Scotland’s first statement on transitions published

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The following update comes courtesy of Early Years Scotland: 

Scotland’s first National Position Statement on Transitions has been published. 

Early Years Scotland was one of several key organisations involved in developing and preparing the statement, and Chief Executive, Jean Carwood-Edwards, a contributing author.

The statement highlights the importance of planning for and managing transitions, mainly into school from Early Learning and Childcare, effectively and positively. 

It emphasises that transitions should be regarded as a tremendous opportunity as opposed to being something difficult that children have to get through, and that the whole family be involved in transition activity as parents and families go through the transition as well as the child. 

The statement, which lists six key principles and makes eight recommendations, can be downloaded here.

Upcoming outdoor nursery open days, taking place at Highland Wildlife Park

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Care and Learning Alliance, working in partnership with RZSS Highland Wildlife Park and Inspiring Scotland, are pleased to announce two upcoming outdoor nursery open days.

When

  • Saturday 29th June at 11 am – 3 pm, and
  • Sunday 18th August at 11 am – 3 pm

Where

Wildlife Garden, RZS Highland Wildlife Park. [Link to Map]

There will be a range of fun outdoor activities. These may include pond dipping, den building, minibeast hunting, and more.

We hope to see you there!

Children’s hydration campaign – Think2DrinkH2O

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The following information comes from the ‘Think2Drink H2O Campaign’, promoted by NHS Scotland: 

“Think2DrinkH20 promotes the importance of hydration related to children and young people. Getting the right amount of water can make a difference to the way we all feel, think and function and it is vital that children drink enough fluid to maintain good health.”

“Children can become dehydrated by not drinking enough fluids or by losing fluids and not replacing them. Poor hydration may result in lack of concentration, headaches, dizziness, constipation and urinary tract infection.”

“Adults play a key role in ensuring that children and young people drink enough of the right type of fluids. By setting an example, they can encourage children and young people to make the right hydration choices.”

Downloadable Resources

Introducing CALA’s Interactive Committee Induction Pack

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Care and Learning Alliance are pleased to offer an interactive induction pack to our committee-run group members. The induction pack is intended to help new members of the committee to understand their role as charity trustees and to be informed as effective committee members. 

The presentation features short videos and interactive features, making it a fun and easy way to learn about committees. 

The presentation is hosted on the CALA Members’ Zone. To find out more about becoming a CALA member, either visit https://www.careandlearningalliance.co.uk/membership/ or telephone our Inverness office on 01463 222569.

Early learning and childcare – National induction resource

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The Scottish Government have published the ‘National Induction Resource for ELC’  A comprehensive tool to support robust induction for new starts in ELC as we progress with 1140 hours expansion. 

Download the resource from https://hub.careinspectorate.com/media/3528/early-learning-and-childcare-national-induction-resource.pdf

Looking back at Volunteers’ Week Scotland

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Scottish Volunteers’ Week took place last week, from the 1st to the 7th of June. It was a chance for organisations across Scotland to celebrate the fantastic contribution that volunteers make to society. 

At CALA, we have been lucky to have had some wonderful volunteers over the years – people who give up their free time because they want to make a difference.

Pictured above are Aga (left), Shona (right), two of our Family Support volunteers, along with Sadie (middle), CALA’s Family Support Manager.

We also took time last week to say thank you to our fantastic Board of Directors who give up their time to support and guide CALA and we are so grateful for their energy, expertise and enthusiasm.

It wasn’t just CALA that took time last week to celebrate volunteers – organisations across Scotland were getting involved and helping to spread the message that volunteering is a worthwhile, rewarding, and fun thing to do. 

Here are some highlights from Twitter: 

If you’re interested in volunteering at Care and Learning Alliance, please contact our Inverness office on 01463 222569. 

SSSC Guidance – Raising concerns in the workplace

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The Care Inspectorate has released a new guidance document, containing information on what to do if you have a workplace concern. The paragraphs are taken from the introduction of the guidance: 

“Working in social services means you care for some of our most vulnerable citizens. Your position on the front line whether you are an employee, social worker, manager or supervisor means you are most likely to see poor practice when it happens.”

“Sometimes you see things that are wrong (which can vary from poor treatment, financial issues to employment conditions or the way a service is run) but you may not report it until it happens again. Or you may not be sure if it is wrong because you are new into a job. The important thing is to trust your judgment. If you see something you feel is wrong report it to your manager as soon as possible. Your colleagues may also have concerns, but if nobody speaks up its unlikely the situation will improve. You need to act to protect those in your care.”

Download the guidance from the SSSC website by clicking here. 

Best Start Grant

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Best Start Grant is three cash payments that you can apply for if you’re a parent or a carer.

You can get these payments:

  • if you have a child who’s the right age for a payment
  • whether you’re in work or not, as long as you’re on certain payments or tax credits

Find out if you’re eligible by visiting the Best Start Grant page of the Scot Gov website. 

Or download a fact sheet by clicking here [PDF].

The Bookbug App

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Scottish Book Trust have released a Bookbug app, allowing parents and practitioners to access songs, rhymes and new words on their phone. The following description comes from the Bookbug website: 

“Download our free Bookbug app to share songs and rhymes on the go, look up new words or make up your own songs and rhymes to our new instrumental versions! Apps can be great for supporting children’s learning and encouraging play and creativity. Bookbug’s Songs and Rhymes app is one more way to fit songs and rhymes into your day and it’s here to support you as you play and sing with your wee one.”
 
“Explore the app together and create your own personalised playlists. You can also use the app to find your nearest Bookbug Session!”
 
Download the app by searching “Bookbug” on either the Apple App Store or the Android Play Store. 

Meet CALAs Childminding Coordinators

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Did you know that Care and Learning Alliance has two dedicated Childminding Coordinators? When you sign up for CALA childminding membership, you will receive support from either Norma or Donna, both of whom have years of childminding experience. When it comes to childminding, they’ve ‘been there and done that’, and are eager to share what they’ve learned. 

It has never been a better time to sign up as a CALA childminding member. To get started, visit: https://www.careandlearningalliance.co.uk/membership/

Child Protection Bulletin – Issue 5

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The fifth edition of the Child Protection Bulletin is now available to download. It features information on:

  • What to do if you have a child protection concern
  • Adverse Childhood Experiences
  • Child Sexual Exploitation
  • Useful websites and telephone numbers
  • And much more.

Click here to download the bulletin.