Cluster Meeting Spring 2007
Autumn 2007 On Reflection
Attendees: 15 settings (25 practitioners)
During autumn 2007 we held Cluster Meetings at South Acton Children's Centre and Hathaway Primary School. The theme for these meetings was ‘Multi-sensory experiences’ which included practical ideas for developing this approach within your setting.
South Acton Children's Centre talked about how they use a multi-sensory approach to supporting children with additional needs. And explained the importance of young children’s relationship with musical experiences.
Practitioners from Hathaway Primary School explained how they have developed sensory play using natural, malleable and real materials. They talked about how multi-sensory experiences can support children with English as an addtional language to develop confidence in interacting with others.
We also heard from Medcliffe Community Nursery/Medcliffe Open Door Centre, who showcased a variety of team-made resources including a ‘Sensory Umbrella’, feely books and puppets.
The early years advisory team also provided a multi-sensory practical activity to involve practitioners in engaging in hands-on exploration.
Feedback about the session:
‘Lovely ideas for the garden’
‘Good practical ideas…great to have (an) opportunity to look around a different setting’
‘Informative session and enjoyable’
‘Practical ideas, networking and discussion (were most valuable)’
Downloads of handouts on the day:
Cluster Meeting Update
Early Years Advisory Team presentation
Developing through music presentation
Useful publications:
The Creative Curriculum for Infants and Toddlers
Dombro, Colker and Dodge, 1997, ISBN: 1-879537-40-0
Supporting Children Learning English as an Additional Language
Department for Children Schools and Families (D.C.S.F) Ref:00683-2007BKT-EN
Useful web links:
www.chidrenscentre.org.uk/earlyyears
http://www.iamyourchild.org
http://www.nncc.org./Child.Dev/child.dev.page.html
http://www.ncclc.org.cctopic/brain.html
http://www.zerotothree.org
http://www.flavor-online.com/2005fall/pdf/kaun.pdf
http://southactoncc.com/
http://www.hathaway.ealing.sch.uk/