Mark making is the foundation of early writing, creativity and communication – and it should be happening everywhere, every day. As leaders, it’s our job to inspire our teams to create rich environments and champion mark making across the whole provision – indoors and out. Here are our top tips put mark making at the… Continue reading Embedding mark making across your provision
Blog Tag: MyNDNA
Early years activity: Big marks, little hands
Mark making starts long before children pick up a pencil – and sand is the perfect sensory surface to explore it. This simple and engaging activity invites curious children to make their mark, build those early writing muscles and express themselves creatively and playfully. Big marks, little hands learning aims Resources you will need for… Continue reading Early years activity: Big marks, little hands
Early years activity: Shape hunt
A shape hunt helps children develop mathematical concepts, language and motor skills through playful exploration. As they find and name shapes, they build confidence, problem-solving abilities and curiosity in a fun, hands-on way. Shape hunt learning aims Resources you will need for this activity Shape hunt activity guide How to extend this activity Disclaimer: Activities… Continue reading Early years activity: Shape hunt
Top tips: Managing local outings
Local outings enrich learning by helping children explore their community, develop social skills, and build confidence. They encourage physical activity, language growth and real-world understanding while making learning fun and memorable. Here are some tips for managing local outings. NDNA products to support you with this tip Disclaimer: Activities with children must always be risk… Continue reading Top tips: Managing local outings
Family voices, stronger nurseries: Tips for parent surveys
Parent feedback is a vital tool in improving practice, strengthening partnerships and ensuring our children’s needs are fully met. Whether you are reviewing your curriculum, planning an event, or simply want to get to know your families better, an effective survey helps give a voice to those that matter. These top tips for parent surveys… Continue reading Family voices, stronger nurseries: Tips for parent surveys
Summer sensory exploration: What’s in the box?
Using available resources and guided questioning, this interactive summer sensory exploration activity encourages curiosity, descriptive language and a focus on sensory awareness. Have fun with the sights, sounds, textures and aromas of summer. What’s in the box learning aims Resources you will need for this activity What’s in the box activity outline How to extend… Continue reading Summer sensory exploration: What’s in the box?
Top tips: Hot weather safety in nursery
While hot weather can impact everyone, young children are especially at risk as they are less able to regulate their body temperature than adults. In warm conditions, it’s crucial for nursery settings to take extra precautions to keep children safe, cool and comfortable. Use these tips to help keep children happy, healthy and protected during… Continue reading Top tips: Hot weather safety in nursery
Early years activity: Ice rescue mission
In this fun and engaging activity, children work together to rescue small toys frozen in blocks of ice. It’s a fantastic way to experiment, explore cause and effect and stay cool in warm weather. The activity encourages teamwork, communication and problem-solving, supporting personal, social and emotional development. Children are naturally fascinated by ice and will… Continue reading Early years activity: Ice rescue mission
Healthy Ice-cream
As the third Sunday in July is National Ice Cream Day, why not make your own healthy ice-cream for children to enjoy as a summer treat. You can choose your own ingredients to make a range of flavours to suit children’s taste buds. Learning aims Resources you will need Ingredients for ice cream mixture Healthy… Continue reading Healthy Ice-cream
10 tips for supporting early years children with allergies
Allergies affect millions of people in the UK, with some allergies causing severe reactions. Ensuring all of your staff are aware of your allergy policy and procedures is essential to keep children safe. Use our top tips for reviewing your practice. NDNA products to support
Transition to school
Moving from nursery to school is a significant milestone for young children. Every child experiences this transition differently, so it’s important to observe and respond to their emotions, acknowledging their individual needs. Offering personalised support can help make the process smoother and more positive. Here are some helpful tips to guide the transition. NDNA products… Continue reading Transition to school
Early years activity: Smoothing Transitions
Moving from nursery to school is a big step for young children and their parents. It’s an exciting time, but it can also bring challenges. By creating a supportive environment and encouraging open conversations, practitioners can help ease worries, answer questions, and provide practical guidance. This activity is designed to make the transition to school… Continue reading Early years activity: Smoothing Transitions
Top tips: Messy moments
Messy play should be considered an essential part of early childhood. When children’s curiosity is invited and encouraged and if they are given the freedom to explore and discover, then play can certainly get messy. Embracing messy play offers a chance to foster a fun, inclusive, learning environment with the opportunity to engage with different… Continue reading Top tips: Messy moments
Early years activity: Making, shaping and exploring dough
This is an easy, accessible activity that encourages creativity, sensory exploration and expands vocabulary. In this activity children create their own dough and get to explore its properties by mixing, rolling, stretching and shaping it into various forms. It’s a fun way to incorporate early learning concepts such as shape, colour and numbers while encouraging… Continue reading Early years activity: Making, shaping and exploring dough
Top tips: Differentiation for children with SEND
Providing equality of opportunity for all children, may incorporate differentiating aspects of your curriculum or provision to provide meaningful learning opportunities for children with SEND. Review our top tips on differentiation against your own daily practice. Top tips for differentiation for children with SEND NDNA products to support you with this tip Disclaimer: Activities with… Continue reading Top tips: Differentiation for children with SEND
Early Years Maths Activity: Sorting Socks
Develop children’s mathematical understanding by using everyday items to sort into matching pairs. Socks are a great way to look at patterns, similarities and differences, and provide problem solving opportunities for children. Learning aims Resources you will need Sorting Socks activity guide How can you extend this Sorting Socks activity? Provide a basket of socks,… Continue reading Early Years Maths Activity: Sorting Socks
My special star – Inclusive Father’s Day craft activity
Children create a bright, colourful star-shaped suncatcher to celebrate someone special in their life. The star symbolises how their special person lights up their world – whether that’s a dad, mum, grandparent, carer, or another important person. This activity offers a colourful way to celebrate love that’s adaptable, inclusive, and enjoyable. Inclusive Father’s Day activity… Continue reading My special star – Inclusive Father’s Day craft activity
Top tips: Supporting children with their communication and language
A well designed environment promotes social interaction, removes communication barriers and builds essential learning skills. Prioritising positive communication spaces ensures every child thrives, regardless of ability or background. Language and communication skills grow best with rich exposure to sounds, sights, speech and daily interactions with others. Explore our top tips and reflect on your daily… Continue reading Top tips: Supporting children with their communication and language
Early years activity: Fruit kebabs (The Very Hungry Caterpillar)
This week’s activity brings The Very Hungry Caterpillar story to life through a fun and interactive fruit kebab making session. As children create their own fruit kebabs, they’ll reinforce the story’s themes of healthy eating and develop their fine motor skills. It’s a great way for children to connect with the story and enjoy a… Continue reading Early years activity: Fruit kebabs (The Very Hungry Caterpillar)
Top tips – Safe bites: food safety essentials
Ensuring food safety is a key factor in safeguarding children’s health and well-being. Here are some practical, easy to follow tips designed to help you effectively manage food safety and create a secure, hygienic environment for everyone. Top tips for food safety NDNA products to support you with this tip Food Safety and Hygiene –… Continue reading Top tips – Safe bites: food safety essentials