The dreary, dismal weather has been a clear indicator that we’re well into autumn now. In fact, winter is peeping around the corner, ready for us with chilly days, frosty starts and possibly snow. For some, this might signal an end to the enjoyment that the outdoors brings during the spring and summer. Although it might be colder and wetter...
With Halloween fast approaching, it's a good time to reflect on how you can incorporate this seasonal event into your mud kitchen area. The joy of the mud kitchen lies in its versatility - it's so much more than mud and water! A fantastic way to encourage children to get creative at the same time as nurturing communication and language...
Why Representation Matters With children growing up in increasingly diverse communities, we really need to reflect on how our settings and schools represent different cultures. Although we are now well into Black History month, this should not be a tokenistic gesture with black culture only celebrated at particular times. Rather, identity, race and culture should form part of our curriculum...
We know that play is a valuable vehicle for nurturing learning and development. Not only that, but children have a right to play, as set out in the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child 1989. However, perhaps we now need to question how play is represented through social media and other online mediums. Play can be big...
My experience, by Kieran Wragg This year I swapped Cavtat for Kids Camp. I know what some of you might be thinking - why? Why would I swap a relaxing break in the rural, relaxing sunshine in a villa in Croatia for one camping in a field with 30-something kids? Growing up, I was fortunate enough to go on holiday...
Play is a common language which can bring children together, regardless of their differences. It holds tremendous value as a vehicle for learning and development, as well as a way of promoting diversity. In this blog, we will reflect on how one particular type of play, small world, can be embraced as a way of encouraging children to recognise and...
The introduction of loose parts to a setting can inspire a whole host of learning and play possibilities. As loose parts are open ended, they offer children the freedom of expression and the ability to be creative. There is no right or wrong way to play! If we refrain from applying learning outcomes and restrictions on the play, children can...
Den building can be so much fun, for adults as well as children. This holds value in its own right - we want children to experience activities which excite and motivate them. What is so great about den play though is the influence it can have on all areas of development. However, for this blog, we will just be focusing...
Sand is a staple in any setting. It goes hand in hand with water and children just love it. It can be used as simply as it is or be mixed with water, adding stones and logs for a dinosaur swamp. Add construction vehicles, buckets and spades, bury pirate treasure in it or letter or number hunts, add dinosaur bones and...
Teacher Appreciation: We recognise that working in the education sector has been challenging in recent times. Whether this is as a teacher, teaching assistant, childminder, preschool assistant or anyone else involved in the care, learning and experiences of young children. Everyone in a school or setting plays an important role in shaping children's experiences. From lunchtime supervisors and caretakers to...
