Top tips: Staying safe outside in the dark     

Kid in reflective vest in darkness. Safety on dark city streets for school children. Safe way home at night or in the evening. Fluorescent stripes on kids clothing and backpack. Boy walking at dusk.

As the evenings grow darker, it’s important to stay extra vigilant when children are outdoors. In low light or bad weather, young children can be difficult for drivers and cyclists to spot. These easy tips can help keep your children safe when out after dark.   Top tips for staying safe outside in the dark Disclaimer:… Continue reading Top tips: Staying safe outside in the dark     

Top tips: Fire Safety  

Fire safety is a vital part of keeping children, staff and visitors safe in a day nursery. While the chances of a fire are low, being well-prepared ensures that everyone knows what to do in an emergency. By having clear procedures, the right equipment and regular training, nurseries can create a safe environment. Our top… Continue reading Top tips: Fire Safety  

Top tips: Ensuring inclusion

Creating an inclusive nursery ensures every child feels valued, respected and supported. By embracing diversity, challenging biases and addressing ableism, nurseries can foster a welcoming environment where all children thrive. Here are some top tips to ensure your setting is inclusive for all children. Top tips for ensuring inclusion NDNA products to help you with… Continue reading Top tips: Ensuring inclusion

Top tips: Hosting a community event 

Hosting a community event fosters strong relationships between families, staff and the wider community. It creates a sense of belonging, encourages parental involvement and supports children’s social development. Events also provide opportunities for learning through play, cultural celebrations and community partnerships. Additionally, they can raise awareness, support local causes and enhance the nursery’s reputation, making… Continue reading Top tips: Hosting a community event 

Top tips: Outdoor Play Made Easy 

Spending time outside, particularly in nature, is good for everyone, regardless of age. Outdoor play boosts children’s physical health and general well-being, while giving parents a chance to relax, connect and enjoy some quality time together. Here are some tips to support you in getting everyone outside!  Top Outdoor Play Made Easy tips NDNA products… Continue reading Top tips: Outdoor Play Made Easy 

Top tips: Recycling tips

Teaching children about recycling can help them to develop lifelong skills for sustainability and caring for the environment. Review our top tips to encourage children and families to take part in recycling projects in your setting and the local community.  Top recycling tips NDNA products to support you with this tip Environmental Sustainability Policy –… Continue reading Top tips: Recycling tips

Supporting new vocab through festivals/special days

Supporting new vocab through festivals/special days offers rich, exciting opportunities to build children’s vocabulary in meaningful ways. Celebrating festivals offers children the opportunity to explore new words, understand different traditions and feel proud of who they are. It also sparks curiosity about others and supports their confidence as communicators.   Top tips for supporting new vocab… Continue reading Supporting new vocab through festivals/special days

Sharing stories at home  

National Read a Book Day is in September – use the day to encourage children and families to get involved, share a story and spend some quality time together. Sharing stories boosts vocabulary, social skills and communication and language skills. Here are some tips to help parents instil a love of books at home. Top… Continue reading Sharing stories at home  

Smooth moves: Managing transitions in the setting 

Smooth transitions between activities help young children to feel secure, stay engaged and develop self-regulation. With clear cues and supportive routines, practitioners can turn potentially challenging moments into opportunities for learning and independence.  Top tips for managing transitions in the setting  NDNA products to support you with this tip Championing SEND – online trainingAutism Awareness… Continue reading Smooth moves: Managing transitions in the setting 

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 

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

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