Puzzles, magnets and wind equipment set fun challenges for early science exploration in products that childcarers tested for Mary Evans.
Playing outdoors after dark can be exciting and challenging. Julie Mountain advises on making the most of outside spaces all day.
The way a nursery is set up can profoundly influence the quality of children's experiences there.
With a view to introducing den play at her school, Louise Nicholls carried out a research project looking at the impact this type of play can have on young children. She shares her findings.
A nursery in Wiltshire used a local garden in an old churchyard, and a visual artist, to put together a Making Memories project. Annette Rawstrone explains
WINNER - Little Barn Owls Forest and Farm School Nurseries, Horsham, West Sussex
Children in one West Sussex school have been getting close to nature thanks to a creative project and the Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust free visits programme, says Jordan Chamberlain.
A 'monster' sighting at one nursery sparked a project looking at a range of themes.
Play involving hands and feet can help develop observation and thinking skills beyond simple recognition of size, shape and pattern. Marianne Sargent suggests some ideas.
In providing resources for playful learning we need to remember the process in which they will be used, not just the outcome at the end, says Anne O'Connor.