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Early years activity: Diwali celebrations

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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Diwali celebrations

Top tips: Fire safety during celebrations

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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Fire safety during celebrations

Early years activity: Yoga and Me

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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Top tips: Sharing your vision

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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Benedict’s Law

Benedict’s Law is a set of national measures designed to improve allergy safety in schools. Currently, these measures apply to schools in England, while campaigning continues to extend into Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

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Top tips: Having difficult conversations

Difficult conversations are an inevitable part of managing an early years setting. Whether discussing development, behaviour, attendance, well-being or a concern raised by a parent, the aim should always be to keep the child at the centre while maintaining a positive partnership with families.

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Having difficult conversations

Early years activity: Sensory harvest tray

This sensory harvest tray activity is a wonderful way for babies and young children to explore the sights, smells, textures and sounds of autumn. Using a range of natural harvest-inspired materials, children can investigate at their own pace while developing their senses, curiosity, communication and physical skills through hands-on, playful exploration.

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Sensory harvest tray

More employment law changes are coming: Here’s what NDNA members need to know

Are you fed up of trying to keep on top of employment law changes on top of the consistent ratios, recruitment, and rising costs of running a nursery? It’s hard to know what you need to know and what you need to action. We’ve partnered with Citation, a trusted provider of HR, Employment Law and Health & Safety support, so that you, our members, stay compliant and keep your teams protected.

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Early years activity: Mirror Faces

This simple activity which encourages children to explore their emotions and expressions through play. Using mirrors, children can observe their own faces, copy different expressions and begin to recognise how our faces can show how we are feeling. The activity also supports children's confidence, communication and self-awareness in a playful and engaging way.

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