29/01/04 - Innovative Project to Improve Learning for Youngsters

On Monday 2ndFebruary at 9.30pm at the Roundthorne Hotel in Penrith, Cumbria Early Years Development & Childcare Partnership is launching its Playwise initiative. 

Playwise is a range of teaching materials for use in early years settings to support the development of emotional resilience, social competence and quality thinking in young children.  A large number of early years and childcare providers based in Cumbria, such as schools, day nurseries and pre-schools, will be attending the conference, to share good practice and look at how best to meet the aims of Playwise.

The project was developed through action research by a group of Cumbrian Early Years Professionals. It is hoped that all early years and childcare practitioners in Cumbria will adopt the Playwise approach as they help young children to learn.

Lesley Staggs, National Director of the Foundation Stage from the Department for Education and Skills and Deb Michel, Regional Director Primary National Strategy, Behaviour & Attendance will be speaking at the conference.  The conference will include practical opportunities for delegates to be actively involved in the Playwise process.

County Councillor Joan Stocker, Cabinet Spokesperson for Education says

“This project is all about creating an inclusive learning environment where individual needs are addressed and strengths are recognised and supported.  To help children become good learners we need to teach them social skills to enable them to learn together, emotional resilience, so that they react appropriately to different situations, and to develop thinking skills, to support their learning.”

Joyce Miller from Cumbria Early Years Development & Childcare Partnership says

“In Cumbria, the Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, has over the past 18 months developed a curriculum to support practitioners in teaching these skills. All those involved in this programme are very excited about the possible impact of Playwise on young children’s learning both in the Foundation Stage and beyond.” 

If you are interested in finding out more about Playwise then please contact the Children’s Information Service on 08457125737.