Let's just hope that this review will be fair and open and that any changes it recommends are going to improve things. It's too easy in the current climate for politicians to do this or do that just because it will save money or just because it's the opposite to what the previous government would have done or were doing. The EYFS principle is not a gimmick, it was a genuine response to a perceived problem. The very best start in life is important for everybody and that's what the EYFS is trying to achieve, regardless of any faults it may have.

This article by Ben and Dinah Hatch and their children covers what they consider to be the top ten visitor attractions for people with children. None are free, which is a bit (a lot?) of a drawback. However they obviously come highly recommended, so it might be for you if you have kids of your own as well as your mindees or have an agreement with your parents that they'll stand any reasonable extra costs. In the main article there are links to the top ten attractions on a regional basis.

Another article which mentions that the budget for Sure Start is ring fenced. This is all well and good of course, but do remember that fences can be pulled down, so do watch this space for more news on the subject. If and when this particular fence does get pulled down, please excuse me for saying I told you so.

Sure Start is actually a version of a policy promoted by American President LBJ - known as Head Start. Whether or not Sure Start actually has any proven benefit for children from disadvantaged backgrounds is a moot point - and very difficult to quantify in any case; however, it seems that for the moment the new government is going to refrain from making any cuts in its budget.

In a world which is dominated by all of you ladies, there may be no male role model at all for some children. This is in you setting or even at home. This article looks at a selection of books on the role of fathers (and by extension all males) in childcare. Obviously the best role model is a real man /dad, but failing that a good book which enables discussion is the next best thing.

This is an interesting article. Learning through play is to my mind a difficult concept to get ones head around. However, if you can make the effort, you will understand that it is absolutely vital. Learning through play works on all levels, never mind from 3-18! It's those seemingly idle moments when the brain is most receptive to learning as there is no issue with attention span. In fact it's probably the other way round - 'dragging' the children away from their play to eat, or go to the toilet.

As a Childminder as well as the requirements of EYFS you are in a quasi-parental role, so a lot of these activities should be adaptable for your use. For example, watching the telly (sometimes unkindly aka 'anaesthetic box') shouldn't be viewed exclusively as a means to distract. Discuss the programme with your charges, make it interactive and relevant - maybe even follow up the subjects covered later.

This is a great article with some tips for you on helping the children in your charge to learn about animals and habitats. It's written for schools, but don't let that put you off - you can easily adapt it for your own use!