Considering the needs of others is one of the building blocks of empathy and pets in a nursery setting can enable children to learn about caring for others while helping them to talk about their feelings and emotions. Pets in a setting are a big responsibility and providers should carefully consider all the extra responsibilities… Continue reading Top tips: Nursery Pets – Health and Safety
Blog Tag: Tips
Top tips: Building belonging through resources
Creating a truly inclusive environment means making sure every child feels seen, valued and celebrated. The resources we select play a big role in shaping children’s understanding of themselves and others. By offering diverse, authentic and accessible materials, you can help children build respect, empathy and a sense of belonging from the beginning of their… Continue reading Top tips: Building belonging through resources
Top tips: Incorporating Black History month into the setting
Black History Month is a great opportunity for nurseries to celebrate diversity, culture and achievement. It’s important to keep things fun, engaging and age-appropriate by focusing on stories, music, food and creativity that children can relate to. The aim is not just to mark one month, but to create a setting where all children feel… Continue reading Top tips: Incorporating Black History month into the setting
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
Healthy Teeth – Tips for Parents
Tooth decay is one of the most common childhood health issues but it’s largely preventable with the right care at home. By encouraging parents to take a proactive approach to their child’s dental routine, you can help set the foundation for strong, healthy teeth and a confident smile. Top tips Offer lots of praise as… Continue reading Healthy Teeth – Tips for Parents
Embedding mark making across your provision
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
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
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
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
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
Employment tribunals and early years: what you need to know
Running an early years’ business means you’ve already got plenty on your plate – from supporting children to managing day-to-day operations, dealing with an employment tribunal is likely the last thing you want to think about. But with 97,000 claims made in 2023/24 – and the highest award reaching £995,000 – it’s an issue that’s… Continue reading Employment tribunals and early years: what you need to know
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