Maples Nursery School and Children's Centre

How do early years settings support children's toothbrushing, and what can parents do to help them at home, asks Annette Rawstrone

Using torches and candles are two ways to explore light across age groups, Penny Tassoni explains with some activity ideas

Recent findings from neuroscience emphasise the importance of baby-led learning, explains Professor Sam Wass

Dear Zoo

A free booklet from Speech and Language UK, just click on "Free digital download" on the webpage as they've sold out of hard copies. https://shop.speechandlanguage.org.uk/products/universally-speaking-0-5-digital-download-only?_pos=7&_sid=bd2f0e249&_ss=r
They also have a free advice line for families, (with a speech and language therapist) and "Talking with your toddler" webinars.
https://speechandlanguage.org.uk/help-for-families/talk-to-a-speech-and-language-advisor/
BBC Tiny Happy People have a wide range of articles and film clips to support children's speech and language development.
https://www.bbc.co.uk/tiny-happy-people/language-advice

Image description - photo shows a document cover with a purple background and a photo of two children. Text reads "Universally Speaking - The ages and stages of children's communication development from birth to 5 years"

EHC plans, EHC needs assessments and SEND Tribunal appeals An education, health and care plan (EHC plan) is a legal document which describes a child or young person’s special educational needs, the support they need and the outcomes they would like to achieve.  The special educational provision described in an EHC plan must be provided by your lo...

It seems an appropriate time to share this as GOV.UK announces an increase in the Year 1 Phonics Screening Check to a 90% pass rate and a new reading test in Year 8. 😡 Further information in this article:
https://www.tes.com/magazine/news/general/government-sets-90-cent-phonics-screening-check-target-phillipson
Thanks to Dance with me in the Heart for the image
Image shows a painting of a young child's legs and feet. Text reads 'Believing we can improve schooling with more tests is like believing you can make yourself taller by measuring your height'

Glue ear is very common in young children and is when the middle ear becomes filled with sticky fluid. For ears to work properly, the middle ear needs to be kept full of air. The National Deaf Children's Society has further information https://www.ndcs.org.uk/advice-and-support/all-advice-and-support-topics/causes-types-and-signs-deafness/causes-deafness-and-hearing-loss/glue-ear Children with Down Syndrome have smaller eustachian tubes, which means they become blocked more easily. This booklet from Down's Syndrome Association and National Deaf Children's Society gives further information.https://downsyndromedevelopment.org.uk/wp-content/uploads/2021/01/Downs_Syndrome_And_Childhood_Deafness_2011.pdf

Image shows a photo of a pre-school aged child, text reads "At an one time, 1in 5 pre- school children have glue ear. National Deaf Children's Society"

January 15th 2026 - The deadline for September 2026 Primary School Places (in England)
Further information is available on the UK government website. https://www.gov.uk/apply-for-primary-school-place
The charity I.P.S.E.A has advice about applications for children with and without Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) https://www.ipsea.org.uk/selecting-a-school-or-college

Image shows a peach background with a white tab, text reads "The deadline for 2026 Primary School Applications is January 15th"

Exciting news to share!
Posted • We are so proud to announce as our new charity partner!

Home-Start Ealing offers vital support to local families with young children who are facing challenges like postnatal depression, bereavement, financial pressures, and social isolation. With the help of trained volunteers, they provide support right when it’s needed most.

“The work that Home-Start Ealing does to help local families is vital and we want to go some way to help them continue to reach those that need it most.” Andrew Rollings, Centre Director at Ealing Broadway.

The Ealing Broadway team and retailers are looking forward to a year of supporting fundraising and raising awareness to help champion this incredible local community charity.