Welcome to Your ‘Preschool Hub’ Page
Welcome to your comprehensive Preschool Hub, expertly designed to support preschool practitioners, managers, and committees across the UK. We understand the vibrant and unique nature 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 and planning engaging activities to fostering strong parent partnerships and managing your preschool 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 Preschool ‘Curriculum & Pedagogy’ Area
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 February & Activity Guides for March: 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.
Preschool Setting Organisational Tools: Organise your setting with self-registration & emotional regulation displays, daily safety checklists, 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’ 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 Preschool Regulatory Updates. Stay informed on the latest DfE and Ofsted changes.
Highlighted Must-haves for your Pre-school 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 Preschool Practitioners
Keeping your preschool 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 assessment tools to effectively track children’s progress against the Early Learning Goals.
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.
Download Essential Preschool Forms & Paperwork (More coming soon at this link!)
Engaging Activities & 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.
March & April Special Date Inspirational Activity Ideas for Preschools: 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.
Monday 23rd - Sunday 29th March 2026: 🎭👑 Shakespeare Week is a special yearly celebration organised by the Shakespeare Birthplace Trust. It's made to help primary school children learn about William Shakespeare and his plays for the very first time. The goal is to give…
Sunday 22nd March 2026: 💧🌍 World Water Day is a special day celebrated every year on March 22nd. It was chosen by the United Nations (UN) way back in 1993. The main idea of this day is to show everyone how important fresh water is and to encourage us…
Saturday 21st March 2026: 📝✨ World Poetry Day is celebrated every year on March 21st. It was chosen by UNESCO (a part of the United Nations) in 1999. The main idea of this day is to encourage everyone, everywhere, to read, write, share, and learn about poetry. It also celebrates…
Saturday 21st March 2026: 🌈🎨 International Colour Day is celebrated every year on March 21st. This special date was chosen by a group called the International Colour Association (AIC) because it's when day and night are almost the same length, showing how…
Friday 20th March 2026: 🐦🏡 World Sparrow Day (WSD) is a special international day celebrated every year on March 20th. It's all about helping people learn more about the house sparrow and other common birds. It highlights why we…
Friday 20th March 2026: 😁🦷 World Oral Health Day (WOHD) is celebrated all over the world every year on March 20th. It's a special international day that teaches us all about looking after our teeth and gums, and why it's so important to have a healthy mouth. Organised by…
Wednesday 18th March 2026: 🌍♻️ Global Recycling Day is an annual event celebrated all over the world on March 18th. It was started by the Global Recycling Foundation to show everyone how important recycling is for keeping our planet's special resources…
Monday 16th - Friday 20th March 2026: 🧠✨ Neurodiversity Celebration Week is a worldwide initiative that challenges old ideas and misunderstandings about how different brains work. It wants to change how we see and support people who are neurodivergent (meaning…
Monday 16th - Sunday 22nd March 2026: 🍎💧 Nutrition and Hydration Week is an annual event in the UK that highlights and promotes the vital importance of food and drink in health and social care. It aims to educate and raise awareness among…
Friday 13th March 2026: 😴✨ World Sleep Day (WSD) is an annual event organised by the World Sleep Society and observed on the Friday before the Spring Equinox each year. The main goal of this day is to celebrate the wonderful benefits of getting good, healthy sleep. It also aims…
Thursday 12th March 2026: 💧🧡 World Kidney Day (WKD) is a global health awareness campaign celebrated annually on the second Thursday of March. It's a joint initiative by two important organisations, the International Society of Nephrology (ISN) and the…
Monday 9th - Sunday 15th March 2026: 🧑🔬🩺 Healthcare Science Week is an annual, UK-wide celebration that promotes and raises awareness of the incredible work done by healthcare science professionals. Organised by NHS England, it typically takes place in March. This special week aims…
Sunday 8th March 2026: 💖💪 International Women’s Day (IWD) is a global holiday celebrated annually on March 8th. It's a very important day that commemorates the cultural, political, and socioeconomic achievements of women throughout history and…
Friday 6th - Sunday 15th March 2026: 🧪🔬 British Science Week is a fantastic ten-day celebration of science, engineering, technology, and maths (STEM). It features fascinating, entertaining, and engaging events and activities all across the UK for people of all ages. Organised by…
Thursday 5th March 2026: 📚✨ World Book Day is an annual global celebration of books and reading, designated by UNESCO. In the United Kingdom and Ireland, it is typically celebrated on the first Thursday in March. The primary aim of this special day is to encourage children and…
Tuesday 3rd March 2026:🌍🌿 World Wildlife Day is an annual global event, celebrated on March 3rd. It was proclaimed by the United Nations General Assembly to celebrate the incredible diversity of wild animals and plants across our world. The day aims to…
Wednesday 29th April 2026: 💃🕺 International Dance Day is a day celebrated every year on April 29th. It was started in 1982 by a group called the Dance Committee of the International Theatre Institute (ITI), which works closely with UNESCO. This day is chosen…
Saturday 25th April 2026: 🐧❄️ For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, World Penguin Day provides a fantastic and engaging theme for exploring animals (birds, polar animals, ocean life), habitats, conservation, life cycles,…
Thursday 23rd April 2026: 🎭🖋️ For early years settings, nurseries, preschools, childminders, and Year 1 and Year 2 classrooms, Shakespeare Day provides a fantastic and inspiring theme for exploring history (people from the past), storytelling, language and vocabulary, creative arts…
Wednesday 22nd April 2026: 🌍💚 Earth Day is a special day celebrated every year on April 22nd. It was started by a man named Senator Gaylord Nelson in the United States in 1970, because he wanted everyone to learn about how important it is to protect…
Friday 10th April 2026: 💖👫 Siblings Day is a special day celebrated every year on April 10th in many places. This day was first thought of by a lady named Claudia Evart, who wanted to remember her own brother and sister. It became a day to celebrate the…
Thursday 9th April 2026: ✨🦄 National Unicorn Day is a special day celebrated every year on April 9th. This day is all about celebrating the amazing, magical creature that is the unicorn! Unicorns are symbols of purity, innocence, magic, and enchantment, and they…
Tuesday 7th April 2026: 🍎💪 World Health Day is a special day celebrated every year on April 7th. It's organised by the World Health Organization (WHO), which is a big group from the United Nations that helps with health all over the world. This day celebrates…
Thursday 2nd April 2026: 📖✨ International Children’s Book Day (ICBD) is celebrated every year on April 2nd. This special day is chosen because it's the birthday of Hans Christian Andersen, a very famous writer of fairy tales. It was started in 1967 by a group called…
Let's have some giggles and harmless fun with jokes for April Fools’ Day! 😂🗓️ April Fools’ Day is observed annually on April 1st. Its origins are uncertain, with various theories suggesting…
Wednesday 1st - Thursday 30th April 2026: ❤️ World Autism Acceptance Month is celebrated every year in April, with a special focus on World Autism Awareness Day on April 2nd. World Autism Awareness Day was first started by the United Nations (UN) in 2007. Over time, the name evolved…
Wednesday 1st April - Friday 1st May 2026: 🐾❤️ National Pet Month is a special time celebrated every year in the UK from the 1st of April to the 1st of May. It's organised by the National Pet Month charity. The main idea of this month is to teach everyone how to be a responsible pet owner and…
Evergreen Themes & Activity Ideas: Key topics and inspirational resources for your setting whatever the season.
Preschool 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…
Preschool Insights, Advice & Updates
Stay informed, get expert advice, and find inspiration from our collection of articles and useful external resources, tailored specifically for preschools.
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 preschools.
Department for Education (DfE): Access official government guidance, policies, and frameworks related to early years and childcare, including the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), which all preschools must follow.
Early Years Alliance: The largest and most representative early years membership organisation in England. They are a significant voice for preschools and offer extensive resources, training, and support specifically tailored to their needs. Many preschools are members of the Early Years Alliance.
Website: https://www.eyalliance.org.uk/
National Day Nurseries Association (NDNA): While "Nursery" is in their name, NDNA also provides valuable support, training, and resources that can benefit many types of early years settings, including larger preschools, particularly those looking for business management and quality improvement support.
Website: https://ndna.org.uk/
NSPCC Learning: Essential resources and training on safeguarding and child protection, with specific guidance and tools applicable to all early years settings, including preschools.
Website: https://learning.nspcc.org.uk/
British Association for Early Childhood Education (Early Education): A national charity promoting high-quality early childhood education. Their focus on pedagogy, child development, and professional learning is highly relevant for preschool practitioners.
Website: https://early-education.org.uk/
PACEY (Professional Association for Childcare and Early Years): Although a key body for childminders, PACEY also provides resources, training, and advice that can be valuable for practitioners in preschools, particularly smaller ones or those with less extensive in-house support.
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!]
Preschool Inspiration Wall
Featured Time Relevant Themes and Engaging Resources for your pre-school setting
Thursday 26th March 2026: 💜🎗️ Purple Day is a special international day celebrated every year on March 26th. It was started in 2008 by a brave nine-year-old girl named Cassidy Megan, from Canada. Cassidy has epilepsy and wanted to help people talk about epilepsy to…