrar,
admissions@sionschool.org.uk
www.sionschool.org.uk
Sion has made an amazing difference to my son
in less than a year. Such an inspiring school.
Sion Parent
Nurseries Supporting
children and families through the pandemic
ADVERTISING FEATURE
In the first national lockdown nurseries could only stay open for
critical childcare - providing care for vulnerable children and those
of critical workers. Once they could open for all children again it
was clear that lockdowns had created a very challenging period for
children and families.
According to the Department for Education’s figures only half of the
usual number of children are back at nursery or other early years
settings. Attendance dipped as low as 30% at the height of the third
wave.
As a result of lockdowns children have been going into nursery
having spent either all their lives away from other children and
extended family or having not seen them for weeks or months at a
time, which is a long time in a baby or toddler’s life.
Early years education and care is crucial in a young child’s
development as these are the most important years that help
determine their futures. For many children early years settings have
been the only place of “normality” and a place where they can
interact in a safe environment. Children can play with others the
same age, challenge themselves with risky play and become used
to socialising again. They can also learn or re-learn behaviours
important for being in a large group like exploring, helping others,
sharing, communication skills and learning together.
With time out of nursery or other early education settings,
children’s basic communication skills have suffered, so their skilled
professionals are now focussing on their needs. However, these
dedicated staff need more time and government investment in
training so they can better support children. Practitioners are facing
lots of challenging behaviours from children and any problems
children are experiencing at home have only been exacerbated by
the events of the past year.
Many nurseries have gone above and beyond, for families too.
Many have helped to support children who were unable to come
in – possibly due to shielding or concerns over Covid-19. This
has included innovative ways of assisting them and their families
remotely such as story time, suggested activities and hints and tips
to parents.
Nurseries have done so much for children and families throughout
the pandemic. Now the attention is shifting to educational recovery
we must not forget children’s early years. This is when they lay down
foundations for lifelong learning. As a country we must invest in our
children and the vital early education settings they need to ensure our
little ones have the best start in life.
01484 40 70 70
www.ndna.org.uk
CEO Purnima Tanuku OBE
www.minervamagazines.co.uk | 7