Festivals and Seasons

Every January, the RSPB invites us all to slow down, look a little closer and notice the wildlife right outside our doors. The Big Garden Birdwatch returns on 23-25 January 2026, offering schools, nurseries and families a wonderfully simple way to help children connect with nature. Taking part is completely free and straightforward. All it involves is spending one quiet...

The lighter nights and milder days are sure signs that Spring at last is on the way. With growth and new life, it is full of learning opportunities we can use to inspire children in the Early Years and beyond. Although the weather in Spring can still be unpredictable, we can pull on our wellies, pop on a waterproof and...

We're loving Spring! Here are some thoughts from our lovely Emma on the wonders of Spring mark making. Spring provides us with a sense of new beginnings and reawakens that feeling of wonder at the learning opportunities the natural world affords us. The outdoors during this time can be a place for exploration, adventure and creativity which we can harness...

There is no time like Spring,When life's alive in everything,Before new nestlings sing,Before cleft swallows speed their journey backAlong the trackless track - Excerpt from 'Spring' by Christina Rosetti (Public Domain) Welcome Spring! We're not sure about you but we were very much ready for some wonderful Spring sunshine. There's no time like this buzzy, bustling time of year to...

With the colder weather upon us and Winter finally here, it seems an appropriate time to share some activities to enjoy over the winter months! Ice play Try leaving a tuff spot out overnight with water in the bottom - with cold enough temperatures, the water will freeze leaving you ready for some icy fun the next day. Encourage children...

Fall, leaves, fall; die, flowers, away;Lengthen night and shorten day;Every leaf speaks bliss to meFluttering from the autumn tree.I shall smile when wreaths of snowBlossom where the rose should grow;I shall sing when night’s decayUshers in a drearier day. - Fall Leaves, Fall by Emily Brontë Sometimes it takes a poem to summarise a feeling, so we thought we'd do...

On Remembrance Day, it's essential to instil a sense of gratitude and respect in the hearts of children. While the significance of this day may be complex for young minds, engaging them in age-appropriate activities can help them grasp the importance of honouring the soldiers. Here are some eyfs remembrance day activities you can do today with children. Create Your...

It's here! Back to school 2024 has begun, and this post will focus on provision ideas for learners beginning their first formal school year in Reception or EYFS (FS2). This time of year almost always necessitates some 'getting to know you' activities in your classroom or learning space, but there is so much more to providing fun, simple activities in...

As special events like Father's Day come around each year, many settings will use the opportunity to promote crafts, stories and teaching around the special day. This makes sense of course, particularly in terms of the 'understanding the world' specific area of the EYFS. Settings will also be familiar with making sure all children feel included in celebrations like this...

By Juliet Robertson Here’s a few simple outdoor learning experiences and play suggestions to do that can be easily squeezed into the hectic schedules in schools and pre-schools in the run up to Christmas. No more cabin fever. Let’s get out, get more sustainable and get going with free or low cost ideas.  If you work in Early Years, some...