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Latest News

17/01/2020
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Why Don’t They All Learn Well Through Play?

This article has been written by Ellie Collar from Early Years SEN, who will be delivering our Workshop ‘Executive Function: Learning Through Play’ on the 18th March 2020 in Manchester. Learn more. I am an early years practitioner and I have worked with Flitters. You know the children who play like butterflies, circling the play environment but never really engaging with anything long enough to extend their play or use the language you planned for it to stimulate? Those children who play well if an adult is there to extend... Read More

13/01/2020
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Learning About Chinese New Year 2020 [VIDEO]

It’s that time of year again when Chinese New Year celebrations take centre stage! A holiday filled with colour, culture and celebration, Chinese New Year is celebrated annually but follows the Chinese Lunar Calendar, so the date always changes but falls sometime between January and February. This year it takes place on the 25th January 2020. Watch the video below to learn all about the celebration and find answers to questions such as, “What ‘year’ is it and what does that mean?” “How is Chinese New Year celebrated in China?”... Read More

29/11/2019
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Paper Tube Christmas Tree Crafts

Make this festive Christmas Tree made out of paper tubes with the children and encourage some Christmas Creativity! Read the simple instructions below to get started: Art Materials You Will Need: Cardboard Tubes Gold Card Green and Brown Card Glittery Shapes Scissors Glue STEP 1: Gather together the cardboard tubes. You could use kitchen roll tubes or thinner tubes from rolls of tin foil. Cut the tubes into decreasing lengths so that they form a tree-shape when placed together. Cut a final short length for the tree trunk. STEP 2:... Read More

27/11/2019
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How Can Stories Help Bridge Cultural Differences?

This article has been written by storytelling specialists, Tonya and Natasha, from Little Creative Days Stories are such a powerful tool, they can help us to make sense of the world and each other. This is because we are hardwired to learn this way and that’s why there is no better way to help young children learn about each other and each other’s cultures. Although we live in a very multi-cultural society there are just as many similarities between us as there are differences and using stories, especially fairytales, from... Read More

18/11/2019
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Understanding the Basics of Phonics

Phonics is the way in which children begin to understand words, and as such is one of the most important parts of a child’s early education. This blog will go over the basic principles of phonics and the terms used, to help better understand the subject and consequently help children learn more effectively. Phonics deals with phonemes; the smallest unit of sound. Though there are only 26 letters in the English Alphabet, there are 44 phonemes. We’ve listed them below along with an example of how they sound; One of... Read More

11/11/2019
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5 Playground Games for Encouraging Children to be Active

Children don’t have long break times, usually between 20-30 minutes. So how can they be encouraged to use this time to do something active? We’ve put together a list of traditional and engaging playground games, ideal for the schools and for helping children improve PE skills, make friends and be in the right mindset for learning afterwards! Donkey Donkey is a classic game with many different names. It can be played with a minimum of two people, though we’d recommend no more than 7.  In a circle of against a... Read More

childminder winter catalogue out now 06/11/2019
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Childminders Winter Selection 2019 Catalogue – Out Now!

We are extremely proud to announce the launch of our latest Childminders Winter Selection Catalogue! Boasting a range of innovative products selected for childminders, this year’s winter edition is sure to inspire! Inside the catalogue, you will find a selection of engaging resources for the upcoming winter festivals and EYFS themes to explore this winter. Alongside the essential childminding resources for winter, you will also be inspired with fun craft ideas for Christmas and Winter. To get your hands on a FREE copy of our brand new childminders winter selection catalogue 2019,... Read More

04/11/2019
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How to Ensure Play Supports Classroom Teaching

“Play is one of the most important ways in which young children gain essential knowledge and skills” The Lego Foundation in Support of UNICEF, 2018, Learning Through Play ‘Imaginative Play’ and ‘Pretend Play’ are often referred to in relation to Early Years and the EYFS. But after children take that leap away from nursery and towards Primary School, does play disappear from their education altogether? Of course not! Play has been proven to be crucial for Foundation and KS1 development, helping to develop fundamental skills such as communication, and supporting... Read More

winter festivals selection catalogue 09/09/2019

Winter Festivals Selection 2019 Catalogue – Out Now!

We are extremely excited to announce the launch of our latest Winter Festivals Selection Catalogue! As summer draws to an end, our thoughts turn to the festive excitement ahead! From colourful autumnal art & craft supplies and spook-tacular Halloween resources to cracking Bonfire Night crafts and wonderful winter supplies, you will find all the resources you need inside our brand new winter festivals catalogue to ensure your celebrations go off with a bang this 2019. To get your hands on a FREE copy of our brand new Winter Festivals Catalogue 2019, simply fill... Read More

childminders summer selection 2019 catalogue 03/07/2019
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Childminders Summer Selection 2019 Catalogue – Out Now!

We are extremely excited to announce the launch of our latest Childminders Selection Catalogue! Boasting a range of innovative resources selected for childminders, this year’s summer edition is sure to inspire! We have made it even easier for you to browse and find the right childminding resources that are age appropriate for all of the children in your care. Alongside the essential childminding resources and equipment for summer, we also have an exciting selection of curricular learning resources to support you in delivering those all-important early learning goals for the EYFS.... Read More