NCB in the news
January 2010
Backlash over plan to extend TV advertising, Guardian,
04.01.2010
Ministers are facing opposition over plans to allow products to be
used in television programmes for marketing purposes. NCB amongst
other organisations have signed a petition to oppose the plan in
the fear that product placement will reduce the protection of young
people from harmful marketing influences, and fuel childhood
obesity.
Don’t be distracted from the importance of play, Guardian
06.01.2010
Adrian Voce, writes about the importance of play as a fundamental
need for children that requires local accessible spaces which are
safe but also physically challenging, stimulating and
well-maintained. Adrian comments ‘the national play strategy takes
on this challenge and has given rise to a change, both in the
priority now being afforded to children’s play by local councils
and in the quality of play areas being provided. ‘
Fight
for early start, Nursery World, 14.01.2010
A campaign to highlight the importance of investment in services
for young children has been launched by the Early Childhood Unit at
NCB. The Firm Foundations campaign is designed to provide
information about evidence collected on how to ensure quality early
years education and its benefits.
Give them a
break, Times Educational Supplement, 22.01.2010
Helen Ward (TES) interviews Catherine Prisk about play
underpinning all learning and development in the early years, and
the need for national guidance on outdoor space. Catherine Prisk
challenges schools to make more of playtime. She says play is often
the most effective way of supporting children at risk who need down
time. ‘Play should be promoted as a good in itself, not just
something that leads to measurable outcomes.’ Catherine continues:
‘Play opportunities in some schools are so poor that creating a
fight or taunting someone… provide some variety, challenge and
risk. Once you’ve got play opportunities, those behaviours
disappear.’