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The Benefits of Forest School
Caroline Higham introduced Forest School at her school. In this blog, Caroline explores the origins of Forest School, her Forest School journey and how it can benefit children. Read more
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Home Learning Activities with an Atlas - 10 inspiring ideas
The world we live in is a fascinating place and children find it just as fascinating to learn all about it. Read more
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Tuff Tray Inspiration Gallery - Over 35 ideas
Tuff tray play gives children the opportunity to explore and discover independently whilst using their imagination and creativity. They are really versatile, have a wide range of uses and are perfect for small world play, messy play and sand and water play. Read more
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The value of dark dens as sensory pop up spaces
Sensory spaces are so important in early years settings and schools, both for stimulating children’s senses and for providing a calming rest area for children to have some time to themselves. But it is not always easy to provide such a space without compromising a whole room or children’s need for uninterrupted space. Read more
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Is Learning Music in Schools as Important as Maths?
There has been a lot of talk and attention this year about the decline of arts education in schools. From recent research by organisations such as YouGov and The Fabian Society there is no doubt teachers feel that creative subjects such as music, art and drama have been seriously side-lined. They blame a crammed curriculum where subjects have to jostle for time and attention, too much emphasis on national tests, as well as budget restrictions. Read more
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The Power of Picture Books by Tishylishy
Throughout my teaching career I have had a love of picture books and I’ve yet to find a colleague that doesn’t share this obsession! As we all know, PLAY is fundamental in an Early Years setting but so is TALK and the opportunities we can offer to encourage and enable this to happen are always at the forefront of my mind. Read more
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Self-access art
Tops Day Nurseries have given us an insight into their provision of self-access art across their settings. Take a look at their creative approaches of providing children with opportunities to foster independence and decision making. Read more
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Transient Christmas Art Activities
Transient art is like redrafting a piece of writing, you can keep changing it to get different effects! This blog has some great ideas to help you set this up in your classroom. Read more
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Raising Achievement in Phonics and Reading
In primary schools, insepectors will always carry out a deep dive in reading, which will include a large focus on how schools support early reading and phonics. Read more
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Spooktacular Halloween Activities
Enjoy this year’s Halloween with a range of frightfully fun festive art projects. Read this blog to discover ten chilling children’s art and craft activities for Halloween. Read more
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Creative and festive Stick Man ideas
Stick Man is a favourite story to share with children at this time of year and as well as being fun to read, it can also provide a focus for some wonderfully creative and festive ideas! Read more
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Creating Your Calm Corner
Why do we need to consider this kind of intervention now and why is it so important to effectively resource such spaces and ensure we are making use of tried and tested / evidence-based strategies and resources? Read more
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How to set up a calming or sensory space in a classroom
Ruth Lue-Quee, educational expert, explores the power and purpose of sensory spaces, as well as offering practical advice for setting up your own classroom sensory space. Read more
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Diwali Art and Craft Ideas - Inspiration From India
This Diwali, we've partnered with Smita Pant from Inspiration School in Uttarakhand, India, to create some traditional art and craft activities. Follow her step by step instructions and make a diva, a Bandhanwar and a Rangoli Pattern. Read more
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Everything You Need To Know About Handwriting
In this blog, we introduce and share our new download, offering expert advice on all things HANDWRITING! Read more
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Chinese New Year: 10 Activity Ideas and Inspiration
Here are 10 activity ideas and inspiration for celebrating Chinese New Year at school or at home. Read more