Building Social Skills: Helping Your Child Start School with Confidence
Starting school is an exciting milestone, and one of the most important areas that helps children feel settled and confident is their ability to get along with others. Social skills, like sharing, turn-taking, and working together, lay the foundation for
Building Communication & Language Skills: A Foundation for School Success
Starting school is a big step, and one of the most important areas of development that helps make the transition smoother is communication and language. Being able to understand others, express needs, and join in conversations lays the foundation for
Building Curiosity and Confidence: Helping Your Child Embrace New Experiences
Starting school is a big step, full of new people, routines, and environments. For children to thrive, they need more than academic skills; they need the confidence to explore and the curiosity to try new things. These traits help children
What the Research Says About School Readiness
Starting school is a big milestone – but what does it really mean to be ready? At Dr Gummer’s Good Play Guide, we believe school readiness goes far beyond knowing letters and numbers. We conducted a literature review to explore the evidence
The Importance of Unstructured Play to Child Development
Children don’t just play for fun – it’s how they learn, grow, and make sense of the world. That’s the big takeaway from the newly published Raising the Nation Commission Report (June 2025), a year-long independent look at how play
Navigating Father’s Day When Dad Isn’t Around
Father’s Day can be a challenging time for children who don’t have a father present in their lives. Whether it’s due to loss, separation, or other circumstances, the absence of a dad can make this day particularly hard. However, with
6 Summer Safety Tips for Children
As the days get longer and the sun shines brighter, families across the UK are gearing up for a summer filled with adventures and plenty of outdoor play – the perfect way for children to explore, learn, and stay active. To
Travelling With Toddlers
This time of year is ideal for a family with younger children to go away, as rising temperatures, cheaper off-peak travel options, and quieter destinations create the perfect recipe for a holiday. However, travelling with toddlers can be quite daunting,
Heartfuls: Building Emotional-Intelligence Through Play
Emotional intelligence is our ability to identify, understand and manage our own emotions and those of others. It is one of the most important skills a child can develop. It supports well-being, healthy relationships, and success in school and beyond. But
The Benefits of Outdoor Play
In today’s digital world, encouraging children to step away from screens and play outdoors is more important than ever. Spending time outside offers a wide range of benefits that support children’s physical health, emotional well-being, and social development. From running