Pre School Toolkit for Diversity by the education Authority NI

In response to demand from pre-school settings and nursery schools for easily accessible and editable materials which can be tailored to their settings, the Intercultural Education Service has updated and greatly improved our Pre-School Toolkit for Diversity.

Parental Mental Health Full Report

Full report on the parental mental health and recommendations from Barnardos

Supporting children's transisiton from preschool to primary school

A guide to support everyone who is involved in a child's transition from preschool to primary school to ensure that it is a meaningful, positive and supported transition.

Colds, coughs, RSV and viral infections in children

The HSE continues to see a rise in the numbers of young children with respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). It’s important to protect babies and toddlers from common winter viruses like RSV and flu. Download the pack at the bottom of this email for social media assets to encourage parents and guardians to keep unwell children at home, clean hands and cover coughs or sneezes. Advice for parents on dealing with children’s colds, coughs and viral infections is available here.

Interactions with babies

Interactions with babies through play

Brain Builders

A very interesting video on how we all can support children to reach their full potential. This is why we continually aim for partnership with our parents, as together we can support each and every child to develop, grow and blossom.

School resources

DCEDIY have created some useful resources and tips for those who at going to school and School Aged Childcare.

World Mental Health Day

Website Promoting Positive Mental Health, Wellbeing and Recovery

UNICEF Play Corner

An amazing resource from UNICEF with lots of ideas to engage in play at home.

The Kissing Hand

Lovely little night time story for all those children returning to StartBright.

The Invisible String

This story will resonate with children who are parted from a loved one whether through distance, bereavement or even COVID restrictions.

Together for Early Years

Campaign Platform 2021

Supporting Parents and Families through SUMMER 2020

Guide to improve your own self-care, how to support children's anxiety, fun low-cost/ no cost experiences to do over the summer months.

Celebrate reading

Susan and Susie reading a favourite book of ours!

Screen Bedtime

Help your family familiarize themselves with life in a healthy digital era

Hanen Tips for Parents

Hanen Tips for Parents can help you turn any activity you do with your child into an opportunity to build his skills

NCSE: Parents – Early Years

Guidance for parents and links to a selection of resources

Dr. Mary O Kane wise words

Dr. Mary O Kane sharing some wise words on supporting your children through this time.

Library for virtual stories

Simply click on the link and then select a story for it to begin!

Lámh

Lámh is a manual sign system used by children and adults with intellectual disability and communication needs in Ireland.

Barnardos free books

Free downloadable ebooks for parents and professionals

Children needing additional support

All the information and activities on the Pre-school at Home Hub are for all children in the under 6 age range.

Imaginative play

First 5 guide on imaginative play.

Elmo Meditation

Some mindfulness at bedtime to help relax those thinking minds and energetic bodies

Changing Lives Initiative

Supporting families with children at risk of ADHD

Risky play by Childnature

Parent guide on risky play

Say yes to autism acceptance

Find out how you can support autistic people in your community by saying Yes.

Finding an after-school by Barnardos Ireland

To support parents in finding an after-school.

Why ages 2-7 matter so much for brain development

Rich experiences—from play to the arts and relationships—fundamentally shape a young child’s development.

SENO contact details

SENO contact details

Early Years Inspection Leaflet for Parents

Early Years Inspection Leaflet for Parents

Ideas for Play in Small Spaces

Ideas for Play in Small Spaces

Information on disability services for parents who are concerned about their child’s development.

Information on disability services for parents who are concerned about their child’s development.

Maternal Mental Health Pack

Maternal Mental Health Pack

A parents guide to childcare in Ireland

A parents guide to childcare in Ireland

Parents guide to screen time for Primary school children

Parents guide to screen time for Primary school children

parents guide to screen time

Parents guide to screen time for children 0-5 years

The benefits of bubble play

Five key learning opportunities from bubble play

tips for toilet training

You may be approaching a time when you are considering ‘toilet training’ your child. Many parents often struggle with this and coax their child to toilet train when they are not fully ready. This in turn can delay the process and the success of the child mastering this skill. To aid the transition from nappies to the toilet StartBright looked to the RIE approach for toilet training inspiration. This approach is both respectful and empowering for the child and allows them to accomplish this new success themselves. As parents you want your children to succeed so below are some pre toilet training tips to help them along the way:

Benefits of going barefoot

At StartBright we encourage children to make their own choices about what they need. This is how children learn, making decisions that effect themselves. While going barefoot might seem like a small decision it is often governed by adults insisting that shoes be on feet. However when we look at the benefits that going barefoot give we can see that this simple decision leads to some wonderful learning.

Top Tips for talking

Top Tips for talking

Loose Parts

Loose Parts

Children's Participation

Children's Participation

Access and Inclusion Plan

Access and Inclusion Plan

SAC National Quality Guidelines

National Quality Guidelines for School Age Childcare Services

Risky Play Leaflet Early Years

The value and importance of risky play for young children

Numeracy

Number sense and numeration for children

Information sheet for parents

Learning from home - a guide for parents

Covid safety

Covid safety preparation for our return to StartBright

Christmas activity booklet

Some Christmas games to create shared family time and fun!

Strangulation, suffocation and choking risks from anything placed around a child’s neck

Strangulation, suffocation and choking risks from anything placed around a child’s neck

Barnardos: ChildLinks

School Age Childcare Booklet

Activity book for educators

Activity book for educators