Institute for the Early Years

It's Pride Month and we are celebrating the Power of Books!

Books do much more than support language development and early literacy. They help children make sense of themselves, understand others, and explore the diverse world around them.

For Early Years practitioners, carefully chosen books can be one of the most powerful tools for promoting inclusion, empathy, and positive attitudes towards difference.

Read our latest blog - Why Books Matter: Using Inclusive Literature to Build Empathy and Belonging in the Early Years:

https://www.50thingstodo.org/news/news-blogs/why-books-matter-using-inclusive-literature

🌈 This Pride Month, let's celebrate the power of #10 Sharing Books to help children understand themselves, appreciate others, and feel a sense of belonging.

Books are more than a tool for developing early literacy – they are mirrors that reflect children's own experiences and windows into the lives of others. Inclusive stories help nurture empathy, challenge stereotypes, and create environments where every child and family feels valued.

Read our latest blog - Why Books Matter: Using Inclusive Literature to Build Empathy and Belonging in the Early Years: https://www.50thingstodo.org/news/news-blogs/why-books-matter-using-inclusive-literature

The BookTrust have put together a list of brilliant picture books that represent and celebrate different types of families, explore the book list and share the link below in your areas.

https://www.booktrust.org.uk/book-recommendations/booklists/picture-books-that-celebrate-lgbtq-families/

⭐ Help your parents discover 50 Things to Do Before You're Five for inspiration and activities that help children connect, explore, and thrive: https://www.50thingstodo.org/

Join the free Starting Reception webinar series from St Edmund's Early Years Stronger Practice Hub to explore what "school readiness" actually looks like in practice.

Are you supporting children and families in the transition to primary school?

Join our 'Starting Reception' free webinar series to unpick what "school readiness" actually looks like in practice.

18 June 4:15 - 5:15 pm
Reducing Screen Time for Young Children

With screen use rising among under-fives, this webinar will explore how early years professionals can support families to build healthier habits through active, screen-free play. Becca Oberg, director of the Institute for the Early Years, will share key evidence and practical strategies to promote children's communication, physical development, and wellbeing.
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30 June 8:15-9:15 am
Physical Development: Get Active

Join Yorkshire Sport Foundation for an engaging session exploring the important connection between early brain development and physical development. Discover how children's brains and bodies develop in the early years, and how these foundations support key developmental milestones.
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7 July 8:30-9:30 am
Supporting language & communication through play for a strong school start

Explore how play-based experiences support children's language and communication development. This session highlights the importance of high-quality adult–child interactions and language-rich environments, while sharing practical ways to work with parents to promote communication through everyday play.
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Registration link: https://cutt.ly/DtBvg6a7

We'd love to see you there!

Join us for an insightful webinar from St Edmund's Early Years Stronger Practice Hub:

How Can We Help Young Children Thrive Beyond the Screen?

With screen use becoming an increasingly common part of daily life, early years professionals play an important role in helping families create a healthy balance between screen time and real-world experiences.

Hear from Becca Oberg, Director of the Institute for the Early Years, as she shares practical, research-informed strategies to reduce screen time and encourage meaningful, play-based experiences that support children's learning, development, and wellbeing.

You'll leave with simple, effective ideas that you can put into practice straight away and share with the families you support.

📅 Thursday, 18 June
🕓 4:15–5:15 pm
Register here: https://cutt.ly/yt106eEY

How can we help young children thrive beyond the screen?

As screen use becomes an increasingly common part of everyday life, early years practitioners have a vital role to play in supporting families to find a healthy balance.

Join Becca Oberg, Director of the Institute for the Early Years, as she shares practical, evidence-informed approaches to reducing screen time and promoting rich, play-based experiences that nurture children's learning and wellbeing.

Come away with ideas you can use immediately in your setting and share with families.

Join us on Thursday, 18 June 4:15-5:15 pm: https://cutt.ly/yt106eEY

It’s Infant Mental Health Awareness Week 2026, and this year’s theme is Attunement - something early years practitioners live and breathe every day.

Attunement is noticing, understanding, and responding to a child’s emotions in a sensitive, comforting way. Every time you decode a cry or comfort an overwhelmed toddler, you are building the secure foundations for their lifelong emotional wellbeing and brain development.

Thank you for shaping the mental health foundations of our youngest learners!

Read how to deepen attunement in your daily practice on our latest blog:

https://www.bradfordbirthto19.co.uk/application/files/6417/8067/1904/SPH_Joys_and_Challenges_Baby_Room.pdf

It's Infant Mental Health Awareness week 2026 and this year's theme of attunement is complemented perfectly with #1 Get To Know You.

Attunement is the ability to tune in and connect with others on an emotional level. Attuned relationships support both baby and parental wellbeing and help babies get off to the very best start in life.

When babies feel seen, heard and understood, they develop a sense of safety and security that supports their emotional wellbeing and healthy development.

Attunement helps babies develop social and emotional skills, the building blocks for their lifelong wellbeing and mental health.

That's why #1 Get to Know You from 50 Things to Do Before You're Five is such a wonderful activity to try. Taking time to watch, listen and respond to your baby's sounds, expressions, movements and interests helps build a strong connection and supports emotional attunement.

To find out more about Parent and Infant Foundation's Infant Mental Health Awareness Week visit: https://parentinfantfoundation.org.uk/our-work/imhaw/

Join this webinar organised by St Edmund's Early Years Stronger Practice Hub tomorrow morning 8-9 am

📅 Join us tomorrow!

This free webinar features Rebecca Oberg, Director of the Institute for the Early Years, and Dr Kara Gray-Burrows, a Chartered Psychologist at the University of Leeds School of Dentistry.

They will discuss the role of early years practitioners in promoting children's oral health, explore common barriers, and share practical solutions.

Book your place: https://cutt.ly/2t105FAj

Final call for staff working in Family Hubs or Community groups. Our webinar is happening tomorrow! 📆

👉Join us and discover how 50 Things to Do Before You're Five can make a real difference for the children and families.

We'll cover:
- What 50 Things to Do Before You're Five is and why it works
- How to bring it into your everyday practice
- Practical ideas for engaging families

Tomorrow, Wednesday June 3rd, 4:00 – 5:00 PM
🔗 Book your place: https://cutt.ly/vtJfQcEp

St Edmund's Early Years Stronger Practice Hub is offering a fantastic range of free early years CPD opportunities this June.

We’d love you to join our upcoming networking and CPD events this June for early years professionals working with young children and families. A great chance to build your practice and connect.

Please book in advance to secure your place:

Co-op Academy Delius Visitor Day
3 June, 10–11 am, in-person, Bradford
An informative session offering insight into specialist provision, curriculum, and supportive learning for children with complex needs.
Register here: https://cutt.ly/wt105hZV

Healthy Routines: Oral Hygiene
3 June, 8–9 am, online
Explore how to work in partnership with parents on oral health, with expert input from Leeds University School of Dentistry.
Register here: https://cutt.ly/2t105FAj

Early Maths Matters
10 June, 1–4:30 pm or 6–8 pm, in-person, Leeds
Move beyond number and explore how spatial reasoning and pattern develop through play and everyday experiences for children aged 0–5. Join expert speakers for research and practical strategies you can use straight away.
Register here: https://cutt.ly/St107PqS

Making the Most of 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five
15 June, 10 am–3 pm, in-person, Calderdale
Explore the potential of the 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five initiative in a 1-day training session at Eureka! The National Children’s Museum.
Register here: https://cutt.ly/ct1070r6

Healthy Routines: Less Screen Time, More Play Time
18 June, 4:15–5:15 pm, online
Explore evidence, risks of screen time, and practical strategies to support families in building positive play habits.
Register here: https://cutt.ly/yt106eEY

Designing the Sensory Landscape: Practical Opportunities for Every Setting
24 June, 8–8:45 am, online
Discover simple, practical ways to create inclusive and engaging sensory environments for children.
Register here: https://cutt.ly/7t106hQA

🤝 Do you work in Family Hubs or a Community group that supports families? Learn how 50 Things to Do Before You're Five can be embedded into your practice to support families and improve early childhood outcomes.

👉 This session will explore:

-An introduction to the 50 Things initiative
-The evidence behind play-based home learning
-Practical strategies for use with families

Date: Tuesday 3rd June
Time: 4pm - 5pm

🔗 Register here: https://cutt.ly/vtJfQcEp

See you there!

Register today! 🙌
Afternoon Session, 1-4pm: https://cutt.ly/stVzk54d
Evening Session, 6-8pm: https://cutt.ly/4tVzmtci

"How do early childhood movements connect to early maths skills?" 🧐

Find out at our Early Maths Matters Conference! We're joined by Dr. Andrea Lancaster, who will explore how spatial awareness and reasoning act as the building blocks for early mathematical thinking.

This session has something for all early years practitioners and will change how you look at early movement and maths.

📍 Archive, Leeds LS3 1HD
📅 Wednesday 10 June

🕐Choose the session that works for you:
Afternoon Session, 1-4pm: https://cutt.ly/stVzk54d
Evening Session, 6-8pm: https://cutt.ly/4tVzmtci

Both sessions include complimentary buffet, networking opportunities, partner stalls and resources. All participants receive a goody bag! 🎁

👉 Sign up today!