Self-Regulation at the Heart of Effective Practice
Oct 20, 2023
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Explore the importance of self-regulation in early years education and creating an emotionally supportive environment for children. Discover the power of daily communication and reflection in nurturing children's development. Learn about the significance of a long-term view and solid foundations for effective practices. Find out how self-regulation positively impacts early childhood education and their partnership with Raw Marsh school.
Establishing consistent routines and providing staff training are vital in supporting children's self-regulation skills.
Outdoor experiences and maintaining consistency across the team promote children's well-being and self-regulation.
Adapting strategies to meet individual children's needs, investing in staff well-being, and continuous reflection are crucial for prioritizing children's emotional well-being and development.
Deep dives
Implementing Self-Regulation in Nursery Practice
In this episode, Lindsey Hadfield and Lizzy Battersby from Royal Marsh Nursery School discuss their focus on self-regulation in their nursery practice. They highlight the importance of staff training and establishing consistent routines to support children's self-regulation skills. They share a case study of a child who struggled with anger and aggression, explaining how their strategies, such as using a headscarf or physical activities, helped the child manage their emotions. The discussion emphasizes the need for emotional availability from staff and the value of creating a nurturing and supportive environment for children's well-being.
The Power of Outdoor Learning and Consistency
The podcast highlights the significance of outdoor learning and consistent routines in promoting self-regulation. The practitioners stress the positive impact of outdoor experiences on children's well-being and self-regulation skills. They emphasize the importance of maintaining consistency across the team in order to provide a secure and predictable environment for children. The discussion also touches upon the value of adult interactions, mirroring children's actions, and providing a safe space for emotional regulation.
Addressing Diverse Needs and Reflecting on Practice
The episode highlights the practitioners' commitment to meeting the diverse needs of children. They discuss the importance of adapting strategies and interventions to support individual children, including those with additional needs. They share how their nursery incorporates intensive interactions and emphasizes catching and matching children's behaviors to build connections. The practitioners stress the need for ongoing reflection, evaluation, and training to continuously enhance their practice and ensure all children's emotional well-being is prioritized.
The Long-Term Impact of Self-Regulation Skills
The impact of self-regulation skills on children is discussed, focusing on long-term outcomes. The practitioners emphasize that supporting children's self-regulation from an early age can have lifelong benefits. They share how children who received consistent support and developed self-regulation skills exhibited significant progress in their emotional management. The discussion underlines the importance of investing time, resources, and staff well-being in order to create a secure and nurturing environment that positively impacts children's overall development.
Sustaining Effective Practice and Collaboration
The podcast concludes with the practitioners emphasizing the need to sustain and celebrate effective practice. They highlight the importance of consistency in routines, staff interactions, and the physical environment. The practitioners underscore the ongoing commitment to self-regulation by continuously revisiting and refreshing strategies, engaging in reflective discussions, and prioritizing staff well-being. They highlight the value of collaboration within the nursery and with external partners, recognizing the wider educational landscape and adapting to best support children's needs.
Does your practice reflect the value of self-regulation? In this week’s episode, we’re joined by members of the senior team from Rawmarsh Nursery School in Rotherham as we explore the vital importance of nurturing self-regulation skills.