outdoor play

Outdoor Classroom Day is the perfect opportunity to rethink what learning outside can really look like. It’s no longer just about a grassy patch or a couple of benches — today’s outdoor spaces can be anything from modular buildings, tipis and shelters to log cabins and forest school areas. At Cosy, we believe that any outdoor space has the potential...

Movement is for everyone. For children in the EYFS, especially those with Special Educational Needs (SEN), physical development isn’t just about getting healthy, it’s about building strong skills for learning, fostering independence, and growing.  Thanks to the government’s PE and Sport Premium funding, schools have a valuable opportunity to invest in inclusive, purposeful resources that help all children thrive—starting in...

Thank you as always to our wonderful friend Julia at Creative STAR for writing this post for us. At this time of year, wildflowers are beginning to bloom, one of the best of which has to be the dandelion. It is a sure sign that the soil is warming up and spring has arrived. So enjoy some playful explorations for...

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...

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...

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...

With the chilly temperatures of January comes a wonderful world of icy magic in your outdoor area. With this in mind we've hopped to it with some fun winter mud kitchen activities at Cosy HQ. Here's a lovely idea to work on with your children - icy winter ornaments! A great way to explore the changing properties of water, as...

Welcome back to your setting! Now January is here, it's time to get back into those all important routines. Many young children love the Christmas break, as do adults - but many may have found this in between season (and the lack of routine that comes with it) a challenge. This is particularly true for neurodiverse children. With this mind...

Role play is a magical part of the early years foundation stage and beyond. Most EYFS practitioners will be familiar with the magic of a role play corner, but why exactly is it so important in the EYFS, and how can it be used to best promote the development of our little ones? Read on to find out. The benefits...

It's that time of year again! Derby Kids Camp is back and ready to provide fantastic holiday experiences for children of Derbyshire who deserve it most. Derby Kids Camp is fully volunteer run, offering a week away for hundreds of deserving children. From young carers to those who struggle with social interaction, experience poverty or are handling bereavement, this summer...