Opinion

Editor's view - Welcome to our variety show

Football, Ofsted, self-regulation, loose parts and China!

Well, no one could say that Nursery World hasn't given readers a highly varied mix of content in this issue.

We're very pleased to have secured an exclusive interview with new Ofsted early years director Nick Hudson and his deputy Gill Jones.

Already, some of the sector's concerns about compliance investigations and the system for dealing with complaints are being addressed, and it is crucial that a constructive dialogue with Ofsted is maintained through the Big Conversation and other channels.

Our special five-page feature 'All about ... self-regulation' tackles a really vital area, including the theory and practice of why child-initiated play is so important in developing the skills necessary to grow into a self-regulating adult.

Policy-makers who want to radically change the balance to much more adult-directed activity should take note.

A similar message comes from our Collections article on loose parts looking at how open-ended resources can promote creativity and inventiveness.

The World Cup is fast approaching, and will be the top topic of interest for many children and adults. Sports coach Matthew Smith explains how he improved planning for physical development round football activities.

Nursery World Awards deadline nears

There's still time to enter the Nursery World Awards and have your brilliant people and practice rewarded. Go to www.nurseryworldawards.com for more information and to enter online.