Dolls and Figures That Promote Diversity and Inclusion in EYFS
Diverse dolls and figures help children see themselves, their families and their communities represented in everyday play. A thoughtfully chosen collection can support belonging, empathy, communication and positive attitudes towards difference. In EYFS provision, these resources are most effective when they are available throughout the year and embedded naturally within meaningful, child-led play.
Adelle Whitfield
Resources That Help Children Understand Emotions in EYFS
Resources can help children understand emotions by making feelings easier to recognise, name, discuss and express. In the EYFS, stories, puppets, mirrors, emotion cards and role play can all support Personal, Social and Emotional Development. These resources work best alongside warm relationships, sensitive conversations and adults who help children manage feelings without judgement.
Carla Bonner
How Role Play Supports Child Development in EYFS
Role play supports child development by giving children meaningful opportunities to communicate, cooperate, imagine and make sense of their experiences. In the EYFS, well-planned pretend play can strengthen personal, social and emotional development, language, creativity and early literacy. Its value lies in children actively exploring ideas, relationships and familiar situations through play.
Carla Bonner
Role Play Kitchens for EYFS: What Does Your Setting Need?
A well-planned role play kitchen should support communication, imagination, social development and real-world learning experiences. The best EYFS role play kitchens are not necessarily the largest or most expensive. They are the ones that reflect children's interests, encourage meaningful interactions and provide opportunities for sustained imaginative play that supports learning across multiple areas of the EYFS curriculum.
Jack Clarke
Small World Animal Figures: What Does an EYFS Class Need?
An EYFS class needs a carefully chosen range of small world animal figures that children can recognise, compare, classify and use imaginatively. A useful collection usually includes familiar farm animals, pets, woodland wildlife and creatures from contrasting habitats. Quality matters more than quantity: figures should be durable, age-appropriate, inclusive and versatile enough to support storytelling, vocabulary and exploration.
Rachel Pangburn
Setting Up a Home Corner in Your EYFS Classroom
A well-planned home corner helps children develop communication, language, social skills, creativity and emotional understanding through meaningful play. In EYFS classrooms, home corners provide opportunities for children to explore familiar experiences, build relationships, develop vocabulary and make sense of the world around them. When thoughtfully organised, they become one of the most valuable areas within continuous provision.
Adelle Whitfield
Learning Mathematics through Pretend Play
Pretend play is a useful way to introduce mathematics to early years. Find out how playing shops can explore maths in early years.