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Flat rocks being painted by a child
Article
More paint, less pressure
Pauline Harrison reminds us that early years art is about process, not product, and that children thrive when given the freedom to explore materials without pressure or expectations. Through regular, low-stress painting, scribbling, and…
A girl laughing with her finished painting on an easel behind her.
Article
Building life skills with the Outlast Art Studio
Outdoor learning has huge potential, but is tough to implement. Time, resources, and curriculum demands often get in the way. A new approach using the Outlast Art Studio is helping schools make it a reality.
Children collaborating on a wooden block structure outdoors with one child taking notes.
Article
The state of play
Paul Lindley's article highlights the urgent need to restore play to children's lives, drawing on the wider debate sparked by Jonathan Haidt’s The Anxious Generation. Paul calls for a new national play strategy, emphasising how play is…
A nursery-aged girl climbing among tree branches, immersed in nature.
Article
A real childhood
What does a real childhood look like in today’s world? For Mandy Richardson, it’s one filled with mud, adventure, and meaningful moments in nature. In this article, she shares how Naturally Learning Nurseries embrace the outdoors to…
A zoomed-in shot of two toddlers enjoying watermelon outdoors. A boy with curly hair is in focus, eating a slice, while a girl in a white shirt is slightly blurred in the background, also taking a bite.
Article
Exploring food through the senses
Children experience food with more than just their taste buds; engaging all five senses can make mealtimes more exciting and help build positive relationships with food. In this article, Sean Cowden explores fun, pressure-free ways to use…
An infant wearing an aqua shirt holding his hand up in front of his teacher's face
Article
Making your baby room the best it can be
Explore essential strategies for enhancing your baby room with Dr Mona Sakr.
A child is observing what is going on in an early years classroom
Article
The Story of the Observer Child
What happens when we let children observe rather than forcing them to join in? Dive into the story of the observer child and uncover the secret world of play that experts often overlook.
ActiveplayAli-preview
Article
Promoting movement, provoking learning
Discover why early physical development is crucial and learn how to identify and support children who may be falling behind in essential motor skills.
Ben Kingston-Hughes at the Day of Play in Birmingham 2024
Video
Why do children skip?
You won’t find it in the statutory framework of the EYFS, but joy affects how well children learn, and we’re constantly looking for it in our settings. If they aren’t detecting fun, they’ll do whatever it takes to find it. So where does…
Emma Pinnock at the Day of Play in Birmingham 2024
Video
When do we stop playing?
We often imagine play happens in a place of security and comfort. But for some children play involves risk. How does the concept of play change as we age?
Alice Sharp at the Day of Play in Birmingham 2024
Video
Can educators compete with the virtual world?
Who needs a curriculum? Nothing disseminates learning better than a passionate educator. But this year’s teachers have an extra challenge: by the age of five the Alpha generation has spent more time in the virtual world than in the real…
Cheryl Warren at the Day of Play in Birmingham 2024
Video
How do children with autism play?
Ready to redefine play? Some children don’t follow the convention. Their responses mystify and confound us. But there are other brilliantly unique approaches to play.