Recent research conducted by the National Literacy Trust has confirmed that language skills which start in the womb are then shaped and nurtured by the child’s ‘home learning environment’ (HLE)’.
When working with parents to support their child’s learning and development at home (which is an Early Years Foundation Stage requirement) it is important that we communicate to the parents the importance of their HLE on their child’s current and future achievements. A good HLE is not only an important factor in their child’s development of early language and communication skills; their attainment can persist until a child reaches GCSEs and A-Levels.
The research explains how the ‘Chat, Play, Read’ method (see report for more details) is effective in helping children reach a higher achievement in their learning. It states that ‘every day conversations, make-believe play and reading activities are particularly influential features of the home learning environment’.
Childminders themselves offer a home-from-home learning environment and many of the findings of the report can be seen in good quality childminding provision. When working with parents it is important to share the types of home learning activities that support language development. These are identified as:
Going to the library
• Painting and drawing
• Playing with/being taught letters
• Playing with/being taught numbers
The report highlights that the activity that parents most frequently report doing with their child is looking at books or reading together. Many childminders enjoy a special membership with Kent libraries which offers several benefits for registered childminders, including extended loan periods. This provides an excellent opportunity for effective partnership working between parents and childminders. By sharing and exchanging information regarding children’s current interests and fascinations, books which provide consistency between the two learning environments can be loaned, allowing extension and consolidation of new knowledge. Remember, when undertaking an inspection, Ofsted considers the ability of the provider to successfully engage all parents in their children’s learning, both in the setting and at home.
Other points raised in the report are also relevant to the childminder’s home-from-home learning environment. Television can foster language and communication skills, but the quality of the programme is vital as exposure to high levels of fast-based cartoon viewing is associated with decreases in children’s language use. Remember televisions should not be left on when selected programmes have finished. There is also reference to parents being twice as likely to talk to children in face-to-face buggies, than in buggies where children face forwards; something for childminders to consider when purchasing relevant equipment.
The report is beneficial in reviewing a childminding setting and supporting parents to understand the importance of their home learning environment. To read the Improving the home learning environment report click here.
For more information on Ofsted inspections click here.
For more information on Kent Libraries memberships click here.