When I return to school please start with where I am and not where you think I should be. I don't want to catch up, I want to see my teacher and my friends. I want to feel safe and secure while I try to make sense of a 'new normal'. #aimhigh #letsgetitright #transition

We are delighted to have @PeteMoorhouseEY delivering training in Shetland this week. Woodwork, nurturing creativity and block play. Sharing crucial messages along with practical support. Looking forward to the impact of this for staff, children and families.

Play residue - the tangible remnants left behind after children have been engaged in play. When visiting Sandwick Out of School Club this week I was reminded that you can see creativity, learning and exploration without directly observing play. You’re never too old for blocks!

It was great to have colleagues from Education Scotland and SDS at the Head Teacher Development Day to share information on learner profiles. Exciting to be at the stage of implementation and with a focus on what is important to children and young people. @graemepwallace

Reflections are visible when it’s still. I’m often reminded that this is the same when observing children. Being still; stopping, standing back and watching gives time and space to really notice. 🤍

Learning through real life contexts. It might take longer, it might require discussion but it will be so much more meaningful. Allowing children to think, question and notice will support deeper learning. #beingme

It was great to start the first day back with ELC staff focusing on capturing learning and moderating learning stories. I’m still convinced that answers to most questions can be found in Realising the Ambition. Simple, intentional and meaningful with children at the centre. 🩷

Play in action in at Cunningsburgh School yesterday. Every child was doing something they were interested in and every child was either consolidating skills or developing new ones. I loved that in two separate rooms children were building the Titanic. Meaningful learning. 🙌

The role of the adult is so important. Sometimes children notice and lead their own learning and other times an adult can comment or pose a question to provoke thinking and extend learning. Opportunities for real life numeracy and maths are everywhere, especially outside.

Child initiated play - the child knew exactly how this was going to work and was in control. The adult was the patient and needed to answer the questions asked. Writing for a purpose, new vocabulary, taking notes, knowing mistakes are ok. Capturing learning is assessment.

It was a privilege to listen to and learn from @steve_munby this afternoon. Imperfect Leadership is the one book that has taken me a long time to get through. Only because every page is so full of wisdom, I have to stop and take time to reflect.

As an adult you can: - Give me time - Give me space But also: - Give me your attention You can learn a lot about me by watching and listening. Actions, emotions and words are all communication.

Working in early years is special for many reasons and this is one of them… I came home to some post today. A very thoughtful friend sent some autumnal resources to share with children who might not experience aspects of this season in Shetland. 🩷 @hdan5912 thank you!

The momentum for high quality play is not only inspirational but is making a difference to children and families.

Children leading their own learning. 🤍

It’s always great to have ELC staff from across Shetland together in one space. Today we looked at continuous provision and skill development with the help of @ABCDoes and then focused on rights-based practice supported by @cathymac59 and @MaxineJolly1. #teamelc

What schools do to prepare for children rather than what children need to do to prepare for school. 🩷

“Our aspiration should be to promote in babies and children a sense of belonging by providing them with their entitlement to continuity of learning in a caring and respectful environment which reflects the setting’s unique culture.” 🩷 RtA, p.89 #transition #beingme