This simple activity which encourages children to explore their emotions and expressions through play. Using mirrors, children can observe their own faces, copy different expressions and begin to recognise how our faces can show how we are feeling. The activity also supports children's confidence, communication and self-awareness in a playful and engaging way.
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Toothbrushing can sometimes feel like a challenge, especially for young children who are still getting used to the routine. Nurseries can help make brushing a positive and enjoyable experience by keeping it playful, predictable and encouraging. Small changes and lots of positive reinforcement can help reluctant brushers develop healthy habits that support their oral health.
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Our Director of Quality and Training, Stella Ziolkowski and I visited Smarties Nursery in Rastrick, West Yorkshire to meet their staff and children. Smarties like many other nurseries across the UK benefit from holding the Millie’s Mark accreditation. This means that all their staff who work with children are trained in paediatric first aid.
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September is the time you can join in with the recycling awareness week. Recycling is a great way to support the environment and these top tips are to support the recycling, reuse and repurposing of everyday materials, with practical ideas that can be incorporated into nursery routines and activities, helping to reduce waste and make the most of the resources already available.
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Teaching children about recycling will support them to develop environmentally friendly habits as they grow. This activity will challenge children to think about reusing and repurposing everyday items, encouraging them to think creatively about how objects can be given a new purpose rather than being thrown away.
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Help children recognise and celebrate differences in positive ways, from hair and skin colour to languages, families, abilities, interests, cultures and traditions. Create an environment where children feel proud of who they are, see themselves reflected in their surroundings and learn to appreciate the wonderful differences in others.
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World Afro Day is a Global Day of Celebration and liberation for Afro hair. The day aims to challenge negative attitudes and help people understand and appreciate the diversity of Afro hair and identity. This my hair and me activity provides a wonderful opportunity to explore the idea that everyone's hair is different, and every type of hair is beautiful.
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Black history month arrives every October. What does it mean for educators working with under-fives? It means making sure every child sees themselves reflected in their environment and that difference is the interesting norm. October is a useful to prompt to check it’s happening throughout the year and these tips are to help you run the month smoothly.
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The following activities are perfect for your celebration of Black history. Early preparations will ensure it’s well-planned, meaningful and understood by everyone. Children will have the opportunity to make instruments, feel the rhythm of the music and the pure joy of Black British carnival tradition.
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Demand for childcare has never been stronger. So why are nurseries still closing? The problem isn't demand. It's finance that doesn't match how nurseries actually get paid.
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