BEYN Blog
Read the latest from the Birmingham Early Years Networks, including guest posts from colleagues working across the Early Years Sector in Birmingham.
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Childminders • SEND • Transition • Professional Development/CPD • From the Heart of the City • Guest Posts
Emotional Labour and Early Years Leadership
Early Years leaders navigate complex emotional demands every day—often without the support structures practitioners receive. In this guest blog, Emma Davis shares insights from her doctoral research and invites leaders across the sector to reflect on their own experiences of supervision, wellbeing, and organisational support.
Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP): Making Every Penny Count
Stephnie Kettle, Quality, Impact & Outcomes Officer at Birmingham City Council, explores how intentional, evidence‑informed use of EYPP funding can strengthen practice, improve communication and language, and make a meaningful difference for children who need it most.
Need a Hand with SLCN? The SLT Advice Line Is Here for You
Ever found yourself wondering what to do next after a WellComm screening, or how best to support a child with emerging speech and language needs? Birmingham’s relaunched SLT Advice Line is here to help.
Peters: Passionate about Inspiring Children and Young People to Read
Peters is proud of its Birmingham heritage and deeply committed to supporting early years providers across the city; working closely with librarians, educators and reading professionals to promote literacy and help get the right books into the hands of generations of readers.
Insights from Birmingham Virtual School: Supporting Looked after Children with PEPs and Target Setting
In this blog, Stephnie Kettle, Workforce Development Officer from Birmingham City Council Early Years & Childcare Service interviews Lisa Southall, an Early Years Advisor from Birmingham’s Virtual School.
Black History Month: Reclaiming Our Narratives in Early Years and Childcare
Janice Blanchette, Acting Senior Early Years Inclusion Officer at Birmingham City Council, discusses how we can share Black history with our children and make it relevant for them in this guest post for Black History Month 2024.
Loose Parts Play with Birmingham Scrapstore
Emma Payne from the Birmingham Scrapstore shares how the Scrapstore can support early years settings to get started with loose parts play.
Championing SEND in the Early Years
Hall Green Consortium Schools (HGCS) Early Years Developing Local Provision project: Championing SEND in the Early Years.
Water Consumption in Early Years Settings
Startwell Birmingham Team Leader, Sarah Bates, shares information on the importance of water and tips to encourage consumption both in settings and at home.
Importance of Playwork and Out-of-School Provision
Theresa Perry, Early Years Consultant at Birmingham City Council, explores the importance of playwork and out-of-school provision.
Meeting the Medical Needs of under 5s in Birmingham
Chris Rumney (RN RSCN), Paediatric Nurse Educator at BCHC+ introduces Birmingham’s Medical Needs in Early Years Service; supporting the sector to meet the needs of children with common chronic medical conditions.
Perspectives of the Early Years Praxeologist
Dr Valerie Daniel, Headteacher of Washwood Heath Nursery School and contributing author to the new book Early Childhood Theories Today, shares her thoughts on the impact and influence of Early Years pioneers and theories on today’s Early Years praxeologists.