How Sand Play Supports the Seven EYFS Areas of Learning
Sand play can support all seven areas of learning in the EYFS by giving children a practical, open-ended way to communicate, collaborate, investigate, create and solve problems. With thoughtful adult interaction and carefully chosen resources, a familiar sand area can become purposeful continuous provision that responds to children’s interests and supports development across the whole curriculum.
Carla Bonner
3 Sensory Play Activities for Early Years: Part 2
Simple activities like summer water play, ice painting, and creating seashell necklaces encourage children to explore textures, colors, and physical changes while driving curiosity, creativity, and self-led discovery aligned with EYFS development goals.
Katie Taylor
How to Set Up a Sensory Room in a Primary School
A primary school sensory room should be a carefully planned space that helps identified pupils regulate sensory input and return to learning. Begin with pupils’ needs, professional advice and clear intended outcomes before choosing equipment. The most effective rooms are safe, uncluttered, supervised and adaptable, rather than filled with as many sensory products as possible.
Natalie McMunn
Loose Parts Play in EYFS: What It Is and How to Use It
Loose parts play gives children open-ended materials that they can move, combine, arrange, redesign and use in many different ways. From wooden discs and pebbles to tubes, blocks and fabric, loose parts encourage children to follow their ideas, solve problems and create their own play without being restricted to one predetermined outcome.
Adelle Whitfield
Sand Play in EYFS: What Equipment Does Your Setting Need?
Sand play is a valuable part of Early Years provision, supporting physical development, communication, creativity, problem-solving and understanding of the world. A well-resourced sand area gives children opportunities to explore, investigate and learn through hands-on experiences. Choosing the right equipment helps practitioners create engaging, safe and developmentally appropriate sand play experiences that support the aims of the EYFS.
Adelle Whitfield
Sensory Toys for EYFS and Nursery Settings: A Buying Guide
Sensory toys can make a significant contribution to children's learning and development in EYFS and nursery settings. The most effective sensory resources support communication, physical development, creativity, emotional wellbeing and exploration through purposeful play. By selecting sensory toys with clear developmental value, practitioners can create engaging environments that encourage curiosity, independence and meaningful learning experiences for all children.
Rachel Pangburn
Water Tray Accessories for EYFS: A Complete Buying Guide
Water tray accessories are far more than optional extras in EYFS provision. The right resources can support physical development, mathematical thinking, communication, scientific enquiry and imaginative play through hands-on exploration. By choosing versatile, purposeful accessories, practitioners can create rich learning opportunities that encourage curiosity, independence and sustained engagement while making the most of one of the most popular areas of continuous provision.
Rachel Pangburn
Ocean-Themed Sensory Play for Young Children
With just a few simple materials, you can create calm, hands-on activities that let children explore, imagine, and learn at their own pace.
Charlotte Parry
Outdoor ice play ideas
The big freeze: Outdoor ice play ideas Children love ice cube activities, or anything involving ice play. Outdoor learning activities like this one can open up so many opportunities for young children and will aid a wide range of skills in their development.
The Power of Sand and Water in the Early Years
Learn how sand and water play can offer a simple, accessible and deeply rich learning experience for Early Years.
Messy play: Malleable materials for early years
Learning opportunities that come from using malleable materials in play.
Earth Day Tuff Tray
Celebrate our planet and raise awareness on the importance of protecting the natural resources of the Earth.