Nursery articles
Foundation stage assessment levels explained
Struggling to make sense of your Nursery or Reception child’s school report? We explain how to decode those baffling assessment levels.
Best personalised books for children
Give your child a really unique introduction to the world of fiction with a personalised book – after all, who wouldn’t want to be the hero or heroine of a fantastic adventure? Seeing their name – and face – in print, alongside favourite characters, will be a thrill whether they’re just starting to read for themselves or ready to embark on classic literature. We pick the best personalised books where your child has the starring role.
Best books about starting school
‘Big School’ can seem like an overwhelming place to Reception starters. Make the school-gates goodbyes a little easier by helping your child find out all about school, from lunch boxes to reading corners and name pegs. Here’s our pick of the best starting-school reads to look through together.
Best labelling solutions for school
Wish there was a labels fairy to transform the uniform pile into a neat stack of personalised clothing? Whether you’re super-organised and spread your labelling over the holidays or prone to last-minute panics and label-sewing all-nighters, these products are designed to help you get the job done – and look great, too.
4 ideas for homemade playdough
Help your child develop the motor skills needed for handwriting with these no-skills-needed ideas and recipes for playdough and similar slimy substances – ideal for sensory play and scientific investigations!
5 things you must do to get your child ready for primary school
You've got the primary school place you've been waiting for and have just fired off that acceptance slip. What can you do now to get your child ready for primary school? Camilla Chafer shares her top tips.
Great games to prepare your child for school
Play helps children learn more about themselves and the world around them; it's so important that it’s a key part of the Early Years Foundation Stage. Annemarie Flanagan asks the experts about the best games to play to help prepare children for school – the fun way.
Simple science activities to try today
Science doesn't have to mean complicated experiments with chemicals and Bunsen burners. Children in the Early Years Foundation Stage can get involved in science with these fun, fast-results experiments. Sarah Cruickshank reports.
How to settle your child into nursery and school
A happy, confident child is every parent's goal. We find the solutions to the questions you want to ask about your child starting nursery and school.
Starting school: the first day
Make your child’s very first day at school a success with a few tips from experienced parents. Reception, here we come!
Starting school: 10 tips for a good first day
You want to give your child the best possible start in school. Read on for easy tips to help.
Should children be able to read and write before they start school?
Emily Organ asks if parents should be educating their children at home before their school days have even begun.
Expert tips on settling your child into school
Antonia Chitty, author of ‘What To Do When Your Child Hates School’, gives her best advice on settling your child at school.
Handy help choosing a school
Selecting a primary or secondary school for your child? We take a look at the factors that you should be considering to make sure you pick the best match for your child.
What is the Early Years Foundation Stage?
Get the lowdown on what Foundation Stage learning is all about and what your child will be expected to know.
10 messy (but educational!) ideas for kids
Most kids love getting up to their elbows in stuff. Feeling, squidging, kneading, squeezing – it’s instinctive. What’s more, this sort of play is crucial for learning; it forms the building blocks of knowledge about the world, its materials and how they work. Whether they’re five or ten, watch them get really stuck in to these educational activities.
What your child learns in the Early Years Foundation Stage
The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is the programme which must be followed in all childcare settings from birth to five years, so for schools this means nursery and Reception.
Threadworms: all your questions answered
It’s easy to feel horrified if your child gets threadworms, but don’t panic! They’re very common among kids – and easy to treat. Here are all your pressing questions answered.
Creating a child-friendly garden
Whether you have an acre of land or a window box, it is possible to create a garden that will encourage your child to learn a whole host of different skills. We take a look at all that gardens have to offer, and give some great advice on how you can turn your child's fingers green.
18 great (free) rainy day activities
This is Britain. Rainy days are par for the course, so read on for some great ideas of things to do when the heavens open. You won't need to spend a penny or venture outside at all!
Children's playdate etiquette
Mummy blogger, A Modern Mother, shares her top tips for the perfect playdate for your child.
Why it's okay for your child to have an imaginary friend
Children have imaginary friends at all ages and it doesn't mean that there is something wrong. In fact it can have some very positive benefits. Here’s how you can support your child's imagination.
Your headlice questions answered
Most families have some experience of head lice but do you understand how they spread and how to battle an infestation? Here’s everything you need to know.
Beating headlice: the facts and the fiction
Up to a quarter of UK schoolchildren may have headlice, and more than two-thirds have had nits at least once – so what can parents do to fight them off? We find out.
Childhood meningitis – your need to know guide
We give you the lowdown on the disease and how you can recognise the signs to help protect your child’s health.
Top tips for safety in the sun
When your child is out in the sunshine, in the UK or abroad, they need to be protected. Follow this advice to keep them safe.
Child safety while playing outdoors
Outdoors play is important for children’s development – and great fun. So how can we ensure they stay safe?
How to find good childcare
Thinking about which type of childcare will suit your family best? Pacey (previously the National Childminding Association) shares advice for choosing a childminder or nanny.
How to recognise eyesight problems in your child
Are you worried about your child's eyesight? We take a look at some common problems which may affect them and how you can spot the signs.
Your bedwetting questions answered
Need help training your child out of having accidents? Read our expert answers to your pressing questions.
How to tell your child a story – without a book
Once upon a time, before the onslaught of video games, DVDs and the internet, telling stories was one of the only forms of entertainment. Jasmin Qureshi looks at how it can still be beneficial (and great fun!) today.