It’s that time of year when the dark nights are closing in and children are noticing the changes in the world around them. This activity provides an opportunity for children to explore darkness in an exciting way by using all their senses in a familiar environment, giving them the confidence and skills to share ideas and create a group poem.
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Technology is becoming a bigger part of everyday life in early years settings, from staff information and records to digital communication using parental apps. As technology changes we need to ensure our practice keeps up too. Digital safety is about protecting everyone who accesses or shares digital information, while safe use of technology is about how we use it in practice.
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Effective progress tracking is about much more than recording children's progress. When used well, it gives nursery managers and educators a clear picture of how children are developing, highlights patterns and identifies where additional support or changes to provision may be needed. The key is to make tracking purposeful, manageable and something the whole team understands and contributes to.
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This is a simple outdoor activity that encourages children to explore the natural world through colour, observation and creativity. Children can search for different colours in their surroundings, collect natural treasures and use them to create their own designs, supporting curiosity, language development and a growing appreciation of nature.
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Stories are a wonderful way to explore and connect with the traditions and the cultural significance of festivals and celebrations. This week’s activity aims to develop children’s understanding of Diwali through the power of storytelling. The activities can be used as part of your wider programme of Diwali celebrations.
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Celebrations and festivals are a wonderful opportunity for children and families to enjoy special traditions together, including sparklers, fireworks, candles and oil lamps (diyas). The tips below can be shared with parents to help everyone enjoy these occasions safely and ensure children are kept safe around fire and other sources of heat.
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Employee wellbeing is no longer a “nice to have” in early years settings; it is essential to creating a positive, resilient and high-quality environment for both staff and children. At Abacus Day Nursery in Swansea, wellbeing is embedded into everyday practice through open communication, practical support, professional development and a strong commitment to mental health.
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A clear vision gives everyone in your nursery a shared sense of purpose and direction. It helps your team understand not only what you want to achieve for children and families, but why it matters. When practitioners understand and feel part of the vision, it is more likely to be reflected in everyday interactions, decision-making and practice.
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Yoga can be a fun and playful way for young children to explore movement and discover what their bodies can do. Simple poses and movements encourage children to stretch, reach, bend, balance and hold different positions, helping to develop core strength, stability, balance, co-ordination and body awareness.
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For Meadowbank Day Nursery in Monmouthshire, achieving NDNA Millie’s Mark was about more than gaining a quality endorsement. It was an opportunity to build on an already strong safety culture and show families that every member of staff is confident, prepared and ready to respond when children need help.
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