Encouraging children to explore the outdoors more freely proved to be a culture change in Poole, says Clare Schmieder, Early Learning Advisory Teacher (ELAT) within the Poole Early Years Team.
A storybook is the starting place for exploring minibeasts and the natural world in imaginative ways, with cross-curriculum activities from Helen Bromley.
Boys were encouraged to discover new ways to play, learn and practise independence outdoors in a project described by Julie Mountain.
In practice, treasure baskets are a tried and tested resource that provide endless fascination for the babies who explore them, but their originator was strict about how they should be made and used....
One nursery is replicating the primary school lunch experience to help children adjust more easily to the change. Nicole Weinstein explains.
Eastfield Academy Nursery in Northampton got the children making aliens, a rocket and even the moon after noting their interest in space.By Claire Lowery
Sculpture is an excellent medium for creative expression, but staff and children alike will need help. Nicole Weinstein finds some advice
With so much to gain from the effective use of ICT, it makes sense to ensure that early years settings are suitably resourced, says Jane Drake.
Nursery school children in Verona, Italy, take part in challenging outdoor trips to develop their confidence and all-round skills.
Imagination is the most valuable resource for creating spaces where children love to talk, says Elizabeth Jarman.