Welcome to Your Nursery Hub!
Welcome to your comprehensive Nursery Hub, expertly designed to support nursery practitioners and managers across the UK. We understand the dynamic environment of your setting and are dedicated to providing an extensive range of printable resources, innovative ideas, and up-to-date guidance to help you deliver outstanding early years provision.
From navigating EYFS requirements to finding engaging activities and managing your team effectively, our hub is packed with free and paid resources to make your day-to-day simpler and more inspiring.
Quick Links to Key Resources
Visit our New ‘Curriculum & Pedagogy’ Area - age-specific pathways for babies, toddlers, preschool & reception!
New Education Inspection Framework | What EYFS Settings Need to Know (November 2025)
Revised 2025 EYFS Statutory Framework for Group & School-Based Providers | What You Need to Know
EYFS Planning & Assessment Templates: Simplify your paperwork and track progress.
Seasonal Themes & Activities: Instantly download fun for every time of year.
Role-Play Area Kits: Transform your space with immersive play scenarios.
Dual Language Posters: Support communication and cultural diversity in your setting.
Special Dates Calendars for the year | Plus Activity Guides for May & Activity Guides for June: Plan ahead for awareness days and celebrations. Once on our Special Dates Calendar page which acts as an overview of the year, please click on our monthly calendars and individual special dates to find out more. Our awareness dates take you to a dedicated Activity Guide page for each date and all others link through to relevant resource pages where you can also scroll down to find more information about the event.
Nursery Setting Organisational Tools: Organise your setting with self-registration & emotional regulation displays, school readiness support, timetable and routine resources, picture communication cards and much more!
EYFS Framework Support Materials: From ‘Teaching and Learning Characteristics’ & ‘Overarching Principles’ materials to ‘Area of Learning Support’ examples, ‘Designated Safeguard Lead’ & ‘Safer Recruitment’ resources, we’ve got you covered!
‘Areas of Learning Hub’ Page: Browse our resources by ‘Area of Learning’ categories. Narrow your search to suit the needs of your individual children.
Outdoor Area Provision: All-year round inspirational ideas and resources for your setting.
Catering for a wide range of ages with wrap-around care? Explore our Themes & Activities perfect for engaging all ages.
Need an activity fast? Quickly grab a Colouring Activity to build those all important fine motor control skills, develop colour recognition and practice mindfulness.
NEW | From Our Blog: Latest Articles & Practical Guides: Includes Nursery School Regulatory Updates. Stay informed on the latest DfE and Ofsted changes.
Highlighted Must-haves for your Nursery Setting
If you are not a member already, become a ‘Free Access’ member here. This will give you access to resources within the ‘Free Sample Resources’ sections at the top of most topic pages and ‘Special Dates Calendars’. Some whole topics are even free! Find out more about all of our membership options here. If you are already a member… thank-you! x
Planning & Organisation: Your Essential Toolkit for Nursery Practitioners
Keeping your nursery setting running smoothly and compliantly is paramount. Our organisational resources are designed to help you streamline your paperwork, meet statutory requirements, and manage your daily routines with ease.
EYFS Planning & Assessment: Access a comprehensive range of printable templates for daily, weekly, and long-term planning, alongside observation sheets and observation & assessment tools.
Daily Routines & Timetables: Utilise our visual schedules and routine cards to help children understand the flow of their day, promoting independence and a calm environment.
Record Keeping Essentials: Find printable paperwork, from child record forms and child absence tracking sheets to age 2 progress check templates and changing EYFS settings handover packs, ensuring your documentation is organised and compliant for inspections.
Engaging Activity Ivitations & Learning Themes for Early Years
Spark joy and foster development with our diverse range of activity ideas and printable packs. We've got you covered for every season, celebration, and learning focus, ensuring children remain captivated and curious.
Popular Themes & Seasonal Fun
Seasonal Activities: Embrace the changing seasons with themed crafts, outdoor challenges, and learning activities tailored for Spring, Summer, Autumn, and Winter.
Festivals & Celebrations: Discover resources for cultural celebrations like Diwali, Eid, Lunar/Chinese New Year, Christmas, and Easter, fostering inclusivity and global awareness in your setting.
Awareness Days & Special Dates: Utilise our comprehensive calendars and blog ideas to plan engaging activities around key awareness events, promoting understanding and discussion. Once on our Special Dates Calendar page which acts as an overview of the year, please click on our monthly calendars and individual special dates to find out more. Our awareness dates take you to a dedicated Activity Guide page for each date and all others link through to relevant resource pages where you can also scroll down to find more information about the event.
May & June Special Date Inspirational Activity Ideas for Nurseries: Read our new Educational & Informative Event Blog Posts. Browse awareness dates below using the arrows and click through to our dedicated blog post pages to read more.
Saturday 23rd May 2026: 🐢🌊 For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, World Turtle Day provides a wonderful and engaging theme for exploring animals (especially reptiles, sea creatures, and pets), habitats (ocean, desert, wetlands, gardens), conservation, life cycles,…
Friday 22nd May 2026: 🌳🐠 International Day for Biological Diversity (IDB) is a special day celebrated every year on May 22nd. It was started by the United Nations to help everyone understand something very important called 'biological diversity', or 'biodiversity' for short. Biodiversity means…
Wednesday 20th May 2026: 🔢➕ For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, National Numeracy Day provides a fantastic and practical theme for exploring counting, number recognition, shapes, patterns, problem-solving, and early mathematical concepts. It's about building a positive attitude…
Wednesday 20th May 2026: 🐝🍯 For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, World Bee Day provides a wonderful and engaging theme for exploring minibeasts, plants, life cycles, food sources, the environment, and understanding the world (the world around us). It's about introducing…
Monday 18th May 2026: 🏛️🔎 For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, International Museum Day provides a fantastic and engaging theme for exploring history, science, art, culture, discovery, role-play, and understanding the world (the world around us). It's about sparking children's curiosity,…
Sunday 10th May 2026: 👧👦 For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, National Children’s Day provides an incredibly broad and foundational opportunity to explore all aspects of a child's health, safety, well-being, emotions, physical development, rights, and…
Friday 15th May 2026: 🐾🌱 Endangered Species Day is a special day celebrated every year on the third Friday in May. It was started by a group called the National Endangered Species Act Education Centre in the United States and was recognised…
Friday 15th May 2026: 👨👩👧👦💖 International Day of Families is a special day celebrated every year on May 15th. It was started by the United Nations in 1993 because they wanted everyone to remember how important…
Monday 11th - Sunday 17th May 2026: 😊🧠 Mental Health Awareness Week happens every year in May. It's hosted by the Mental Health Foundation, a charity in the UK. This week is all about helping everyone understand that our minds…
Tuesday 12th May 2026: 👩⚕️🧑⚕️ For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, International Nurses Day provides a fantastic and practical theme for exploring people who help us, health and well-being, empathy, role-play, and personal, social…
Tuesday 5th May 2026: ✨🧼 World Hand Hygiene Day is a special day celebrated every year on May 5th. It was started by the World Health Organization (WHO) with a very important message: 'SAVE LIVES:…
Sunday 3rd May 2026: 😄😂 The main idea of this day is to show how laughter can help bring peace and friendship to people all over the world. Dr. Kataria believes that laughter is like a super-power that can help people…
🚶♀️🚶♂️For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, National Walking Month (Friday 1st - Sunday 31st May 2026) and Walk to School Week (Monday 18th - Friday 22nd May 2026) provide a fantastic and practical theme for exploring physical development, health and well-being, the environment, road safety…
Thursday 21st May 2026 & Thursday 5th November 2026: Let's learn outside! 🌳☀️ Outdoor Classroom Day is a global campaign to inspire and celebrate outdoor play and learning, with two designated days each year: one in May and one in November…
Saturday 27th June 2026: Time to put on our shades and protect our eyes for National Sunglasses Day! 😎☀️🕶️ This day provides a fun and crucial theme for exploring sun safety, eye health, weather, and personal health…
Wednesday 24th June 2026: ✨📖 National Writing Day is a day dedicated to encouraging everyone, especially young children, to find their voice through writing. Writing is not just about letters and words; it’s about sharing ideas…
Wednesday 24th June 2026: Discover a world of magic and imagination! ✨🧚♀️🌸 International Fairy Day is a special, unofficial celebration that happens every year on June 24th. It’s a day dedicated to the whimsical…
Monday 22nd - Sunday 28th June 2026: Discover the fascinating world of minibeasts! 🐞🦋🐛 Insect Week is a whole week dedicated to learning about all the tiny, creepy crawly creatures that live all around us. Insects are super important for our planet…
Tuesday 23rd June 2026: Discover the heroes who help our community every day for Public Service Day! 👩🚒👨🏫👮♀️ For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, this day…
Tuesday 23rd June 2026: Discover the amazing world of engineering for International Women in Engineering Day (INWED)! 👷♀️⚙️🌉 This day helps us remember that anyone, whether they are a boy or a girl…
Sunday 21st June 2026: Let's look up to the tallest animal on Earth for World Giraffe Day! 🦒🌍🌿 It's about inspiring children with a love for wildlife, teaching them about the importance of protecting endangered…
Sunday 21st June 2026: 🎶🥁🎤 For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, this day provides a wonderfully creative and crucial theme for exploring music and sound, expressive movement…
Thursday 18th June 2026: Pack a basket, grab a blanket, and head outside for a special meal! 🧺🌳🍎 International Picnic Day is a day to celebrate the simple pleasure of having a meal outdoors, whether it's in the garden, at the park…
Wednesday 17th June 2026: Let's munch on some crunchy carrots and tasty tomatoes for Eat your Veg Day! 🥕🥦😋 This day reminds us that vegetables are like superheroes for our bodies—they are full of good things that…
Tuesday 16th June 2026: Learn how to be super waste-reducing heroes on World Refill Day! 💧♻️ For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, this day provides a wonderfully practical…
Monday 15th June 2026: 😊✨ Smile Power Day is a special day celebrated every year on June 15th. It's all about celebrating the wonderful feeling we get when we smile and when we make someone else smile…
Monday 8th June 2026: Let's dive into the big, blue ocean and learn all about it for World Oceans Day 🌊🐬🐠 For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms…
Saturday 6th - Sunday 14th June 2026: This week provides a wonderfully positive and crucial theme for exploring the environment, recycling, plants, animals, conservation, sustainability, and understanding the world…
Saturday 6th June 2026: Let's flutter our wings and learn about our beautiful butterfly friends! 🦋🌸 Butterfly Education and Awareness Day (BEAD) is a fantastic time to think about how we can protect butterflies and…
Friday 5th June 2026: Let's explore our amazing planet and learn how to be its best friend! 🌳🌎💧 World Environment Day is all about making a difference, big or small, to keep our Earth healthy and…
Wednesday 3rd June 2026: This day provides a fantastic and active theme for exploring transport, road safety, exercise, health and well-being, the environment, outdoor play, and understanding the world. It's about…
Monday 1st - Sunday 7th June 2026: Learn how to stay safe and sound during Child Safety Week! 🛡️🚦🏠 For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, this week provides a crucial…
Monday 1st June 2026: Let's give a big cheer for our amazing parents and carers! 💖👨👩👧👦 For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, this day provides…
Monday 1st June 2026: Roar with excitement and dig into the incredible world of dinosaurs! 🦖🌋🦕 For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, this day provides a wonderfully…
30 Days Wild: Monday 1st - Tuesday 30th June 2026: Let's step outside and get wild with nature! 🌳🦋🐞 '30 Days Wild’ is a fantastic nature challenge that happens every June, organised by The Wildlife Trusts across the UK. It's all about doing one…
Evergreen Themes & Activity Ideas: Key topics and inspirational resources for your setting whatever the season.
Nursery Setting Organisational Tools:
Organise your setting with self-registration & emotional regulation displays, quick notes home templates, timetable and routine resources, picture communication cards and much more! Access all of our Little Owls Resources organisational tools at this link or browse sub-topic buttons below (using the arrows):
Core Learning Areas & Developmental Support
Dive into our resources designed to support development across all EYFS Areas of Learning, ensuring a rich and balanced curriculum:
Communication & Language: Encourage vocabulary, listening skills, and confident expression with our story props, speaking prompts, and language-rich activities.
Physical Development: Develop fine and gross motor skills with our engaging activity cards, playdough mats, and movement games.
Alphabet & Initial Sounds: Introduce letters and their sounds with our colourful posters and interactive activity sheets, perfect for early phonics.
Phase 1 Phonics: Fun activities and games to build foundational phonological awareness.
Counting 0-10/20 & Subitising: Engaging printables to build foundational counting skills and quick recognition of quantities.
Shapes & Problem Solving: Explore 2D and 3D shapes and introduce early problem-solving scenarios through interactive activities.
Outdoor Learning & Creative Play
Make the most of your outdoor space and unleash creativity with our inspiring ideas and printables, designed to encourage exploration, physical activity, and imaginative play.
Outdoor Area Ideas & Printables: Tips and resources to enhance your outdoor learning environment, encouraging discovery and sensory experiences.
Role-Play Area Packs: Our popular themed packs (e.g., vet's surgery, post office, fairy tale theatre, construction site, teddy bears’ picnic) provide everything you need to set up exciting imaginary worlds that promote social development and problem-solving.
Playdough & Loose Part Mats: Spark creativity and fine motor skills with open-ended play invitations using our printable mats.
Nursery Rhymes & Songs: Classic nursery rhyme resources and song props, perfect for singing, actions, and supporting early language and memory skills.
School Holiday Topics (Ideal to entertain a wide range of ages)
Open over the school holidays? Perhaps you have children of various ages…both Early Years and Primary?…Here are a few topics we have selected which may help to keep a wide range of ages entertained…
Nursery Insights, Advice & Updates
Stay informed, get expert advice, and find inspiration from our collection of articles and useful external resources, tailored specifically for nurseries.
NEW | From Our Blog: Latest Articles & Practical Guides
We regularly publish in-depth articles to support you with current best practices, regulatory changes, and fresh ideas.
A major overhaul of the national curriculum in England has been announced following the publication of the independent Curriculum and Assessment Review. For those working in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and Key Stage 1 (KS1), the changes signal a renewed focus on practical life skills, digital literacy, and enriching learning experiences…
The world of early years education is constantly evolving, and with it, the frameworks that guide and assess our invaluable work. Come November 2025, a significant shift will occur as the new Education Inspection Framework (EIF) comes into effect, bringing with it some crucial changes…
With the new 2025 EYFS Statutory Framework for group and school-based providers coming into effect on 1st September 2025, it's essential to understand the updates to ensure your practice remains compliant, effective…
The Education Secretary is calling on parents to lead by example and make reading a daily habit to help reverse the decline in reading for pleasure, to help give kids the best start in life as part of the…
As we head into summer, it’s especially important that children are prepared with these skills. This year, the Royal Life Saving Society UK's Drowning Prevention Week runs from 14 June to 21…
There are several ways that schools can make changes to keep children safe in hot weather, especially as children are more at risk of becoming ill with heat-related issues than adults…
Useful Organisations & External Resources
Find support and further information from leading organisations in the early years sector.
Ofsted: The official body for regulating and inspecting childcare providers in England, including nurseries.
Department for Education (DfE): Access official government guidance, policies, and frameworks related to early years and childcare, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA): A national charity and membership association supporting nurseries, early years settings, and their workforce across the UK. They offer comprehensive support, training, and resources.
Website: https://ndna.org.uk/
Early Years Alliance: The largest and most representative early years membership organisation in England. They provide information, advice, specialist publications, training schemes, and campaign to influence early years policy and practice.
Website: https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/
NSPCC Learning: Essential resources and training on safeguarding and child protection, with specific guidance and tools for early years settings.
Website: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/
British Association for Early Childhood Education (Early Education): A national charity supporting early years practitioners with training, resources, and professional networks, campaigning for quality education for the youngest children.
Website: https://nationalcollege.com/institutions/british-association-for-early-childhood-education (Note: Their direct website is early-education.org.uk, but the National College link provides a good overview of their mission and support for institutions).
PACEY (Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years): While also supporting childminders, PACEY provides resources, training, and advice that can be beneficial to nursery practitioners.
Website: https://www.pacey.org.uk/
We're constantly adding new resources and articles to support you. Have a suggestion or can't find what you're looking for? [Contact Us!]
Nursery Inspiration Wall
Featured Time Relevant Themes and Engaging Resources for your nursery setting
Saturday 23rd - Sunday 31st May 2026: 🌱🥕 For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, National Children’s Gardening Week provides a wonderfully rich and hands-on theme for exploring plants, life cycles, food sources, nature, science (growth and change), the environment, outdoor play,…