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

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

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: Smoothie sensation

Explore healthy eating with this hands-on smoothie making activity. Children mix and match ingredients to create a sensational smoothie, supporting confidence in trying new tastes and an appreciation of healthy, nutritious food. Smoothie sensation activity learning aims This early years activity will help children to: Resources you will need Smoothie sensation activity outline How to… Continue reading Early years activity: Smoothie sensation

Top tips: parental involvement in early years activities at home

There is an abundance of research that demonstrates the importance of parents and carers in a child’s life, and the significant impact that parental involvement in children’s education has on their learning, with positive effects that last into adulthood. Read our top tips to ensure you create supportive strategies for home learning opportunities to all… Continue reading Top tips: parental involvement in early years activities at home

Top tips: Building resilience

Resilience is a person’s ability to adapt, recover and thrive in the face of challenges and setbacks. Investing in children’s resilience will support their confidence, health, and well-being now and in the future. Take a look at our top tips for building resilience in young children. Top tips for building resilience NDNA products to support… Continue reading Top tips: Building resilience