It’s been a fantastically busy month for everyone here at Nursery World. At the beginning of March it was great to see more than 180 sector colleagues come together in London to network and participate in key presentations – including one from Ofsted’s Amanda Speilman. Now we’re gearing up for an even bigger coming together with the Nursery World Show at the Business Design Centre at the end of April. And let’s not forget the Nursery World Awards – this year’s entries are now open!
With more face-to-face events it feels as if unity within the sector is gaining ground. To talk about the war in Ukraine in the next breath inevitably feels insensitive, but this sense of unity is evident in the sector’s collective response. In our analysis on page 6 we find out how it has leapt into action to support Ukraine – including charity Unicef UK, which supports ‘every child in danger’ worldwide. Nurseries which are tirelessly fundraising for refugee families, and those still in Ukraine, report that the generosity of staff and parents has been ‘overwhelming’. Important items such as toiletries and medical supplies have been the focus for donations, while many nurseries have involved children in planting sunflowers to show solidarity. We also highlight expert advice on the best way to talk to children about the conflict, which for many feels so close to home. Listening carefully and answering consistently and clearly is a priority.
A strong focus on listening to children is vital in our current times, as contributor Liz Pemberton emphasises. In the last part of her series on anti-racist leadership (page 44), she outlines steps you can take to create a sense of belonging for all children and staff in your setting. Her advice is to recognise the child as the expert on their own identity, and let them be heard. This approach will be more important than ever in the coming months.