Foreword
I’ve just come back from a long weekend in
London, wrapping up warm in the cold
weather and enjoying spending an evening
with my family to watch a spectacular
firework display to celebrate the 5th of
November and seeing the Harry Potter stage
show, which was magical. It’s always lovely to
come home though, as at last we can get
outside and enjoy the beautiful weather that
signals winter is coming to the Emirates. To
help you enjoy the cooler weather, we hope
that you will enjoy reading this month’s packed
edition and can make the most of all the ideas
for both indoor and outdoor play. Our article on enabling outdoor environments reminds us of how
essential it is for children to play outside as much as possible so why not take our messy play ideas outside and
really enjoy getting messy together. The role of the PANCo is to promote healthy eating and exercise so read
the article on planting for the winter months and start promoting growing a range of wonderful vegetables.
Look out for more details coming soon of our new CACHE Level 4 Diploma for the Advance Practitioner that
begins in January and covers the role of the PANCo as well as a unit on leading Special Needs, in this two-term
qualification.
I would like to thank the over one hundred people who enjoyed attending the Makaton courses last month.
The feedback was brilliant – to see seventy-five practitioners singing and signing Old Macdonald’s Farm in
Abu Dhabi was truly a wonderful sight! Bringing guest tutors over from the UK always takes more
organisation so thank you for your very positive feedback. Karen is due to come back in February and April so
please get in touch with us to let us know how we can best organise the courses to meet your needs, so you
don’t miss out next time.
Our Leadership Breakfast this month also features an outside speaker. I’m sharing the secret of my support
with you; Tricia Evans has been my mentor and coach for many years now and I find her advice and support
invaluable to help me reflect on how to be a better leader. Please make time to come along to the
Leadership Breakfast this month so you can experience a little of her wisdom yourselves, you won’t regret it.
Our Spotlight on Leadership this month features Mara at Learning Spaces Nursery. We hope you enjoy reading
her answers. If you would like to be featured in this section, please let us know.
If you are celebrating Diwali this month, we send you best wishes for a happy time celebrating with your
family and friends.
Have a wonderful month and enjoy the beautiful weather.
Sarah Rogers
Chief Executive Officer