SEND and Inclusion

The Government is investing £740 million to create 10,000 new school places for children with SEND. The SEND funding aims to help more children learn and thrive at schools close to home. Schools can now apply for funding to adapt spaces or build new facilities. A Step Towards Better Local Support Fewer than one in ten mainstream schools have specialist...

Spring is in the air - and there's no time like the present to get learners involved in seasonal themed sensory play. Here's a round up of our favourite Spring sensory activities to inspire you over the coming weeks! Water Play Flowers, scented water and pouring and mixing - all wonderful ways to evoke the senses while supporting children's understanding...

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...

Children’s Mental Health Week takes place every February. Since 2015, it has helped us listen to children and young people. It also helps us talk more openly about mental health. Here at Cosy, we are outdoor advocates. As Charlotte Mason said, “never be within doors when you can rightfully be without”. We believe nature brings back the magic of childhood...

Have you tried light play in your setting? A simple concept with expansive opportunities for learning, light play can enhance all areas of the EYFS curriculum. In this post, we share our favourite ways to incorporate light play in your everyday. Create a dedicated light play area Set up a specific area within the continuous provision (indoor or outdoors) where...

Autumn is firmly here - even if the weather occasionally decides to go back up to 20 degrees! Autumn is one of our favourite seasons here at Cosy. The weather is turning a little bit more chill, a new school year begins, and the cosy evenings of the 'ber months are upon us. We particularly love what autumn has to...

When creating an enabling environment in the Early Years, quiet spaces are a must. In this blog, we explore the need for quiet spaces and how they link to learning and development in the Early Years Foundation Stage. Why quiet spaces are important in the EYFS With more and more children being diagnosed with Speech, Language and Communication Needs (SLCN...

If you've been around in early years for a moment, you are likely to be very familiar with the humble (or not so humble!) tuff tray, or tuff spot. Coming in a variety of colours, shapes and sizes, tuff spots (or tuff trays) are ideal for young learners, allowing plenty of space for exciting resources, movement, and messy play. We're...

Loose parts play has gained significant recognition for its ability to foster creativity, problem-solving skills, and imagination. While loose parts traditionally include objects like blocks, sticks, and shells, one often overlooked yet incredibly versatile loose part is light. Incorporating light as a loose part in early years settings can unlock a world of possibilities for children's exploration.  Light, as a...

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...