Puzzles, magnets and wind equipment set fun challenges for early science exploration in products that childcarers tested for Mary Evans.
School and nursery children took the principles of Forest School to the water, with an added environmental message, in ecological sustainability activities beside the seaside.
The physical and mental benefits of a Forest School week for children at a South Shields setting have exceeded expectations.
Before spending a lot of money on an outside playhouse, settings must think carefully about how it fits their specific needs, says Nicole Weinstein.
The work of a project helping childminders create communication-friendly spaces was put on show in a multimedia exhibition in Cardiff Bay this week.
As with the other age groups, the developmental needs and interests of the child provided the starting points for planning the room for two-year-olds.
The endless potential for learning through play that the natural environment offers to young children is observed by 'nature kindergarten' provider Claire Warden.
Joint winner, Houghton Community Nursery School, Houghton le Spring
Early years settings' work with families can take a new dimension when everybody gets outdoors together, says Annie Davy, early years advisor at Learning through Landscapes.
Art and craft activities give children the opportunity to explore their creativity through sensory experiences. Early years practitioners try out the latest resources and give Nicole Weinstein their...