Blog
Read about all our latest news by clicking on the posts below
Shedding Light on Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
What is Seasonal Affective Disorder? January Blues is a term used to describe a set of emotional and physical challenges that many people experience during the first month of the year. It typically manifests as feelings of sadness, a low mood, a lack of...
Showcase Newsletter – December 2025
Staying Safe Over Christmas
Taking Care of Your Mental Health this Christmas
Driving Safety
The Impact of Domestic Abuse and Harmful Sexual Practices on Children
Teenage Relationship Abuse
Staying Safe Online Over Christmas
Showcase Newsletter – November 2024
How to Create an Effective Early Years Learning Environment
In an Early Years environment, it is important that the resources for children are accessible and offer opportunities for play and exploration. Additionally, they should be interesting and engaging, encouraging the children to develop skills such as problem-solving...
Early Years Teacher Status
What is Early Years Teacher Status? Early Years Teacher Status (EYTS) is a professional accreditation in the UK for individuals specialising in teaching and caring for children aged 0 to 5 years. It is designed to ensure high standards in early childhood education and...
Depressive Disorders
Consent and Healthy Relationships
Healthy Boundaries in Relationships
Showcase Newsletter – October 2024
What is Coercive Control?
The News and Observer Series Apprenticeship Awards 2024
I was hugely honoured to hear that Showcase Training had been selected as finalists for the apprenticeship awards. The incredible team put so much of their time, effort, and passion into what they do, so to be recognised in this way is huge kudos for them and a...
The Benefits of Sensory Play
The Benefits of Outdoor Learning
National Adoption Week 2024
The 21st October is the start of National Adoption Week and for the first time, this is something that I will be celebrating since starting my adoption journey at the beginning of 2024. Data published on the website www.youcanadopt.co.uk shows that in the last year...
Fabricated or Induced Illness (FII)
Singing with Children in Early Years
Benefits of Baby Yoga
How to Lose Weight Safely and Effectively
Showcase Newsletter – September 2024
Understanding Deepfakes: The Good, the Bad, and the Future
The Power of Healthy Relationships
Ableist Language
Nursery Manager Career Fact Sheet
Showcase Newsletter – August 2024
Overcoming Results Day Anxiety
It is August which means that Results Day is just around the corner. With this day approaching, you may be feeling anxious or worried about your GCSE results. With the impact of these results on future education and employment, receiving exam results can be a...
Problematic Smartphone Use
Anxiety Disorders
Showcase Newsletter – July 2024
The World of Gambling
Introduction to GamblingGambling is a popular hobby in the UK, captivating millions with the promise of excitement and the potential for big wins. From the buzzing atmosphere of betting shops and casinos to the convenience of online gambling platforms, the options are...
How To Support Children in Preparing for School
The transition from nursery to primary school is a big change for children as well as parents. However, there are many ways that nursery workers can help to make it easier. Here are some tips for how you can support the children in your setting in preparing for...
Nookie Knowledge: Unwanted Pregnancy
Navigating an unwanted pregnancy can be a challenging and emotional experience. It's important to know that you are not alone and that there are several options available to you in the UK. This post aims to provide a comprehensive overview of the choices you have, the...
Eating Disorders
Reasons Why You Should Consider an Apprenticeship After School
Have you recently finished your GCSE’s and are wondering about your next steps? Planning for your future can be tricky and you may be considering a range of different options. Suddenly you are thrown in to an adult world where you are told to make vital decisions...
Summer Living
Personal Development: Active Citizenship and Social Responsibility
The Link Between Domestic Abuse and the Euros
The European Football Championship is an exciting time for the nation, with many of us getting together with friends and family to cheer on England. Whilst this event is associated with good spirits and celebration, it is important to be aware of the issue of domestic...
Showcase Newsletter – June 2024
Nookie Knowledge: Menopause
Menopause is a natural part of every woman's life in which her periods stop. It can be a challenging transition so check out our information below and make sure you contact your GP for further advice and support.
Where Can My Early Years Qualification Take Me?
Working within Early Years equips you with a diverse set of skills and experiences that can be applied to various career paths. Transitioning to any of these roles may require additional education or certification, but your foundational experience in early childhood...
Outdoor Play and Learning in Early Years
As summer is fast approaching, you may be spending more time outside with the children in your care. Playing outdoors has many positive impacts on a young child’s development and is the perfect way to incorporate exercise in to play. Being outside for just three hours...
Showcase Newsletter – May 2024
Educating Children and Young People About Sharing Nudes and Semi-Nudes
Educating Young Children About Sharing Nudes and Semi-Nudes: A Guide for Early Years Educators In today’s digital world, even young children are increasingly exposed to technology and online interactions. As early years educators, it’s crucial to address the topic of...
Understanding Fake News, Misinformation, and Disinformation in the Context of the Prevent Duty and Extremism
Five Ways to Improve Your Mental Health
May Personal Development Challenge – Confidence and Resilience
Showcase Newsletter – April 2024
Cervical Screening – Follow Ups
Once you have had your cervical screening appointment (see our previous blog on smear tests HERE), you will receive your results in the post a few weeks later. This will confirm if you need any follow up tests or not and will explain next steps. It will explain if...
Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews
Exploring Child Safeguarding Practice Reviews In the realm of child protection, safeguarding practices play a pivotal role in ensuring the well-being and safety of children. Among the arsenal of tools available to scrutinise and improve these practices, one stands...
April Personal Development Challenge
New Definition of Extremism (2024)
Understanding the UK Government's New Definition of Extremism In March 2024, the United Kingdom government introduced a revised and comprehensive definition of extremism, marking a pivotal moment in the nation's ongoing efforts to combat radical ideologies and uphold...
Showcase Newsletter – March 2024
Nutrition and Mental Health – The Link Between the Food We Eat and How We Feel
March is National Nutrition Month which aims to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a healthy and balanced diet, as well as offering advice on how to make informed choices. The food that we consume has a huge impact on not only our physical health, but...
International Women’s Day 2024
Today, we're celebrating International Women's Day 2024! It's a time to reflect on the remarkable achievements of women throughout history and to recommit to the ongoing fight for gender equality. This day serves as a reminder of the progress made in advancing the...
A Day in the Life of a Nursery Apprentice – Amy Jones
Hi, my name is Amy and I work at The Mulberry Bush with children aged 18 to 24 months old. I am a modern apprentice and I have worked here for roughly 4 weeks. Here is my story… When I left school (May 2023), I had no idea what I wanted to do. It played on my mind all...
March Personal Development Challenge
Showcase Newsletter – February 2024
Emotional Intelligence and How to Improve Yours
Breast Self-Examination: The Importance of Regular Checks
Breast health is a critical aspect of overall wellbeing for women, and one of the most proactive ways to maintain it is through regular self-exams and screenings. There's no better time to discuss the significance of checking breasts and how to do it effectively, so...
Youth Worker Career Fact Sheet
Enabling Environments in Early Years
Enabling Environments in Early Years In Early Years, an enabling environment refers to providing a rich and engaging environment that supports and encourages the learning and development of children. The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) places emphasis on the role...
Functional Skills Maths Poster
Showcase Newsletter – January 2024
Speech and Language Therapy Career Fact Sheet
Cervical Screening
Cervical screening, otherwise known as a smear test (or pap smear in the USA), is a free NHS service for women testing for cervical health and help prevent cervical cancer. It's available to women aged 25 to 64, and you are invited to screening by letter through the...
Functional Skills Maths – Top Tips
Maths is an important part of an apprenticeship programme, and apprentices cannot sit their End Point Assessment without prior achievement of Maths and English. However, Functional Skills Maths causes anxiety for many learners across the country. We regularly hear...
Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) Framework – January 2024
Early Years Foundation Stage Framework 2024 - A Guide to the Changes This month, the Department for Education (DfE) published the two versions of the EYFS Statutory Framework which will apply from 4 January 2024. There will now be two versions of the EYFS Framework,...
Showcase Newsletter – December 2023
What to Expect when you’re Expecting!
Finding out you are pregnant can be exciting and nerve-wracking in equal measure, and you may experience anxieties when thinking about what changes will happen over the coming months. For many women, it may be their first ever experience of having a baby, and it is...
The Importance of Reflective Practice in Early Years
What is reflective practice? Reflective practice is an essential component of Early Years education and an important tool to help us self-improve and develop. It is a continuous process of self-evaluation and improvement that helps practitioners to understand their...
Showcase Newsletter – November 2023
December’s Healthy Lifestyle Challenge
An Introduction to Functional Skills English
An Introduction to Functional Skills Maths
How To Celebrate Children in Need in Your Setting
BBC Children in Need is a UK charity which raises money to help disadvantaged children and young people. Founded in 1980, the charity funds thousands of projects, and works with a wide range of organisations to help children and young people to feel happy and secure,...
Portage Worker Career Fact Sheet
November’s Healthy Lifestyle Challenge
Workplace Bullying
Unfortunately, many people will experience workplace bullying at some point in their life, which can have negative long-term physical and emotional consequences. Workplace bullying refers to a persistent pattern of mistreatment from others in the workplace. This...
Play Therapy Career Fact Sheet
Showcase Newsletter – October 2023
Men’s Health: Understanding Erectile Dysfunction
Introduction Erectile dysfunction (ED), often referred to as impotence, is a common but distressing condition that affects men of all ages. It can have a significant impact on a man's self-esteem, relationships, and overall quality of life. In this article, we will...
Autumn Activity Ideas
The Showcase Apprenticeship Awards 2023
On Thursday 5th October 2023, we hosted our first Showcase Apprenticeship Awards Ceremony, celebrating the achievements of our learners as well as the amazing employers that we work with.Inspiration of the YearThe Inspiration of the Year Award is presented to...
World Mental Health Day 2023
Every year, World Mental Health Day is celebrated on the 10th October and aims to raise awareness and improve knowledge of mental health issues, as well as drive positive change. Having good mental health is an integral part of our wellbeing, allowing us to cope with...
October’s Healthy Lifestyle Challenge
Intimate Care
Intimate care is often a bit of a taboo subject, yet it plays a vital role in our overall health and wellbeing. Our intimate areas require special attention and care to maintain hygiene, prevent infections, and promote comfort and confidence. In this article, we will...
Showcase Newsletter – September 2023
Reasons Why You Should Consider An Apprenticeship After School
Showcase Newsletter – August 2023
Norland Nanny Career Fact Sheet
Sexual Violence and Finding Support
Trigger Warning: this article contains information regarding sexual violence and assault that some readers may find alarming. If you require any support, please do not hesitate to get in touch with either your tutor or the Showcase main office. Sexual violence and...
September Healthy Lifestyles Challenge
Makaton in Early Years
Monday 28th August is International Makaton Awareness Day. Makaton is a language programme that uses signs, symbols, and speech to help people communicate. It is a multi-modal approach to communication, which means that it uses multiple channels to convey meaning....
Qualified Children’s Representative on Cruises Career Fact Sheet
Healthy Living
A Careers Chat with a Neonatal Nursery Nurse
As a Neonatal Nursery Nurse in a hospital, Beki is responsible for the care of premature and sick babies who no longer require intensive care or high dependency. This includes tasks such as providing basic care, such as bathing, feeding, and changing, monitoring...
Top Tips for CV Writing
When applying for a job, a CV is often the first impression that you will give. Therefore, it is important that a CV contains all of the relevant skills and experience that you have acquired. Here are some top tips to help make your CV stand out from the rest. What...
Showcase Newsletter – July 2023
Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Teacher Career Fact Sheet
Pregnancy
Trigger Warning (TW): This blog post contains information that some readers may find upsetting or difficult to read. There are a list of sources of support throughout should you need some further advice and guidance.Sexual activity may result in the fertilisation of...
Social Worker Career Fact Sheet
Why Men Should Consider A Career in Early Years
Globally, Early Years settings are dominated by females. Research has shown that only 3% of the Early Years workforce is male and in more than three-quarters of settings, there is not a single male employee. Here at Showcase, we are passionate about breaking down...
Showcase Newsletter – June 2023
Primary Teacher Career Fact Sheet
July Healthy Lifestyles Challenge
Sexual Health: What You Need to Know
Sexual Health: What You Need to Know Sexual health is an important part of overall health. It includes your physical, emotional, and social well-being as it relates to your sexuality. Good sexual health means being able to enjoy sex safely and freely, without fear of...
Healthy and Active Lifestyles in Early Years
Maintaining a healthy and active lifestyle in early years is crucial for growth and development. Research has shown that if physical activity is incorporated in to a child’s life from early on, they are more likely to be physically active throughout their adult life....
Stress
What is stress? At some point in our lives, we have all felt stressed. This could arise from a certain event or situation or when we are placed under pressure. Stress is a feeling that we get when we find it difficult to cope with the demands that are placed on us. It...
June Healthy Lifestyles Challenge
Showcase Newsletter – May 2023
Let’s Talk Hygiene
Let's Talk HygieneClean and safe sexual practices are important to ensure you and your partner are kept in tip top conditon when getting a little frisky. Here are some ideas to ensure you keep hygiene in mind before, during, and after sexual activity and some easy...
Mental Health Awareness Week 2023
This Year's Theme This year, Mental Health Awareness Week runs from the 15th to the 21st May with the theme ‘Anxiety’. Currently, over 8 million people in the UK have an anxiety disorder. Focusing on anxiety for this year's Mental Health Awareness Week will increase...
Showcase Newsletter – April 2023
Promoting Healthy Relationships
Promoting Healthy RelationshipsRelationships, especially romantic ones, are a common and key part of everyone's life and as humans we naturally seek love and acceptance; healthy and good relationships can help you to feel secure and supported. Gaining this from the...
Digital Technology and its Impact on Well-Being
Ofcom have conducted a study into the 'life online for children and young adults', aimed to look at the relationship young people have with online content and digital media and its impact on mental and physical well-being. The full article on the findings can be found...
Talking About Emotions With Children
Top Tips For Interacting With Children
Easter Activity Ideas
On the hunt for Easter activity ideas? Below are 3 exciting Easter activities to organise and carry out with the children in your Early Years setting. Easter Egg Hunt Basket An Easter egg hunt is an essential Easter activity. As well as being fun for the children, it...
Showcase Newsletter – March 2023
Observation of Play and Learning (OPAL)
Let’s Talk Contraception
Let's Talk ContraceptionMany people choose to use methods of contraception to avoid pregancy whilst being sexually active. There are lots of different methods available for women and men, and most are available free of charge through the NHS. Find out more below and...
Apprenticeship Vs. University
Safer Sleep Week
Safer Sleep Week – The Lullaby Trust The Lullaby Trust’s campaign ‘Safer Sleep Week’ aims to raise awareness of sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS) and provides advice to anyone looking after a young baby on how to reduce the risk. The Trust also offer emotional...
Child-Led Vs. Adult-Led Learning
What is the difference between Child-Led and Adult-Led learning? There are differences between child-led and adult-led play in Early Years and it is important that practitioners make time for both of these types of play. To provide high-quality experiences in an Early...
Top Tips for Applying for a Childcare Apprenticeship
Looking for a childcare apprenticeship? Not sure of how to write a course application statement? Here are some helpful tips on how to successfully apply for a childcare apprenticeship. Check the National Apprenticeship Service regularly as most apprenticeships...
March Lifestyle Challenge
Showcase Newsletter – February 2023
NUS Apprentice Extra
Showcase Training Early Years Career Map
Nookie Knowledge – February
Welcome!Our regular blog aims to help keep you informed of local services, resources, knowledge, and health advice to keep you safe and in a happy and healthy personal relationship. Each month we will post websites, posters/leaflets, resources, and quizzes to get you...
Gender Dysphoria
What is Gender Dysphoria? Gender dysphoria is a term that describes a sense of unease or dissatisfaction that an individual may have because of confusion between their biological sex and gender identity. Our gender identity refers to how we see and describe ourselves....
Where Can An Apprenticeship Take You?
Where can an apprenticeship take you? An apprenticeship can open up a world of opportunities and allow you to add a valuable asset to your CV. If you want to get stuck into your career, receive training and earn a wage at the same time, then an apprenticeship may be...
The History of Apprenticeships
Have you ever considered the historical aspects of vocational education and when apprenticeships were first established? Vocational education can be traced back to the 19th Century and was particularly prominent as part of the Mechanic’s Institute Movement. This...
Healthy Relationships
Is your relationship healthy? Everyone deserves to be in a safe and healthy relationship. Do you know if your relationship is healthy? Answer yes or no to the following questions to find out. Statement Yes No Score Your partner is very supportive of the things that...
February Lifestyle Challenge
What’s Next?
January Lifestyle Challenge
Showcase Newsletter – January 2023
Social Anxiety
What is Social Anxiety? Social anxiety refers to an overwhelming fear of social situations; this can occur either before, during or after these events. This type of anxiety is a common problem that often starts during your teenage years and can have a large impact on...
Never Too Old For An Apprenticeship
Never Too Old For An Apprenticeship Can you do an apprenticeship at any age? Yes! The definition of an apprenticeship is a paid job which offers hands-on work experience alongside off-the-job training. By the end of your apprenticeship, you will hopefully have gained...
Financial Stress and Mental Health
Introduction Money worries can have a huge impact on our mental health. Worrying about our finances can trigger anxiety, sleep problems as well as affect our social wellbeing. You may not be able to afford the things you need to stay well, for example, food, water,...
Showcase Newsletter – December 2022
Christmas Activity Ideas
Christmas Activity Ideas Looking for some activity ideas during the festive period? Christmas is an exciting time of year in early years with many young children amazed by the magic and wonder created around Christmas time. Many settings use this festive period in...
Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner
What is the Level 4? Showcase Training are excited to annouce the delivery of the Level 4 Certificate for the Early Years Advanced Practitioner qualification! This qualification is aimed at current Level 3 Early Years Practitioners to provide them with the knowledge...
Seasonal Affective Disorder (SAD)
Introduction Seasonal affective disorder (SAD) is a type of depression that is related to the changes in seasons, often starting in the autumn and continuing into the winter months. This transition is associated with decreased temperatures and reduced sunlight...
Grief and Bereavement
Grief and Bereavement Losing a loved one or someone you are close to is overwhelmingly difficult. Whether it be a family member, friend or pet, grief effects everyone at some point in their lives. You cannot predict how you will react to a loss but it is important to...
Showcase Newsletter – November 2022
Social Media and Mental Health
Introduction In the last 20 years, the rise of social networking sites has been strongly correlated with increasing mental health rates among young people. The surge in popularity of these platforms have created a monumental shift in how children and young people...
Podcast: Meet the Hosts