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Top tips: Involving children in snack preparation 

Involving children in preparing snacks supports independence, communication, early maths skills and healthy eating habits. With planning and supervision, snack preparation can be a fun, safe and meaningful learning experience for the children.  

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Involving children in snack preparation

Early years activity: Fruit faces

This fruit faces activity introduces young children to a variety of fruits in a fun, hands-on way, encouraging them to explore healthy foods through play. By creating ‘fruit faces’ children can develop positive attitudes towards healthy eating, practise fine motor skills and learn the names, colours, weights and textures of different fruits.

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Fruit faces activity

Early years activity: Big garden bird watch 

Take learning outdoors with our discovering the signs of winter seasonal activity. Children explore the signs of winter, from frost and bare trees to the chilly air, using magnifying glasses to observe nature close up, inspiring a sense of awe and wonder at our wonderful world. 

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Top tips: Encouraging bird visitors and how to look after them 

Strong communication skills start with rich, everyday interactions. Nursery leaders play a vital role in creating language-rich environments where every child feels heard and confident to express themselves. These simple, playful tips will help spark conversation, extend vocabulary and build confident communicators to help get children talking. 

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Top tips: Get children talking

Strong communication skills start with rich, everyday interactions. Nursery leaders play a vital role in creating language-rich environments where every child feels heard and confident to express themselves. These simple, playful tips will help spark conversation, extend vocabulary and build confident communicators to help get children talking. 

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Get children talking - myNDNA

Early years activity: Discovering the signs of winter 

Take learning outdoors with our discovering the signs of winter seasonal activity. Children explore the signs of winter, from frost and bare trees to the chilly air, using magnifying glasses to observe nature close up, inspiring a sense of awe and wonder at our wonderful world. 

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Discovering the signs of winter activity website

How Parkfield Nursery Supported a Colleague Through Cancer Treatment

Parkfield Nursery in Carlisle has long been known as a caring and supportive workplace. In 2025, that culture was tested when Business Manager Barbara Mason was diagnosed with breast cancer. What followed was a sustained, coordinated effort by Manager Julie Laidlaw, the nursery staff, parents, and children to maintain normality, emotional support, and community connection throughout Barbara’s trea

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Top tips: Singing in the early years 

As we get ready to step into a new year, it’s a perfect opportunity to embrace fresh beginnings, renewed energy and exciting possibilities. A new year offers a chance for reflection, growth and inspiration. These tips are designed to help leaders support their staff in feeling motivated, valued and empowered, while also prioritising their well-being.  

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Singing in the early years

Early years activity: New Year Time Capsule 

Periods of excitement or routine changes can often feel overwhelming for young children, bringing extra noise, activity and heightened emotions. This activity provides a cosy, calming retreat where children can step away from the busyness around them. The den offers a quiet space for moments of stillness and emotional regulation whenever children need a peaceful break. 

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New Year Time Capsule
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