Author: Ali

A Phonics for Mathematics? by Robin Taylor

A Phonics for Mathematics? by Robin Taylor

Posted by | Sep 22, 2026 | , , |

In this blog post by Robin Taylor, Associate Head of St Pauls Nursery School and Specialist Leader in Early Mathematics, he explores what really underpins children’s mathematical development. Drawing on research from the Centre for Early Mathematics Learning and the Erikson Early Math Collaborative, Robin unpicks the foundational concepts, spatial reasoning and mathematical language that help children learn to count, and asks what a rich, playful “palette of provision” looks like in practice.

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Mini INSET Session: Black History Month

Mini INSET Session: Black History Month

Posted by | Sep 15, 2026 | , |

In this staff meeting template, explore how to plan and celebrate Black History Month meaningfully through three practical activities, including reflection on your current approach, worked examples and Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie’s TED Talk on the danger of a single story. Designed to fit into 1 to 2 hours, it supports your team to move beyond tokenism and consider what will remain in your everyday practice once October is over.

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Early Years Spotlight – Screen Use

Early Years Spotlight – Screen Use

Posted by | Sep 8, 2026 | |

In this Early Years Spotlight, we’re looking at resources around screen use. Nearly 98% of two-year-olds watch content on screens daily, and the early years are a critical period of rapid brain development, so settings play a vital role in supporting healthy habits. Explore policy guidance, provider support, campaign resources for families, and practical alternatives that keep children engaged.

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Mini INSET Session: Lets Think About Books, Belonging and Representation

Mini INSET Session: Lets Think About Books, Belonging and Representation

Posted by | Sep 8, 2026 | |

In this staff meeting template, explore books, belonging and representation through five practical activities, including a ranking exercise, a book area audit, a case study and a team commitment. Designed to fit into 1 to 2 hours, it supports your team to reflect on whose experiences are visible in your book collection and whether children choose and connect with the books you provide.

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Case Study – Tuning into Two-Year-Olds

Case Study – Tuning into Two-Year-Olds

Posted by | Sep 8, 2026 | |

In this case study, Tawanda Tongogara, Early Years Practitioner at The Limes Nursery School, shares her experience of the Tuning in to Two-Year-Olds programme. She reflects on moving from the three- and four-year-old room into the twos, learning to slow down and follow children’s lead, and how the Principles of Attunement poster has shaped conversations with her team and with families.

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Case Study – Level 3 Award in Working with Babies and Young Children Under 2 Years (NCFE)

Case Study – Level 3 Award in Working with Babies and Young Children Under 2 Years (NCFE)

Posted by | Aug 26, 2026 | |

In this case study, Lauren Wilcox, Baby Room Leader at The Learning Tree Nursery, shares her experience of the Level 3 Award in Working with Babies and Young Children Under 2 Years (NCFE). She reflects on brain development research, the first 1001 days, advocating for non-verbal babies, and a visit to St Paul’s Nursery School that brought the theory to life.

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Privacy and Safeguarding During Intimate Care by Leila Garau Taylor

Privacy and Safeguarding During Intimate Care by Leila Garau Taylor

Posted by | Jul 16, 2026 | , , |

Reflective Practice Lead and DSL Leila Garau Taylor explores what the updated EYFS safeguarding requirements around privacy during intimate care mean in practice, reflecting on how we can balance children’s dignity and feelings with safeguarding, and how everyday routines teach children about consent, body autonomy and respectful relationships.

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Beyond the Settling-In Period: Building Lasting Parent Partnerships to Support Children by Liz Willcox

Beyond the Settling-In Period: Building Lasting Parent Partnerships to Support Children by Liz Willcox

Posted by | Jul 7, 2026 | , , |

Childminder and former primary teacher Liz Willcox explores what genuine partnership with parents looks like beyond the settling-in period, sharing practical insights on building trust, navigating harder conversations, engaging families who may find it difficult to connect, and making communication truly two-way.

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