Loose Parts

One of my favourite school memories is of playing on a large, wooden cable reel on our school field. We loved the challenge of balancing and walking as it rolled along and would keep trying until we got it right. It was risky play, but so much fun.  And that’s the beauty of large loose parts. They’re open ended 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...

Children love construction play. As they play, they are building a myriad of skills which feed into all areas of learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). Construction play, however, should never be limited just to the EYFS - not only is it fun but can impact on learning linked to the National Curriculum. Please see links...

Adding a woodwork area to your setting can be a wonderful way to inspire play and learning in a fun, hands on way. The nature of woodwork means that children are engaged in a rich, sensory experience which impacts on the holistic development of the child. Getting started... Firstly, communication with everyone involved is a good starting point. It's important...

Getting outdoors to explore nature is a vital part of early years education, and childhood as a whole. A well-planned learning environment, indoors and outside, is an important aspect of pedagogy. It can be as simple as grabbing your wellies and going on a bug hunt. Renowned educator Charlotte Mason shares that you should ‘never be indoors when you could...

Wonderful Wicker! Creating a natural, cosy classroom or setting can be so beneficial to the well-being of both children and staff alike. Adding wicker elements helps to break up the space, creating a more cosy, natural environment. From our cosy wicker pods and dens to a wicker archway - both can be staple pieces in creating a more natural space...

A inspiring selection of all the wonderful sustainable Cosy Green, upcycled and recycled Christmas and festive activity ideas. From activities and crafts using upcycled cardboard boxes, egg boxes, clippings from the tree, wooden pallets and cable drums. Check out all these wonderful Recycled and Green Christmas activity ideas from our Cosy Club members and Cosy Creatives. Christmas crafts - making...

We love tray play here at Cosy and Christmas is a fabulous time of year for doing all your festive crafts and activities in your tray. Containing the mess! We have collated all the wonderful Christmas tray play and activity ideas that we get tagged in to inspire you, along with some of our Cosy Creative's Christmas tray play ideas...

Create a natural classroom both inside and out with these ideas for creating a natural classroom - from resources to furniture. From Hessian fabric for display, through to loose parts, natural construction, cosy wicker reading or den pods and furniture - let us inspire you. Cosy and Natural is what we do best Your natural classrooms A wicker Arch...

With an increased focus on communication and language in the revised Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), settings and schools need to consider their provision.  Leaders will now be thinking about their current provision and whether adjustments need to be made to ensure children are given an abundance of opportunities to talk, share stories, extend their vocabulary, engage in imaginative role...