Development

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

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 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

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

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

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

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 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

Outdoor Learning Benefits for Early Years - an Expert's Perspective

Posted by EYR Team on 14th Oct 2024

This article has been written by early years consultant, Anne Rodgers, from ATR Consultancy. Anne has 36 years’ experience of working in the childcare and education sector. This includes traini … read more

Art and Craft Essentials For Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 15th Jul 2024

Check out our handy art & craft essentials guide and get ready for fun and messy hands-on activities in your learning setting (perfect for those dreary rainy days!) In this blog, we bre … read more

What are the benefits of Art and Crafts for Children?

Posted by EYR Team on 10th Jun 2024

Art & Crafts have tremendous developmental benefits for young children. They are, of course, great for incorporating the Expressive Arts & Design element of the EYFS, but are also vital in al … read more

EYFS Numeracy Activities: 10 Fun Ways to Boost Early Maths Skills

Posted by EYR Team on 26th Feb 2024

Maths in the early year’s foundation stage is a vital stepping stone for children and it forms one of the seven key areas for learning. Therefore it is so important to make sure that your littl … read more

EYFS Literacy Activities: 10 Engaging Ideas for Early Language Development

Posted by EYR Team on 22nd Jan 2024

The Early Years Foundation Stage, or EYFS, covers children’s education between the ages of 0 and 5. It is therefore a crucial stage in any child’s development. The EYFS is split into 7 ke … read more

How to Engage Children in Literacy

Posted by EYR Team on 24th Jul 2023

"Literacy is the ability to read, write, speak and listen in a way that lets us communicate effectively and make sense of the world." - National Literacy Trust Did you know that&n … read more

How to Support a Child with Dyslexia

Posted by EYR Team on 3rd Oct 2022

What is Dyslexia? Dyslexia is a learning difficulty commonly associated with difficulties in reading and spelling. As well as this, dyslexia can also present several other diffic … read more

Transitions: The big move. Advice for Early Years Practitioners

Posted by EYR Team on 25th Jul 2022

This transitions blog has been supplied by EYR partner PACEY. In this blog, former childminders and PACEY advisors Pat and Anne discuss their experiences of children in their care transitioning to pr … read more

Transition series 3: Getting School Ready - A Parent's Advice

Posted by EYR Team on 19th Jul 2022

This blog has been written by Poppy Stokes, an EYR Brand ambassador and mum of two. In this blog she shares her super simple tips and tricks to help get your little ones "school ready" as she herself … read more

How to Encourage Speech, Language and Communication in Young Children

Posted by EYR Team on 4th Jul 2022

As we know, speech, language and communication skills are vital for children’s general development. The ability to speak clearly, process sounds, understand others and express themselves are al … read more

Transition series 2: Supporting Positive Transitions

Posted by EYR Team on 20th Jun 2022

This blog series has been written with the help of our EYR Industry experts over at the University of Cambridge, the University of Birmingham and Manchester Metropolitan University. With the input of … read more

Transition series 1: Understanding Transitions

Posted by EYR Team on 6th Jun 2022

This series has been written with the help of EYR industry experts from the University of Cambridge, University of Birmingham, and Manchester Metropolitan University. With the input of these three ex … read more

The Two Year Health Check - What to Expect

Posted by EYR Team on 25th Apr 2022

This blog has been written with the help of EYR industry expert Emily Hanson. A qualified EYFS teacher with an M.Ed in Education from the University of Cambridge. To learn more about Emily, visit her … read more

Ways you can support children in the transition to New Year

Posted by EYR Team on 31st Dec 2021

New Year brings hope, challenges, and new beginnings. It brings new feelings in not only ourselves but our children. How can we support children as they look forward to, or are fazed by, the uncertai … read more

How Heuristic Play Can Empower Your Child

Posted by EYR Team on 5th Nov 2021

This blog has been written by EYR Industry expert Emily Hanson, a qualified EYFS teacher with an M.Ed in Education from the University of Cambridge. In this blog, Emily discusses the impo … read more

How to Use Structured Play to Enhance Children's Cognitive Development

Posted by EYR Team on 6th Oct 2021

This blog has been written by EYR Industry Expert Keya Elie. A Research Scientist with 10 years’ experience in the field of Child and Family Psychology. Her studies focus on parent- … read more

Benefits of Learning a Foreign Language at an Early Age

Posted by EYR Team on 7th Sep 2021

In England, learning a foreign language is statutory from the ages of 7-14. Before this, there is no compulsory requirement for children to learn another language and the uptake of older ch … read more

Supporting Transitions in the Early Years – A Parent’s Point of View

Posted by EYR Team on 2nd Jul 2021

The transition to school or nursery can be a stressful time for children, parents and practitioners. Children will encounter new challenges such as being required to concentrate for longe … read more

Music Making Activities to support Development in Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 10th Jun 2021

This blog has been written with the help of our industry expert Kath Davies. Kath is an early years music specialist and highly experienced music teacher with a demonstrated history of wo … read more

How to use Imaginative Play to Support Resilience

Posted by EYR Team on 16th Mar 2021

This article has been written by Jen Kinsman, EYR Industry Expert, mum of two, and youth theatre leader. In the below she shares her ideas on how imaginative play supports emotional resilience. &nbs … read more

How To Encourage Toddler Role Play

Posted by EYR Team on 16th Oct 2020

This article has been written by mum of two and youth theatre leader Jen, from Raising2Children. Her work in supporting vulnerable young people in the theatre combined with her experience … read more

How to support Children Learning Through Play

Posted by EYR Team on 20th May 2020

This article has been written by early years consultant, Anne Rodgers from ATR Consultancy, who explains the different ways children learn through play and shares tips for how you can support them. … read more

Understanding the Benefits of Tray Play for Children

Posted by EYR Team on 11th Mar 2020

This article has been written by mother of two and tray play advocate, Rachel Moffatt. Rachel is passionate about learning through play and fostering creativity in children. She is an advocate for Tr … read more

Understanding Loose Parts Play and the Benefits in the EYFS

Posted by EYR Team on 26th Feb 2020

This article has been written by early years consultant, Anne Rodgers, from ATR Consultancy. Anne has 36 years’ experience of working in the childcare and education sector – including tra … read more

Why Don’t All Children Learn Effectively Through Play?

Posted by EYR Team on 17th Jan 2020

This article has been written by Ellie Collar from Early Years SEN. You know the children who play like butterflies, circling the play environment but never engaging long enough to extend pl … read more

Supporting development: how to boost children’s vocabulary

Posted by EYR Team on 12th Aug 2019

This article has been written by storytelling specialists, Tonya and Natasha, from Little Creative Days A child speaking their first words is a magical time and once they s … read more

The Benefits of Small World Play

Posted by EYR Team on 5th Aug 2019

Everything you can imagine is real Pablo Picasso What is small world play? Small world play refers to imaginative play with ‘small’ toys, encouraging childr … read more

The Benefits of Messy Play for Little Learners

Posted by EYR Team on 29th Jul 2019

This blog has been written by Holly at Little Learners Southport. Little Learners is a multi award winning messy play and mark making company with over 30 franchises across the country. Mark making … read more

Risky Play In The Early Years: How To Encourage Safe Exploration And Growth

Posted by EYR Team on 15th Jul 2019

This article has been written by early years consultant, Anne Rodgers, from ATR Consultancy. Anne has 36 years’ experience of working in the childcare and education sector. This inclu … read more

The Importance of Literacy in the Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 15th Jul 2019

Once upon a time… We all know the famous words, but can you remember the first time you heard them? From an early age, kids and parents tell stories for many reasons; to bon … read more

Exploring the Characteristics of Effective Learning

Posted by EYR Team on 17th Jun 2019

This article has been written by early years consultant, Anne Rodgers, from ATR Consultancy. Anne has 36 years’ experience of working in the childcare and education sector. This inclu … read more

Gardening Benefits and Activity Ideas for Children in Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 27th May 2019

Being outdoors and the impact on children's wellbeing Encouraging children to put down the smartphone and spend time outside can seem like a daunting task. At present, children on average on … read more

Outdoor Activities for Physical Development in Early Years

Posted by EYR Team on 13th May 2019

The Importance of Physical Activity and Outdoor Play Don’t underestimate the importance of physical development! It's important for children to remain activ … read more

The Benefits Of Messy Play On Physical Development

Posted by EYR Team on 1st Apr 2019

Squelch… Squish… Splat… Kids just love getting mucky and making a mess – whether that’s squishing jelly through their hands, smearing mud across … read more

The Benefits of Play Kitchens for Children

Posted by EYR Team on 4th Mar 2019

Let’s rustle up some deliciously mouth-watering imaginary feasts! What are the benefits of Play Kitchens for Children? Well, Children love playing different roles and scenarios in imag … read more

10 EYFS Physical Development Activities

Posted by EYR Team on 25th Feb 2019

Physical activity is vital for a child's health and fitness and offers an endless amount of benefits. To learn more about the impact of physical activities, head to our dedicated blog pos … read more

Physical Activity And Cognitive Development In Early Childhood: What Are The Benefits?

Posted by EYR Team on 18th Feb 2019

“Children think better on their feet than on their seat” – Mark Benden Do active kids learn better? We all know how important it is to make sure that children … read more

How to Encourage Children to Write

Posted by EYR Team on 11th Feb 2019

Do your children grunt when it comes to writing? Are you struggling to engage them in the activity? Writing is an important tool of communication which we encounter in everyday life. It is vital for … read more

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