Henry Mathias, Head of Professional Practice and Standards, Care Inspectorate, writes about the Care Inspectorate's Gender Equal Play resource which encourages and positively promotes gender equal play by highlighting and sharing good practice examples from across the early learning and childcare (ELC) sector.

Did you know that the Scottish Cot Death Trust offers free safe sleep training to staff in Early Learning and Childcare settings? Martin Courtney, National Education Coordinator for the Trust, describes their education sessions and outlines what support is available.

The Care Inspectorate has launched Food Matters, a free resource full of good practice examples of how to support children and families to develop a positive relationship with healthy eating.

Early Years Scotland has received a National Lottery award from the National Lottery Community Fund to continue and expand its highly successful work supporting children under five years of age affected by the imprisonment of a parent.

Early Years Scotland requires a Development and Support Officer to work in partnership with Aberdeenshire Council. The post is office based, providing remote support and advice on building all levels of quality in early years settings.

The task of running a community based playgroup will be made easier for groups in Abedreenshire with the publication of a free guide giving invaluable information and advice on managing their affairs smoothly.