PPS Archive

Maths: Easter egg patterns

Easter eggs are ideal for inspiring exploration, discussion, understanding, and the creation of a variety of repeating patterns.

PSED: Hatching chicks

Watching chicks hatch and being part of their care not only allows children to experience a real wonder of nature, it opens up numerous possibilities for conversations, including: how life begins, how babies grow across the animal kingdom, and caring for those we love around us, and in the wider world.

Parent: Separation and divorce

The decision to separate or divorce is not an easy one for two adults, especially when there are children involved. It's often a relief when you have finally come to that agreement, and it is the end of lots of uncertainty and heartache but remember that for any children involved it can often be the start of an upsetting period of confusion and disruption.

Literacy: With a ‘spring’ in your step

The fifth article in this series, exploring traditional nursery rhymes as a resource and inspiration for activities, focuses on literacy. These include: repeating simple rhymes, recognising and reading CVC (consonant, vowel, consonant) words, using writing frames and enjoying spring rhymes.

Understanding the world: Be kind to bees

This is the second article in an occasional series looking at endangered animals and includes information and activities to enable young children and their families to be more aware of how to help bees.

Soups and stews

There is nothing like a bowl of soup or stew to warm you up on a cold day and it is even more enjoyable if you have created the dish yourself. In this article, we will explore how to create tasty and enjoyable meals from seasonal vegetables.

Communication and Language: Spring into reading

Share this selection of books about spring with the children in your setting and welcome in the season, with all its exciting new beginnings, by joining in the activities focused on communication and language.

Literacy: The most magnificent women…

International Women's Day falls annually on March 8th and is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political successes of women. This article looks at some of the books published recently to inform and educate children about the achievements of many magnificent women and suggests ideas for related literacy activities.

Expressive arts and design: Engineering week

Engineering week, which runs from 20th to 26th February, celebrates the ways that engineering is part of our everyday lives. For young children building towers is a great way to develop early engineering skills. It is a chance to experiment with different materials and to develop reasoning and problem-solving abilities.

Mardi Gras maths

Shrove Tuesday, Pancake Day or Mardi Gras, falls on the first day of March this year. Try out some of these activities, combining cooking and eating pancakes with some mathematical skills, and make it a learning opportunity for all.

PSED: A focus on love

The Valentine's Day themed activities here are designed to show children the importance of their personal choices, and to encourage children to express their feelings, while developing friendships and working cooperatively.

Parent: New siblings

Welcoming a new baby into your family is often an exciting time but can be daunting for young children. An only child will be going from having undivided attention to having to share it. Whatever the size of family, change can be difficult but you can support your child through the transition so they embrace, rather than fear, the new arrival.

Understanding the world: Signs of winter

Winter is upon us! Learning about the seasons is an important part of Understanding the World, and this ‘snowflake challenge’ activity offers a fun introduction to the signs of winter. Use the activity flexibly throughout the season, and repeat popular challenges.

Maths: Money for beginners

The aim of this article is to look at children's books and stories about money, especially those suitable for early years, and to start to explore money and simple economics through practical activities.

Parent: Starting nursery

Going from being your child's main carer to settling them into nursery, pre-school or a childminder's can seem like a very big step – for both you and your child. Reassure yourself that there is plenty you can do to prepare your child for the transition.

Keep up to date with Early Years!

Sign up for our newsletter and keep up to date with Early Years education, process and events! We promise we won't spam you!