The Strength-based Approach is a meaningful and real style of writing about children in a way that starts with what they can do. A strength-based approach is not about describing a child’s learning and development in a positive light and neglecting to identify areas for further development or areas of concern. Instead it starts with where the child is now, not with what is absent, and highlights where the child can go with additional support. This makes it a vital pedagogical skill for early childhood educators to practice and develop which can be used for transition reports, learning stories or snapshot reviews. The Strength Based Writing programme consists of 4 short components that support Educators to focus on your writing techniques when compiling Learning Stories, Transition Reports or Snapshot Reviews.  

From the very first time I discovered the work of Dr Margaret Carr and the Learning Story Approach – I have loved it and advocated for it as the most effective means of documenting the assessment of young children’s learning and development. I admire the way a child’s strengths are highlighted in a way that is very personal to the child – regardless of their abilities or stage of development. A learning story is an engaging story of a child’s achievements, abilities, interests and viewpoint as an active learner. Learning Stories can focus on everything from a baby noticing himself in a mirror for the first time to a pre-school child creating a model from junk materials or helping a friend. I like to think of learning stories in this way – an assessment report or developmental checklist show you a black and white snapshot of the child, cold and frozen in time. However, learning stories are vibrant, engaging, funny, full colour mini-movies that parents can keep forever.  They give a rounded, holistic view of who the child is as an individual and as a learner. This is, after all, what early childhood education is all about! ‘Creating Learning Stories’ will provide Educators with practical guidance on this wonderful pedagogical technique for early childhood education. The programme is presented in 5 short components - each one building on the learning from the one before and packed with practical examples. Participants will discover how to structure, compile, and use learning stories as a meaningful assessment tool, to engage parents and to showcase children’s individual strengths, interests and needs.  Avril 

Fortunately, some children will take the events of COVID-19 in their stride.  The unexpected disruption to their usual routine, the loss of established attachments to key adults and an increase in home stress may result in changes in children’s behaviour and stress responses. Sensitive responses from Educators are essential to enable children to adapt to the next phase of change when either re-joining the early childhood service or starting for the first time. 'Settling in Softy' will support Educators to focus on the important role of supporting children’s emotional well-being through a curriculum of care. This practical e-CPD programme is a must for all staff to ensure children’s emotional well-being is front and central to the emergent curriculum when early childhood settings reopen. Components include: Educator self-care – you can’t pour from an empty cup. Child anxiety as a response to change   The Relationship Response  A Curriculum of Care Communicating with Parents Each section will contain practical activities for the Educator to incorporate into the daily routine.