EYR Blog - Early Years Resources

The New Ofsted Inspection Framework: Your Questions Answered

Posted by EYR Team on 5th Jan 2026

Understanding the new Ofsted inspection framework can feel overwhelming for Early Years practitioners and setting leaders. With changes in what inspectors focus on and how they evaluate your provision … read more

5 Easy Lunar New Year Crafts for Early Years Classrooms

Posted by EYR Team on 15th Dec 2025

Celebrate the Lunar New Year with creativity, colour and cultural learning!The Lunar (or Chinese) New Year is a wonderful opportunity to introduce children to new traditions, stories and sensory exper … read more

Sensory Play: The Importance in Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 8th Dec 2025

Sensory play is one of the most powerful learning experiences in the early years. It gives children the opportunity to explore, investigate and make sense of their surroundings through touch, sou … read more

Christmas Craft Ideas for Kids (Fun & Easy Early Years Activities)

Posted by EYR Team on 1st Dec 2025

Christmas is the perfect time to get creative with children! Crafts helps develop fine motor skills, encourages imagination, and provides fun, hands-on learning opportunities. These easy Christmas cra … read more

Creative Advent Calendar Ideas for EYFS & KS1 Educators

Posted by EYR Team on 24th Nov 2025

The festive season is a magical time for children, especially as they anticipate Christmas. Advent is the perfect opportunity to combine excitement with learning. In this blog, we share creative an … read more

Four Simple Christmas Nativity Wreath Crafts to Try this Year

Posted by EYR Team on 17th Nov 2025

A Christmas wreath is a very commonly recognised symbol of the festive nativity period. They are used in homes and other settings as decorations on doors, walls or tables. With so many different de … read more

Early Years Mark Making: Importance, Benefits & Ideas

Posted by EYR Team on 10th Nov 2025

Mark making in early years settings is much more than random scribbles on paper. These early marks are a child's first steps into writing, drawing and communicating. By encouraging early years mark … read more

Top 10 Educational Christmas Gifts for Children in 2025

Posted by EYR Team on 3rd Nov 2025

Finding a Christmas gift that’s both fun and meaningful can be a bit of a challenge. That’s why educational toys are such a great option — they combine play and learning in a way … read more

15 Creative Tyre Play Ideas for Early Years Outdoor Learning

Posted by EYR Team on 27th Oct 2025

Old tyres are a fantastically versatile and affordable resource to add to your outdoor play area. Naturally weatherproof and tough, they are a great option for nurseries, preschools and any other E … read more

How to celebrate Black History Month in the early years

Posted by EYR Team on 20th Oct 2025

Black History Month presents an opportunity to introduce children to the importance of diversity, inclusion and the celebration of different cultures. In this blog we dive deeper into the importan … read more

The Benefits of Physical Play for Children

Posted by EYR Team on 20th Oct 2025

Physical play is an essential part of early childhood development. From running and jumping, to climbing and dancing, active play not only helps children build strength, but it also supports their … read more

How To Spend Your Primary PE and Sport Premium Effectively

Posted by EYR Team on 13th Oct 2025

This post was last updated in August 2025. Update for 2025-2026: PE and Sport Premium The Department of Education (DfE) has confirmed the PE and Sport Premium for the 2025-26 academi … read more

Bonfire Night Activities - Craft Inspiration

Posted by EYR Team on 6th Oct 2025

Bonfire Night is all about bright colours and sparkling lights – but the fun doesn’t have to stop at the fireworks display! Whether you’re looking for safe alternatives for little … read more

Halloween Crafts: DIY Spooky Spiderwebs

Posted by EYR Team on 22nd Sep 2025

Looking for a simple and spooky Halloween craft to engage the little ones in your nursery, school or home? This spooky spiderweb activity is perfect to support fine motor skills whilst also providi … read more

How to encourage friendships in the EYFS

Posted by EYR Team on 8th Sep 2025

The importance of friendship cannot be overlooked for young children. Friends are a source of support, empathy, and encouragement during difficult times. They help children learn how to play tog … read more

Classroom Icebreaker Activities for the New School Term

Posted by EYR Team on 1st Sep 2025

Returning to the classroom after 6 weeks of summer can be daunting for both children and teachers. Why not ease into the new school term with some fun icebreaker activities? Icebreaker games can b … read more

Starting School: 5 Ways To Prepare Your Children

Posted by EYR Team on 18th Aug 2025

“School Readiness” is a phrase often thrown around this time of year in advance of the September start dates but what does it actually mean? In this blog we will cover what it means to … read more

30 At-Home Summer Holiday Activities

Posted by EYR Team on 4th Aug 2025

Looking for ways to keep children entertained this summer during the school break? We’ve got you covered! In this blog we share 30 different activities for you to try – one for each week … read more

School Holiday Activities to Support Learning and Development

Posted by EYR Team on 28th Jul 2025

School's out! Which means it's time to have some summer fun. With the summer holidays nearly in full swing for children across the country, they will be eager to let their hair down and let loose. … read more

How to Make Your Classroom More Engaging

Posted by EYR Team on 21st Jul 2025

Besides the support of a teacher, a positive and engaging classroom environment has been found to be crucial for children’s motivation, behaviour, and overall academic success. This is true f … read more

5 Simple Classroom Display Ideas For Early Years: September Edition

Posted by EYR Team on 14th Jul 2025

Classroom Displays are essential no matter the size of your setting. They can be a great way to add colour, explore aspects of the EYFS curriculum or showcase children’s work. In this blog w … read more

Traditional Tales & Fairy Tales: What are the benefits in the EYFS?

Posted by EYR Team on 7th Jul 2025

Traditional tales and fairy tales have been used to support literacy development in the Early Years Foundation Stages (EYFS) for many years. Sometimes referred to as folk tales, these short stories … read more

15 Ways to Use Upcycled Crates in Outdoor Play

Posted by EYR Team on 30th Jun 2025

Outdoor learning has been widely acknowledged as a crucial element within early years' development. It not only refreshes a child's learning environment, but it provides them with a space to exp … read more

Starting Primary School Checklist – what are children expected to know?

Posted by EYR Team on 23rd Jun 2025

If you have a little one starting school in September you might have a lot of questions: “What does my child need to know?” “What can I do to prepare them?” “Is my c … read more

Edible Sensory Play Activities

Posted by EYR Team on 16th Jun 2025

Sensory play is incredibly beneficial for babies and young children. Not only is it fun, but there is a lot of learning that takes place that you might not realise. When a child engages in sen … read more

10 Sand & Water Activities for Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 9th Jun 2025

There's no better time to get outside and enjoy some sand and water activities than when the sun is shining in the summer! Children naturally love to explore and investigate – and sand and … read more

What is a Room Design Service?

Posted by EYR Team on 2nd Jun 2025

Nowadays there are a lot of options on the market to have a room or part of your setting designed for you but what does this entail? In this blog, we will answer some of the frequently asked questi … read more

The Importance of Sand and Water Play in Early Childhood

Posted by EYR Team on 26th May 2025

What is Sand & Water Play? Sand and water are the most basic of raw materials and children can use them without being constrained by the ‘right’ way to play with either of … read more

What is Sand and Water Play?

Posted by EYR Team on 19th May 2025

Sand and water play is a popular activity in many early years’ educational settings, from nurseries and preschools to childminders and at home. It offers children the opportunity to explore m … read more

7 Outdoor Loose Parts Play Activity Ideas and Benefits

Posted by EYR Team on 12th May 2025

In this blog we will be delving into outdoor loose parts play, discussing the value and benefits and sharing 7 of our favourite ways to use loose parts outside. Read on for activity inspiration to … read more

How Children Learn Through Sand and Water Play

Posted by EYR Team on 5th May 2025

Learning through play is a hot topic within the early year’s sector with a lot of parents and educators wanting more information on specifically how children can learn skills whilst engaging … read more

Outdoor Classroom Ideas: 10 Ways to Support KS1 Learning Outside

Posted by EYR Team on 28th Apr 2025

We all know the benefits that outdoor learning can have on a child’s development, but often, coming up with outdoor classroom ideas can be a bit of a struggle. In this blog we share 10 sugges … read more

8 Outdoor Tuff Tray Ideas

Posted by EYR Team on 21st Apr 2025

We all know about the importance of getting outside. However, it can be difficult to think of new and exciting activities that keep little ones engaged without using a lot of costly resources. In … read more

What is Outdoor Learning?

Posted by EYR Team on 14th Apr 2025

Outdoor learning in primary schools is defined as an educational approach that takes learning beyond the confines of a traditional classroom and into a natural environment. It offers children hand … read more

Sand and Water Tuff Tray Inspiration

Posted by EYR Team on 7th Apr 2025

Looking for Tuff Tray activities? You've come to the right place! Due to its amazing versatility, one of our favourite resources is our Tuff Tray. Whether you are using the Mini Tuff Tray or … read more

5 Benefits of Outdoor Learning for Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 31st Mar 2025

The benefits of outdoor learning are endless. Being outside allows children to express themselves freely. Unlike an indoor classroom, there aren’t space constraints, meaning chil … read more

Understanding the core schools budget grant

Posted by EYR Team on 24th Mar 2025

In October of 2024, the government released its Autumn Budget. This detailed, amongst other things, the intended budgets and plans for spending within education. This blog breaks down the key point … read more

10 Easter Tuff Tray Ideas

Posted by EYR Team on 17th Mar 2025

With Easter springing upon us, what better way to keep your little ones entertained than with Easter tuff tray ideas? In this blog we present a selection of 10 simple yet fun tuff tray activities … read more

10 Imaginative Play Activities Your Children Will Love

Posted by EYR Team on 10th Mar 2025

Children growing up in the modern world can so easily be entertained with devices and screens however there are huge benefits associated with organic creative imaginative play. In this blog we sh … read more

10 Mother's Day Card Ideas for Kids

Posted by EYR Team on 3rd Mar 2025

Looking for fun and creative Mother's Day Card Ideas for kids? Interested in making one-of-a-kind handmade cards? In this blog, we share 10 easy Mother's Day card ideas to try with your l … read more

EYFS Pancake Day Activities & Ideas

Posted by EYR Team on 24th Feb 2025

When is Pancake Day? Shrove Tuesday, or Pancake Day as it is sometimes known, is a traditional feast day before the start of Lent on Ash Wednesday. Lent - the 40 days leading up to East … read more

EYR Budget Friendly Series: Cheap Science Activities for Kids

Posted by EYR Team on 17th Feb 2025

School budgets are tight, fact. This budget-friendly blog series will explore cost-effective solutions to teaching and share subject-specific activity ideas. This is to provide educators with simpl … read more

5 Simple Activities for World Book Day

Posted by EYR Team on 10th Feb 2025

World Book Day is just around the corner and it’s the biggest celebration of its kind. We celebrate World Book Day to salute authors, books, and illustrators and to give all young childr … read more

How to Promote Equality and Diversity in the Classroom

Posted by EYR Team on 3rd Feb 2025

Early childhood is a critical time for shaping a young person’s beliefs, attitudes and values. Therefore, early years settings play a crucial role in promoting equality and diversity among y … read more

6 Easy Ramadan Crafts for Children

Posted by EYR Team on 27th Jan 2025

Introducing children to different cultures and various festivals is a great way for children to understand more about the world around us. Ramadan is one such festival that is rapidly approaching … read more

EYR Budget Friendly Series: How to Teach Literacy on a Budget

Posted by EYR Team on 20th Jan 2025

For the second in our budget-friendly blog series, we will be exploring literacy! Specifically, we will be suggesting a variety of cost-effective solutions for you to support children’s lear … read more

Fun Facts about the Lunar New Year 2026 (Year of the Fire Horse)

Posted by EYR Team on 13th Jan 2025

Updated for the Lunar New Year on the 17th February 2026 Lunar New Year is one of the biggest and most colourful celebrations in the world — and a wonderful festival for children to learn about … read more

How to Talk to Children about Periods

Posted by EYR Team on 6th Jan 2025

This blog has been written Hey Girls, an award winning period product social enterprise. Hey Girls have partnered with EYR as part of their longstanding mission to educate others on period poverty … read more

5 Fun Science Experiments for Kids to Explore STEM at Home

Posted by EYR Team on 16th Dec 2024

Engaging young children in STEM experiments is a great way to explore the links between science, technology, engineering and maths using everyday materials found at home. In this blog, we’ve … read more

9 Chinese New Year Ideas & Activities

Posted by EYR Team on 9th Dec 2024

Chinese New Year is one of my favourite festivals and celebrations. There are lots of Chinese New Year activities you can do, and there are different ways to incorporate this festival within the a … read more

Our Blog

Recent Articles

Categories

Craft Corner

EYFS

Handy Hacks

Health & Wellbeing

Activity Inspiration

Development

Learning Environment

Recipes

Popular Articles

Stay In The Loop

Join Our Newsletter