Settling season: making September transitions gentler
Settling season is here. How to plan gentler starts, smoother room moves and genuine school readiness, in partnership with parents, schools and your key people.
News & guides
What helps when a new starter doesn’t speak English yet
The silent phase is normal, home languages are an asset, and small practical strategies help new starters with EAL feel understood from their first week.
A love of reading starts long before phonics
Songs, rhymes and shared stories build reading foundations long before letters appear. Practical ways to grow phonological awareness and a real love of books.
You teach more maths than you think
Snack time, tidy up and the water tray are full of mathematics. How to spot it, talk about it and extend children's thinking with confidence.
Why does one child keep throwing things? It might be a schema
Throwing, wrapping, spinning and carrying things about are often schemas, not misbehaviour. How to spot play patterns, plan for them and explain them to parents.
In-the-moment planning without losing the plot
In-the-moment planning means noticing and responding to children's real interests as they happen. What it is, what it isn't and how to introduce it well.
Why a crate of odds and ends beats a shelf of new toys
Open ended materials turn crates, corks and pinecones into rich learning. How loose parts play works, where to source materials cheaply and how to keep it safe.
Making outdoor play more than garden time
Outdoor play supports all seven areas of learning when it's planned with intent. Practical ways to move beyond garden time, whatever your space or weather.
Growing greener: small sustainability wins for your setting this summer
Reduce waste, cut bills and grow children's love of the natural world without eco anxiety. Simple sustainability ideas any nursery can start this summer.
Dignity at the changing table
From September the EYFS expects settings to protect children's privacy during nappy changing and toileting. What dignified, safe intimate care looks like in practice.