Building Listening and Attention Skills: A Key to Classroom Confidence
The ability to listen and pay attention is vital for learning, following instructions, building friendships, and staying focused in a busy classroom environment. While some children naturally find it easier to concentrate than others, listening and attention skills can be strengthened
Fine Motor Skills: Helping Little Hands Get Ready for Big Learning
Starting school is a big step, and while learning to read and count is important, being able to use hands and fingers confidently plays a key role too. Fine motor skills – the small movements that involve the hands, wrists,
Understanding School Readiness: What Parents and Educators Need to Know
School readiness is more than ABCs and 123s — it’s about helping children feel confident, capable and curious as they step into the classroom for the first time. This white paper, part of Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide School Readiness Campaign,
Listening to Children Without Handing Over the Reins
If you’ve ever asked your child what they’d like to do this weekend and heard “stay up all night!” or “ice cream for breakfast!” you've already met the big parenting dilemma: when do we follow their lead, and when do
Building Independence Through Self Care: Everyday Skills for a Confident Start to School
Starting school is an exciting step for young children, but it also brings big changes. Suddenly, your child is expected to manage routines, care for their own needs, and try new things without you by their side. One of the best
Helping Children Build Emotional Regulation: A Key Step in School Readiness
Starting school is a big and exciting step, but for many children, it can also feel like an emotional rollercoaster. With new people, unfamiliar routines, and unexpected changes, it’s no surprise that some little ones feel overwhelmed. That’s why helping
Learning Starts From Day One: Building Strong Foundations from Birth
The first two years of a child’s life may seem like a world away from starting school, but these early years are some of the most important for laying the foundations of learning. From babbling and crawling to stacking blocks and
Building Numeracy Skills: Helping Your Child Start School with Confidence
Starting school is an exciting time for your child, and having some early experience with numbers, shapes, and simple problem-solving can help make the transition smoother. Numeracy isn’t just about counting; it’s about understanding how numbers work in everyday life,
Why Lowering the Voting Age to 16 Must Come with Support and Education
The news that the UK is lowering the voting age to 16 is both a milestone and a mirror. It reflects how far we’ve come in recognising young people’s voices, but also how much more we must do to support
Ready to Learn: Why Are Organised Activities and Classes So Helpful for School Readiness?
Preparing for School: The Benefits of Activity Classes Starting school is a big step for any child – and for their parents, too. It marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with learning, independence, and social growth. But how can