30 Days Wild June Gardening 30 Days Wild is The Wildlife Trusts' annual nature challenge where we ask the nation to do one 'wild' thing a day every day throughout June. Your daily wild activities can be anything you like - you might be having breakfast with the birds on Monday, feeling the grass between your toes on Tuesday, and watching wildlife webcams on Wednesday. There’s no set structure, so you can take part in a way that suits you. Alongside benefiting your local wildlife, taking part in 30 Days Wild is scientifically proven to make you feel happier, healthier, and more connected to nature! You can even sign up today and receive a FREE wildlife pack in the post, plus lots of inspiration for activities! To take part, simply click on this link; https://www.wildlifetrusts.org/30-days-wild We are always looking for fun and engaging activities to do with the children across all our Ducklings sites to educate children of any age to love nature! A few examples of our activities are exploring local parks, visiting local allotments, making garden ponds, growing vegetables, planting flowers, and having outdoor story time and sing-along sessions! If you'd like to do more activities with your child at home, please also check out our Ducklings Gardeners Activities tab on our website; https://www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/gardeners This page includes; Project: Make a Bee Hotel Project: Make a Bird Bath Activity: 'What I See Outside' flashcards Activity: 'Animals Around Me' flashcards Project: Eco-warriors Scheme Project: Build a pond in a pot Project: Build a Bug House and a ton more! So definitely check it out!

Are you looking for a preschool place for your child in and around Milton Keynes? Ducklings Preschool is based in centres across Milton Keynes in Bow Brickhill, Emerson Valley, Monkston Park, Monkston St Barts, Oldbrook, Shenley Brook End, Springfield, Tattenhoe Park and Westcroft! We are proud to be such an active part of the Milton Keynes Community for over twenty years! So if you'd like to be a part of our Ducklings Family, contact us today to reserve your preschool spaces across our sites in Milton Keynes.

The Eurovision Song Contest of 2023 will be held in England, specifically Liverpool this year! Starting on the 9th of May, and the grand final taking place on Saturday the 13th of May, we can't wait - and we hope you are excited to watch it with your family too! To make this event even more memorable, we'd designed and collected a ton of FREE resources for you to download and use at home; From scorecards to point boards to colouring in sheets and more, you'll find all of these in this article below! Printable Score Paddles - 8 different designs! Provided by Ducklings, download yours by clicking the box below, print them off, laminate them, and stick them to some lollypop sticks to use at home! Design a Eurovision Costume Activity Sheet Provided by BBC Teach Live and Twinkl.co.uk, these colouring-in sheets make for a complete Eurovision party pack ! Semi-Final Scorecards Provided by Eurovisionworld.com, are two semi-final scorecards, Source: https://eurovisionworld.com/esc/scorecards-for-eurovision-2023-download-print Sweepstake Posters Provided by the BBC, are these two sweepstake posters, Eurovision Stage Colouring in Activity Sheet Provided by BBC Teach Live and Twinkl.co.uk European Countries Flags and Background Packs Belgium, France, Germany, Italy, Spain, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. Eurovision Bunting Download your printable colourful Eurovision Bunting by clicking the file below! You can watch the final live on BBC One from 8pm (BST). If this is too late for your child, simply wait and watch the show on Sunday instead on the BBC iPlayer!

Download the King's Coronation Preschool Activities Booklet here, and celebrate with your children! Have a quick look inside....

Although its an inconvenience for parents, bedwetting is a very common problem in children. Statistically, approximately 15% of children wet the bed until the age of 5, and males are twice as likely than females to wet the bed! Bedwetting does decrease with age, occurring in only approximately 2% of children aged 14 and older. Images may be subject to copyright. This image was obtained via https://www.theschoolrun.com/bedwetting-school-age-children, 2023. The most common cause of childhood bedwetting is solely down to a lack of bladder control - which is learnt by children between the ages of 2 to 4. However, for older children, if bedwetting still occurs it's likely caused by either: developmental delays, or emotional or behavioural difficulties, and you should seek out medical advice, in regards to treating this. If it also common for some children to struggle to stay dry throughout the night from the day they are born - while others are able to control themselves for months, or years, only to begin wetting the bed again. Again, this is normal and should pass once your child is over the age of 4. Now we are aware of the statistics, let's look into the causes! it's Causes of childhood bedwetting There are many reasons, which include: Not feeling the need to pee while sleeping Making too much pee at night Stress at home or at school An underlying health condition such as diabetes or constipation Things to do to help prevent bedwetting Give your child water to drink during the day Promote your child goes to the toilet regularly, around 4-7 times a day, and right before bedtime Use waterproof covers on their mattress and duvet if they are bedwetting Make sure your child can easily access the toilet at night Introduce and use a rewards chart for your child, to reward their positive actions (A sticker for every time they use the toilet before bed etc.) Things NOT to do to help prevent bedwetting Do not shout at your child - it's not their fault, and causing stress to your child regarding bedwetting may make it even worse Do not give your child drinks which contain caffeine, as these can make your child need to pee more (No cola, tea, or coffee etc.) Do not wake up your child throughout the night to make them pee - as this won't help in the long term, as your child needs to naturally learn when they need to pee. Free resource: Toilet sticker guide: https://www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/at-home The NHS recommends you visit your local GP if; you've tried things you can do at home and your child keeps wetting the bed your child has started wetting the bed again after being dry for more than 6 months. If you do need medical advice, your GP can prescribe medicine which will reduce how much urine your child makes during the night, or could even provide you with a bedwetting alarm. For more information please feel free to check out these resources; https://eric.org.uk/childrens-bladders/bedwetting/ https://www.nationwidechildrens.org/family-resources-education/700childrens/2018/02/bedwetting-5-common-reasons-why-children-wet-the-bed https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/bedwetting/

Firstly, this process won't occur overnight - so patience is key. Your toddler will be used to only sleeping in your bed, so they may be anxious, worried, or scared to start sleeping alone - which will ease over time. It's a routine that will take time to alter, but this article will provide you with all the information you'll need - if you are still struggling, please feel free to comment below, so we can help support you further! Sleep is important to make life easier for the whole family. Not getting enough sleep can lead to a host of other issues with toddlers, such as tantrums, meltdowns, crankiness, and a disagreeable demeanor. When it comes to establishing good sleep habits with your toddler, the earlier you start, the better. - VeryWellFamily, https://www.verywellfamily.com/toddlers-and-sleep-associations-290330 Madeformums.com recommends you begin the process, without your child knowing at first. This can be done using the following steps; Start by encouraging your toddler to play in his bedroom, and particularly on his bed, before he actually sleeps there. Then, pick a night when he’ll start to sleep there and explain that he will be sleeping there all night. The chances are he’ll feel strange in his own bed at first, so expect it to take a few weeks before he gets used to sleeping there all night. Each time he appears in your room, patiently take him back to his own bed. Remind yourself: this will suit everyone, eventually. My child sneaks into my bed in the middle of the night! What should I do? Due to your child having formed the habit of sleeping in your bed, it's very common for toddlers to start the night in their own beds, only to sneak into yours in the middle of the night. This is where many parents make a mistake, due to being too tired, they allow their child to sleep. Children's sleep consultant, Melissa Bielecki, states that parents need to be firm but fair, "don't chat to them about it, and don't use bribery. Just say, 'Come on, into bed', but never shout, and be consistent every night.". Essentially, remember that your child is wanting to bed-share because of habit, not a necessity. What about when my child has a nightmare? Can I bed-share then? Most commonly, if your child has a nightmare, you'll be more flexible and lenient to allow them to sleep in your bed - it's the maternal instinct to protect and care for them. However, if this happens a lot, it can easily become another habit - so bear that in mind! We recommend that you reassure your toddler - do this in a soothing and straight-talking manner in your child's bedroom. Dr Claire Halsey, a chartered clinical psychologist, states “Don’t belittle your child’s fears, but don’t promote anxious behaviour.... Say, ‘There are no monsters in our house, so we’re going to have a big cuddle with teddy and we’re going back to sleep.’” as a method to reassure and calm your child...... My Child still isn't comfortable sleeping in their own room, do you have any other tips? If you have an older child, try reward schemes to keep her in her bed. We have these, and other fantastic free resources on our Pinterest, click here to see these. Make your toddler’s bedroom cosy and child-friendly, so it's a space they want to stay in. Let your toddler take something cuddly to bed - a soft toy or even the T-shirt you’re wearing. Ask your toddler to pick out their own bedding, so it's something they like and are excited to see. If your toddler can creep into your bed without you noticing, put a cowbell on his door handle If your child comes into your room at night, be firm. Take him back to bed and say again, “You sleep in your own bed now. You’re not to get out of bed.” Get some perspective – stand back and look at what’s causing the night waking. Address that during the day rather than leaving it until the next time she appears at 3am Be consistent. You and your partner have to be united on whether or not you let your toddler come into your bed in the night. Discuss in advance which one of you is going to get up as you won't have a very civilised debate in the middle of the night! Be strong. But if you feel that controlled crying is too harsh, you can use gradual withdrawal instead. If you'd like to learn more about controlled crying, check out this article by MadeforMoms Tell me more about controlled crying What if my child is poorly and they want to sleep by me? If your child is sick and wants you near them, then simply sit in your child's bedroom with them, remove all distractions, and ask your child to rest and sleep. Then once your child is asleep, or once they are feeling better, leave them to rest in their bedroom, and go back to your regular schedule. If you allow your child to sleep in your room, their schedule is disrupted, which can cause further problems down the line. What if my child is scared of the dark and won't sleep alone? Being scared of the dark is a common issue amongst children, however, there are numerous things you can do to comfort your child and help reduce their fears. Use a night light in their bedroom, to reduce the darkness. Tell your child bedtime stories about nice things that happen in the dark, to reduce their fear of nighttime. Introduce a magic spray bottle, or a magic wand they can use to keep their imaginary monsters away. Introduce a magic teddy bear, which will watch over your child and protect them from their imaginary monsters while they sleep. Communicate, and reassure your child there are no monsters under their bed, and let them know you are close by in your bedroom. Avoid dismissing your child's fear - talk about how you felt scared of the dark too when you were younger, but you got over it. Throughout the day, don't use their bed as a punishment for being naughty, as this is reinforcing that their bedroom is a scary place. If you need some more ideas, check out this article by anxioustoddlers.com : https://www.anxioustoddlers.com/fear-of-the-dark/ Let us know what your experience was like...

Although the country goes wild and loves when the sun comes out, babies and young children can become seriously ill during the hot weather! Their health can be affected by: dehydration, heatstroke, heat exhaustion, and sunburn. This blog will provide you with age-appropriate advice and tips for keeping your child happy and healthy during the sunny weather so that it can be truly enjoyed by everyone! The NHS recommends different tips based on your child's age. Please remember this advice will need to be tailored to meet your baby's needs - for more information please check out this article by the NHS here. From 0 - 6 months old; - Breastfeed your child more than usual - as fully breastfed babies do not have any water until they're eating solid foods. Make sure you are making an extra effort to stay more hydrated during this time also, to avoid getting dehydrated! - If your child is bottle feeding, you can give your child slightly cooled boiled water, as well as their usual milk feeds, to boost their hydration. For example, if your baby wakes during the night, they'll likely want milk as they're used to it - once they've had their usual milk feed, try them on cooled boiled water as well. From 6 months old; - Once your child has started eating solid foods, you should offer your child's baby sips of water from a beaker or cup with meals. Remember that breastmilk/infant formal should be their main drink during their first year - however, during hot weather, you may need to offer some additional water outside of mealtimes. From 12 months old; - Once your child is one, their main drinks should now be water, breastmilk, or whole cow's milk. So, during the hot weather, you can try giving them frozen lollies made from plain water, or from very diluted fruit juice to help keep them hydrated and cool - Please note, lollies made from diluted juice should only be given at mealtimes, to help prevent tooth decay. To learn more about dental health and how teeth brushing changes with your child's age, please click here. - For older children, giving them fresh fruits/salads is a fantastic way to help keep their fluid levels up! However - please remember that undiluted fruit juice or smoothies should not be given to children until they are five, as the sugars can cause tooth decay. If you are also struggling to get your child to brush their teeth, check out our blogs: Child Dental Health Printable Worksheets for Home and How to Encourage Children to Brush their Teeth. We hope this helps! If you have any further questions, feel free to leave a comment below and we'll be in touch as soon as possible.

Here you'll find our FREE sets of handy Easter ESL PDF Flashcards to introduce learners to a range of easter-themed vocabulary, perfect as a visual aid when doing independent writing tasks. These flashcards also introduce children to colours, with a visual aid to complete their learning. The flashcards can be viewed here; These can be downloaded by clicking the button below,

Are you looking for an EYFS-friendly Easter Holiday activity booklet to complete with your child? Look no further! Download our FREE PDF activities booklet. A quick glimpse into the booklet activities can be viewed below;

Starting school is an exciting time for young children and their parents! Although it can be a bit daunting, we believe that with a little preparation, your child will be confident settling into their new school. PACEY - Professional association for childcare and early years has an entire PDF booklet dedicated to ‘preparing your child for starting school’ and we highly recommend giving this a read! Together, we all can be #readyforschool This booklet can be found by clicking here; https://www.pacey.org.uk/Pacey/media/Website-files/school%20ready/PACEY_preparingforschool_guide.pdf or download it by clicking here Another brilliant resource can be found by clicking here; https://home.oxfordowl.co.uk/at-school/reception-at-primary-school/getting-ready-to-start-school/ OxfordOwl has an entire article dedicated to tips and tricks on how to prepare your child for starting School. To promote your child's excitement for starting school, please download and print off our certificate and checklist - which your child can complete themselves to mentally begin to prepare for starting school!

Here is a perfect guide on the spots, the symptoms, how to care for your child with chickenpox, and when to visit your doctor. What is it? Chickenpox is caused by a virus called varicella zoster. It is contagious, which means that someone who has it can easily spread it to someone else through coughing and sneezing. A person is most contagious during the first 2 to 5 days of being sick - and it’s most common for schoolchildren. Due to this, if you believe your child has chickenpox they shouldn’t attend school/preschool. What are the symptoms? The most common symptoms are a fever and a rash of spots that look like blisters. Other symptoms can include a runny nose, a cough, a headache, aching muscles, and/or stomachache and a loss of appetite. It’s common that the itchy spots/blisters will only appear one to two days AFTER other symptoms have been noticed. Where are the most common areas? Behind the ears, on the chest, stomach, arms, and legs. However, the spots can appear on the face, scalp, and even around their mouths. Please note, the quantity of spots does not equate to the intensity of the infection. Some children may only have a few spots, while others may be covered from head to toe! Due to this, if you see any spots, please inform your child’s school to help prevent the spread of the virus. Photo credit: NHS ; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chickenpox/ How do I look after a child with chickenpox? Treat the symptoms! For example, Use paracemamol for a high temperature. Use calamine lotion and antihistamines to help ease itching. Adding bicarbonate of sofa to bath water may also help soothe a baby’s itching. Make sure the child is weating loose-fitting clothing, to help stop the skin from becoming sore and irritated. Also, make sure the child is getting lots of fluids - and avoid salty foods that may make their mouths sore. Due to the itching, make sure fingernails are clean and short. If the itching occurs throughout the night, maybe even try placing gloves on their hands at night. What happens next? The spots will blister, and then the blisters will crust over to form scabs, which will eventually naturally fall off - usually within one to two weeks after the first symptoms started. If your child has chickenpox they should be kept away from others as much as possible - to help prevent the spread. This means, no childcare, nursery, or school until the blisters have scabbed over - which usually takes 5 to 6 days. Make sure infected clothing or bedding is regularly washed to help prevent the infection from spreading in the household. When should you visit your doctor? According to the NHS, Chickenpox is most common in children under 10, and are more likely to catch the infection throughout winter and spring - due to the increase in coughing and sneezing. Chickenpox is also so common that 90% of adults are immune, due to having it as a child, so there is no immediate reason to visit your doctor. However, unfortunately some children can become seriously ill with the infection. If you notice your child is having difficulty breathing, or if the blisters have become infected, visit your doctor straight away. What if I want more information? Please check out the kidshealth.org website ; https://kidshealth.org/en/kids/chicken-pox.html Or the NHS website ; https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/chickenpox/

World Book Day is the biggest annual celebration of authors, illustrators, and books in the world and (most importantly), it is a celebration of reading! Reading for pleasure is the single biggest indicator of a child’s future success – more than their family circumstances, their parents’ educational background or their income. We want to see more children, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds, with a life-long habit of reading for pleasure and the improved life chances this brings them. www.worldbookday.com So let's begin! Ducklings Readers - Our first free resource is our Ducklings Readers platform on our website; https://www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/readers . This area of our website is dedicated to promoting reading at home, with worksheets, storybooks, storytime reading videos, articles and more. Free Printable Bookmarks Here are a few bookmark designs to impress any child's interest! From sharks, to unicorns, to planes, and outer space! Feel free to view, download, print off, and share whichever designs you like! World Book Day Bunting World Book Day Main Toolkit Dressing up Ideas for educators and parents World Book Day Celebration Pack Party Poster for World Book Day World Book Day Family Pack All of the above resources have been found on www.worldbookday.com website or designed by Ducklings Preschool. For some more fantastic resources, please check out the ones below; Reading for pleasure activities: choice and voice, by A National Literacy Trust membership resource. For last-minute costume ideas, make sure to check out these great blogs, https://www.madeformums.com/toddler-and-preschool/last-minute-easy-world-book-day-costumes/ https://www.netmums.com/world-book-day/top-world-book-day-costume-ideas/2-bob-the-builder-costume https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/whats-on/family-kids-news/easy-costumes-world-book-day-17813704 From the entire team at Ducklings, we hope you have an incredible time celebrating World Book Day 2023!

The MK Gallery - Milton Keynes Gallery, 900 Midsummer Blvd, Milton Keynes, MK 9 3QA The MK Gallery is a contemporary visual arts gallery which hosts touring exhibitions, workshops, and even kids' craft events! Check out their website for the most up-to-date events! https://mkgallery.org/ Their next kid's crafts event is on February 11th, from 12-4 pm, called Cardboard Creations - Family Fun Day! 2. Great Linford Manor Park - Parklands, Great Linford, Milton Keynes MK14 5DZ Great Linford Manor Park is a beautiful place for all the family to enjoy the great outdoors and discover the history of the local area - with a history stretching back to at least the Saxon times. The park also has a play sculpture trail and an infant play area! And if that isn't enough; pack a picnic, binoculars, or even a scavenger hunt for extra entertainment! Another advantage is this park has free parking, available at Marsh Dr, Great Linford, Milton Keynes, MK14 5AS. Find out more information at: https://www.theparkstrust.com/parks/great-linford-manor-park/ 3. Milton Keynes Arts Centre - Milton Keynes Arts Centre, Parklands, MK 14 5DZ "Milton Keynes Arts Centre is situated in the heart of the 18th century Great Linford Manor Park. We present a programme of artists’ projects, events and educational activities inspired by our unique location. We provide access to specialist ceramic, silversmithing and wood shop resources, and the space to explore new ideas and directions in the development of craft, design and the visual arts." - https://miltonkeynesartscentre.org/About With constant events on, we recommend checking out their events through their website. For example, this February half-term, they are hosting some family-friendly making and creating sessions with artist leaders. For example, they have a Valentine's inspired ink painting with Gaby Radiguet, and a lyric writing session with Rachael Inwood. 4. Visit the Concrete Cows - H3 Monks Way, Milton Keynes MK13 0QP Milton Keynes has become famous for our infamous concrete cows, which were designed by Liz Leyh & Bill Billings. For this alone, we believe it's worthy of a visit and photo shot by. 5. Visit Willen Lake - Willen Lake, V10 Brickhill Street, MK15 0DS Although there are paid-for activities at Willen Lake (Ranging from tree-top to water sports) there is still plenty to see and do while not paying a penny, except for parking. This is thanks to The Parks Trust, a self-financing charity that looks after more than 6,000 acres of parkland in Milton Keynes. Find more information at: https://www.willenlake.org.uk/ If you are looking for a free activity to do here with your children, download their Bird Bingo here https://www.willenlake.org.uk/activities/off-the-water/outdoor-learning/bird-bingo/ 6. Visit Caldecotte Lake - Bletcham Way, Caldecotte, Milton Keynes MK7 8HP Caldecotte Lake is free to visit and is located in Milton Keynes. It's easy to get to. There is a large main free car park which is next to a pub and play area. Additionally, for an extra £1 (or free for under 2s) there is a Caldecotte Miniature Railway! This railway is a great experience for children, as it goes around the track twice and has been running since 2006! Located opposite the windmill pub, make sure you visit - We recommend that you check the Caldecotte Miniature Railway page on Facebook to check the days the train is running. (Photo source: https://caldecotteminiaturerailway.co.uk/) 7. Visit Dobbies Garden Centre, Bletchley - Belvedere Ln, Watling St, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK17 9JH We understand your reaction, a garden centre? But hear us out! Dobbies has thousands of plants AND hundreds of different fish in store to view in their tanks, and you can even buy pots of food for £1, to let the children feed their giant carp. With these experiences, it's similar to an aquarium, without the cost! It's definitely a great free way to entertain your children, so give it a go! There is even a play zone, cafe, and events to attend so check out their website by clicking here. 8. Visit Maidenhead Aquatics - Watling St, Bletchley, Milton Keynes MK17 9JH Similarly, Maidenhead Aquatics focuses solely on stocking fish (tropical, coldwater and temperate fish, fancy goldfish, tropical freshwater fish, and more)! Due to this, we highly recommend visiting this place if your child has an interest in animals and nature. 9. Rushmere Country Park - Linslade Rd, Heath and Reach, Leighton Buzzard LU7 0EB Another incredible place to visit for free, except parking (which is £2), is the Rushmere Country Park! It's home to a wide variety of wildlife,f play areas and an oak wood sculpture trail to spark your child's adventurous side! Plus, if it rains there is a cafe! Rushmere Country Park also has extra holiday activities, including teddy bear picnics, summer fayres, and even dog shows, so make sure to check out their website for updates! Click here for more information: https://www.greensandtrust.org/rushmere-country-park (Photo source: https://www.facebook.com/rushmerepark/photos) 10. Rushden Lakes - Northamptonshire, Rushden NN10 6FH Last but definitely not least, with 5 hours of free parking, Rushden Lakes is a great day out! Rushden Lakes offers a wide variety of activities and experiences that will keep your children entertained for the entire day! From picnic tables to sculpture hunts, to playgrounds and more! "Rushden Lakes Shopping Centre is a unique place to shop, eat, and explore, offering a world of outdoor discovery at the gateway to the Nene Wetlands. It combines a modern shopping centre with the natural world, promoting the environment – something that we are happy to be a part of. As part of the development, they asked us to build several rustic creations that incorporated elements of the local environment. These included giant animal sculptures and carvings based upon the local wildlife, a pond dipping platform, a picnic shelter, and four nature-themed play areas. Collectively, these creations encourage locals to garner a greater interest in nature and local wildlife." (Photo source: https://www.thewilddeckcompany.co.uk/product-portfolio/picnic-areas-and-seating/rushden-lakes-picnic-shelter/)

Due to the current cost of living crisis, we are aware that many parents will be finding it difficult to balance having activities to do with your children, while trying to stick to a budget. Hopefully, this article will help inspire some activities for you, and please leave a comment below of other ideas you have, so we can create a thread of suggestions. The National Trust has an incredible article on this entitled ‘50 things to do before you're 11¾ - Have fun exploring nature and the great outdoors - which can be found at https://www.nationaltrust.org.uk/visit/50-things This article provides many great free activities, such as Having a picnic in the wild Set up a snail race Hunt for fossils Go stargazing or cloud watching Discover what's in a pond Make a home for wildlife Go on a scavenger hunt and much much more! Our Ducklings Blog is also full of fun things to do that are either free or require minimal items which you may already own. Just a few of these activities are; Growing together - Preschool gardening 8 at home activities that are great for replacing screen time 5 things to do on a nature walk with kids 8 Fun Crafts to do this Autumn Rainy Days: Ways to Entertain Children without screens Box Clever -Things you can do with an empty shoebox Rain, Rain, Go Away Easy ways to encourage your child's love of reading Eliminating Boredom 101: A parenting know-how If you need even more advice, please check out the 'Activities' tab on our website We hope that these articles and resources have helped! Perhaps the activities will include making an indoor den, or an at-home cinema where you can even print off movie tickets or get your children to design them. At the cinema, you could even buy popcorn, and place duvets down - it's all down to what your budget allows. If your children prefer to be outdoors, try to make a whole day of it! Pack some snacks for a mid-day picnic, some hot chocolate for the afternoons, and torches for your evening walk while trying to find owls.

There are multiple sources online which discuss the signs of early autism in children. To save you time, we've researched multiple sources, and have added the key content into one article for your convenience. The resources used will be linked at the end of the article, in case you wish to learn more. Firstly, it's important to understand that all children learn behaviours and skills as they grow, and the pace at which this happens will naturally vary from child to child. However, there are certain developmental milestones that children can be expected to reach within an average or typical timeframe. If you are concerned that your child's rate of development is different to that of their peers, and you think they may have autism, the checklists below may be helpful. However, please keep in mind that these checklists are not a definitive diagnosis, so please seek professional advice if these concerns still arise. Autism will have multiple symptoms, depending on both the age and the gender of the child. These are, Autism in young children Signs of autism in young children include: not responding to their name avoiding eye contact not smiling when you smile at them getting very upset if they do not like a certain taste, smell or sound repetitive movements, such as flapping their hands, flicking their fingers or rocking their body not talking as much as other children not doing as much pretend play repeating the same phrases Autism in older children Signs of autism in older children include: not seeming to understand what others are thinking or feeling unusual speech, such as repeating phrases and talking ‘at’ others liking a strict daily routine and getting very upset if it changes having a very keen interest in certain subjects or activities getting very upset if you ask them to do something finding it hard to make friends or preferring to be on their own taking things very literally – for example, they may not understand phrases like "break a leg" finding it hard to say how they feel Autism in girls Autism can sometimes be different in girls and boys. This means autism can be harder to spot in girls and is commonly misdiagnosed, as Dr Camilla Pang stated, "I feel autistic women are more likely to be described as ‘anxious’ and an autism diagnosis overlooked, since it can challenge gender stereotypes." Autistic girls may: hide some signs of autism by copying how other children behave and play withdraw in situations they find difficult appear to cope better with social situations show fewer signs of repetitive behaviours Autism in babies Early signs of autism in babies (6 months to one year) may include: Reacting in an unexpected way to new faces Rarely smiling in social situations Making little or no eye contact Difficulty in following objects with their eyes Hearing their name does not produce a response Having limited or no reaction to loud sounds, or not turning their head to locate sounds Overreacting to some sounds Displaying a lack of interest in interactive games, like peek-a-boo Chattering, or imitating sounds and words is limited Gestures like pointing at an object they want or waving back at others are limited Tendency not to imitate the actions of other people Dislike of being touched or cuddled, or not reaching out when about to be picked up, or Displaying unusual or repetitive body movements. Early signs of autism in toddlers (up to 24 months) may include: Limited or no speech Only walking on their toes Difficulty in following simple verbal instructions Gestures and imitating others’ actions are limited Showing an intense interest in certain objects, at the exclusion of all else Showing an intense interest in unusual or unexpected objects or materials Unwillingness to share objects or activities they are interested in, or to engage the attention of others, or Engaging in repetitive actions and activities, such as putting objects into lines or groups, etc. Early signs of autism in young children (up to 36 months) may include: Limited speech Difficulties in being able to follow simple verbal instructions Showing little interest in imaginative play, such as pretend games Showing little interest in other children Wanting routines to be followed and being upset by change Extreme sensitivity to sight, sound, smell, taste and some other sensory experiences Displaying limited or no sensitivity to some sensory experiences such as heat, cold, touch, hunger, thirst or pain, or Becoming fixated on playing with particular toys, activities or actions. Resources NHS : https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/autism/signs/children/ Dr. Camilla Pang: https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/stories/stories-from-the-spectrum-camilla-pang Autistic Women and Girls : https://www.autism.org.uk/advice-and-guidance/what-is-autism/autistic-women-and-girls Signs of Autism in babies : https://autismsa.org.au/autism-diagnosis/autism-symptoms/signs-of-autism-in-babies/

Your child's health matters - and their dental health should not be ignored! If you're struggling to motivate your child to brush their teeth, we recommend showing them this video! Weekly Tooth Brushing Worksheet We have created a free printable weekly tooth brushing schedule, which can be downloaded below the picture, Teeth Brushing Worksheet Booklet As well as that, we have also created an entire booklet of fun worksheets that may help motivate your child to brush their own teeth voluntarily, which can be downloaded for free below, Why is promoting tooth health important? According to the NHS, Tooth decay is largely preventable yet it remains a serious problem. Findings from Public Health England’s (PHE) 2015 national dental epidemiology survey of 5-year-old children showed that in 2015 in England, a quarter (25%) of 5-year-olds had experienced tooth decay, having on average 3 or 4 teeth affected. The vast majority of tooth decay was untreated. Poor dental health impacts children and families Poor dental health impacts not just on the individual’s health but also their wellbeing and that of their family. Children who have toothache or who need treatment may have pain, infections and difficulties with eating, sleeping and socialising. A quarter of 5 year-olds have tooth decay when they start school. Children who have toothache or who need treatment may have to be absent from school and parents may also have to take time off work to take their children to a dentist or to hospital. Oral health is therefore an important aspect of a child’s overall health status and of their school readiness. References: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/health-matters-child-dental-health/health-matters-child-dental-health As we are a preschool, we follow the EYFS guidelines, which require "All settings must promote the good health, including oral health, of children attending the setting." We follow this by constantly promoting good dental health by only serving milk or water (Restricting sugary and acidic drinks). We also ask our parents to constantly promote brushing their teeth at least twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and to avoid keeping sugary and acidic food and drinks to mealtimes only.

Valentine's Day is a wonderful time to show love to your loved ones. Your children may wish to get involved, so please read this blog to get inspired for activities to perform together! Our Valentine's Worksheet Booklet Ducklings have created an EYFS-friendly worksheet booklet that is Valentine's Day themed! Be sure to download and print off your own copy of this by clicking the button below, Hand Painted Heart Art (Photo Source: https://factorydirectcraft.com/factorydirectcraft_blog/handprint-heart/handprint_heart3/ ) Things you’ll need: Acrylic Paint (two or more colours) Foam brushes White or light cardstock Fine point pen Things to do: 1. You’ll need two hands per heart, so firstly wash and dry your hands. 2. Spread a thin layer of paint on one hand and press it down on the paper at an angle, fingers together. 3. Allow the handprint to dry and then layer the other hand on top to form a heart 4. When both prints are dry, use a pen to add a message, either around the heart or at the bottom and frame. You could even turn this artwork into a valentines card! Simply cut out this art, stick it onto a folded piece of cardstock, and write a message inside. Card Heart Sign (Photo Source: https://www.pinterest.co.uk/pin/12033123996626495/) Things you’ll need: Acrylic Paint (two or more colours) Paint Brushes Scissors Sellotape White or light cardstock Fine point pen Things to do: 1. First, trace out hearts (One large and one small) a leaf and a flower stem. 2. Use paint and decorate each part - either similar to the picture above or get creative. 3. Once the paint has dried, stick all the pieces together to form a heart flower. 4. Take a pen and write a message. 5. Repeat as many times as you'd like. We love this idea, especially if you and your children bake a cake for Valentine's. Simply add these heart roses to your baked goods, and now you have a Valentine's cake!

Use our free labour hospital bag checklist to pack for both you and your baby. The checklist will cover all the essentials; clothes, health items, skincare, towels, and more. To download and print off your own copy, please click on the download button attached below.

For new mothers, breastfeeding is a completely new skill they'll need to learn once the baby arrives. And unfortunately, every mother and baby will have unique needs and preferences, so experimenting to find which works best for you is key! Below is a visual guide to the five more common breastfeeding positions. We will attach informative videos on each of these below the photo to further assist you, should you require it. (Source: https://www.verywellfamily.com/common-breastfeeding-positions-431648) The Thompson Method Gentle Cradle Hold This method is the most preferred for newborn or young babies, and is the most instinctuive position for us. Although it may be challenging to set up, once the baby has latched, its a comfortable feed for the mother. Watch the video below for more information. The Cross-Cradle Position The cross-cradle position is usually used during the early days of breastfeeding. It's beneficial as it allows better support of the baby's head, whilst they learn how to latch. Watch the video below for more information on how to correctly set up this position. The Football Hold If you've had a c-section, the football hold is an incredible position to breastfeed, as it avoids putting any weight on your belly. This position also allows you to see what is happening, and can therefore easily guide the baby to settle comfortably. Watch this video to see how to get into this position at home. The Side-Lying Position The side-lying position has numerous benefits for both the mother and baby. For example, if you have an oversupply of milk, side-lying breastfeeding can help your baby manage the flow of milk easily. This position is also easier for mothers when they're starting to relax for night time, or during night feeds. Watch the video below for more information. and finally, The Laid-Back Nursing Position The laid-back nursing position is great for every mother - regardless of whether they had a natural or c-section birth. Mothers should use a comfortable, reclined but not flat position, to feed their child. This position requires you to prop yourself up with cushions, and place your baby on your front, or to one side if it's uncomfortable. Watch the video below for more information. For more information, please check out Pampers article on this too https://www.pampers.co.uk/newborn-baby/feeding/article/five-breastfeeding-positions-and-tips

Does your baby have a serious case of hiccups and you're wondering if there's any cause for concern? We're here to ease your worries! Although it may look uncomfortable for your baby, there's usually no need to worry at all. Baby hiccups are very common, and they aren't normally a problem. In fact, they usually bother parents more than the baby. - Dr Kylie Liermann, paediatrician To help calm your worries, let's learn what causes hiccups in your child, and how to get rid of them, so your baby can breathe easier. Why do babies get hiccups? Hiccups are most likely caused by irritation to the diaphragm, the muscle at the base of the lungs. Sometimes, that muscle starts to spasm or cramp. That causes the vocal cords to clamp shut, creating that distinctive “hic!” sound you know and dread. Developing babies can get hiccups even before they’re born, and many pregnant people have felt the telltale flutters in their bellies. Again, usually, hiccups don't bother babies. Hiccups are especially common in newborns and infants. “We don’t know exactly why, but hiccups may be caused by increased gas in the stomach,” Dr. Liermann says. “If babies overfeed or gulp air during eating, that could cause the stomach to expand and rub against the diaphragm, generating those hiccups.” What if it's something more serious? Sometimes, hiccups are a sign of gastroesophageal reflux (GERD). Reflux causes stomach acid to back up into the baby’s oesophagus. If your baby has GERD, hiccups won’t be the only symptom. Infants with reflux also have signs such as: Coughing. Spitting up. Irritability and crying. Arching the back, especially during or after a feeding. If you notice these signs, then we recommend you speak to your doctor, to get your baby properly checked out, and learn ways how to manage it. How to help stop baby hiccups Change feeding positions - try feeding your baby in a more upright position. If you are breastfeeding, please check out this Pampers article on 5 different breastfeeding positions. Burp more frequently - burp during feeding to prevent hiccups. Use a dummy - as the sucking motion can help relax the diaphragm. Try distractions - if your baby looks stressed, simply try to distract them. Try rubbing your baby's back - and rock your baby back and forth to help them relax, to slow down the spasms. We hope this has helped relieve your worries, and please remember, hiccups will naturally stop on their own, and do not cause discomfort to babies, so there is no need to 'treat' them. We gathered this information from both Medical News Today. and Pampers , please check them out if you want more information regarding this - as they are fantastic resources!

According to NHS choices a balanced lunchbox should contain: Starchy foods like bread, rice, potatoes or pasta Protein foods like meat, fish, eggs or beans A dairy item, like cheese or yoghurt Vegetables or salad and a portion of fruit But what if your child isn't a fan of 'boring' sandwiches? Why not cut them into fun unique shapes, like a star or a heart? Simply uses shaped cutters on the bread, and freeze the offcuts of bread to save and make into breadcrumbs in future! And if that isn't enough to get them excited, why not try introducing wraps in their lunch boxes instead? These wraps are super easy to make - simply add your usual fillings from a sandwich into the wrap, roll it up, and cut it in half! What can you do if your child hates bread? Make them delicious cold pasta salads! Pasta salads can be customised constantly with different sauces, vegetables, and proteins, depending on dietary preferences. Now we've got the basics down, let's look through some recipes to help inspire your future lunch boxes! If you wish to make a recipe from above, they can all be found at https://www.bbcgoodfood.com/howto/guide/school-packed-lunch-inspiration For even more inspiration, we recommend you check out these fellow articles; Lunchbox Main Ideas 5 easy & healthy lunchbox ideas for kids 10 budget ideas for kids’ lunchboxes Quick lunchbox ideas for kids How to choose a healthy snack for kids

Children get great enjoyment from being outdoors! Planting and growing plants not only improves their motor skills, but improves their creativity, their curiosity, and their understanding of knowledge and nature. At Ducklings, we do everything we can to get your children outside daily, while also educating them on their surroundings. From visiting allotments to making bird seed feeders, or even growing their own plants at preschool! At Ducklings, we believe that school gardening could be the start of a lifelong passion for nature for children, and we hope it's a passion you can continue at home throughout 2023! So, whether that means going on more family walks together, or growing a kitchen herb garden, or something else entirely! Every little bit will help. If you believe Ducklings can do more to help boost your child's interest in nature and the outdoors, please let us know! We'd love to hear it and take it onboard throughout 2023!

If you're reading this article it's likely because you are expecting a baby, Congratulations! The next few months will be spent preparing, and one of the most important jobs you will have is to prepare your older child for their new role becoming an older sibling! Children will react to the news differently - some with joy, some with anger, and some with no response at all - which is absolutely normal. Regardless of how ready your child may seem, after birth, there will be an adjustment period. So, let's learn some ways in which we can prepare our child to become an older sibling, before and after birth. Letting them know On average, it's recommended to tell your child as soon as the baby begins to show. However, as every pregnancy is different, and some pregnant women will experience severe morning sickness, you may wish to tell your child sooner, to help relieve any worries they have about their mother's health. If your family is adopting or using a surrogacy, in which the baby is not visibly obvious, it's still recommended to "start the conversation early" according to Dr. Silverman at the Child Mind Institute. This is advised, so your child has as much time as possible to ask questions, mentally prepare, and get extra special alone time with each parent, to relieve any worries - After all, it's a big change, that will take time to get used to. Firstly, Your child will likely be very inquisitive about where the baby has come from. Although that seems a very heavy question, a sweet and simple explanation should satisfy most children. Saying something simple like, "Babies are made when two adults love each other so much that they are able to create a baby". If your child still has more questions, AMAZE Parents has posted a child-friendly video explaining the process, which can be found here, If your child is struggling with the idea of a baby arriving and isn't happy about the news, we recommend that you try to find their old baby clothes, or show them photo albums of them as a baby, to help relieve any stresses or anxiety they have about the idea. You may find that talking about them as a baby may be fun, and then begin to talk about how much fun it would be to have another baby in the home. Furthermore, if your child isn't excited about having a baby in the house ask your child for their advice on important details like the babies bedding, or their toys, or even ask them to pick out their future clothing. Another tip would be to make sure the language you use to explain this news is key. Dr. Silverman recommends using terminology like "There's one more person to love", "There's somebody new to spend time with!", or "We'll have some much fun watching the baby do new things, and teaching them things" etc. Make sure you are emphasising the great things they will do together - not just the great things about the baby - to avoid jealousy. How to prepare them for the birth If your child is under 5, it's likely they will have trouble understanding time. So instead of saying "the baby will arrive in 6 months", try using a different form of measuring. Like, saying "the baby will arrive when the weather is very hot", or "the baby will arrive just before Christmas" for example. Your child will likely associate the hospital with being poorly, however, it's important to assure them that going to the doctor is important for pregnant women, and is nothing to worry about. If your child is old enough, maybe see if they can accompany you on your visits to hear the baby's heartbeat, or show them the baby through an ultrasound. Just remember to not discuss the medical details, as that may worry them unnecessarily. When you go to the hospital for the birth, simply explain to your child you will be back shortly with their new baby brother or sister. If appropriate, let your child and partner be the first family members to meet the baby, this way you can see your child's natural reaction in private. Verywell Family also recommends that "When it’s time for other visitors to stop by, let your preschooler play whatever role they are comfortable with. Some will want to act as the master of ceremonies, introducing their new sibling to grandma, while others may prefer to hang back and watch the action. If possible, ask a relative that your child is especially close with to take them for a walk or maybe get a snack, just to help them get away from it all for a little while." which is a wonderful idea! Lastly, After your new baby is born, your oldest child may suddenly start acting younger, in an attempt to seek the same attention as the baby is getting. This is completely normal, and it's your older child's way of making sure you are still aware that they need you. To try to avoid this, we recommend setting aside special one-on-one time with your eldest. Even something as simple as story time will help them feel appreciated and valued. If your child is older, giving them appropriate jobs and praising their positive behaviour may also help massively! And above all else, CONGRATULATIONS AND CELEBRATE! For more advice on this, we highly recommend checking out these other articles; https://childmind.org/article/preparing-child-new-sibling/ https://www.verywellfamily.com/preparing-your-first-child-for-a-new-baby-2765029 https://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/prenatal/Pages/Preparing-Your-Family-for-a-New-Baby.aspx If you'd prefer a video, why not check out this LoveParenting video!

Here are THREE different designs for Toilet/Potty Training Guides, so we recommend allowing your child to choose their favourite and use that. These guides help keep track of your child's progression, while also providing a fun interactive poster your children will enjoy using. Download the guides by clicking the button below,

Is your little one struggling with their writing? Then let's try to make learning fun with these activity worksheets! The missing letter activity Tracing letter activity Label the body part activity. Download these worksheets by clicking the button below, If you're still looking for more, please check out https://www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/readers. This page is full of videos, articles, activities, storytime videos and more!

Let's welcome and learn more about Autumn together using our free downloadable booklet. Our booklet is designed to teach everyone the basics of Autumn, and the changes we experience during this season - and then provides a list of useful blog resources, along with various EYFS activities you can use at home, on the go, or at schools.

As January is the month for Veganuary - where people choose to follow a vegan diet for the entire month - Ducklings has designed alphabetic flashcards, all fruit and vegetable themed! These 26 cards are colourful, fun, and educational! So why not print these off at home, and practice them with your child? Download your FREE flashcards by clicking on the PDF button below, Download to see the rest!

Like many other parents and guardians, you may already attend a day nursery, like Ducklings Preschool. You may also be aware that when children reach the age of 3 and above most primary schools offer a pre-school service. With that in mind, you may now be questioning what are the differences between the preschool you are already attending, and that offered by your local primary school? We’d love to provide a brief insight into these differences, to help you make your decision. “Will my child experience a better learning environment at school nursery or not?” Firstly, and potentially the most vital thing to understand is that all nurseries and pre-schools, regardless of whether they’re privately owned or part of a school, must follow the SAME curriculum – The Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). To find out more about EYFS, click here; EYFS: What does it stand for? In brief, the EYFS is the statutory framework and standards for care, education, and child development. The main difference between privately owned and school preschools is the way EYFS is delivered. Firstly, in terms of the child-to-staff ratio; Privately owned preschools (like Ducklings Preschool) have to follow the 1:8 staff-to-child ratio, for children aged 3 and older. However, preschools that are part of schools have to follow the 1:13 ratio - That would mean 26 children with only two adults to supervise, observe, and promote learning! Private preschools, like Ducklings Preschool, have almost twice as many qualified adults as most school preschools, which gives your child a more personalised and nurturing experience. Another difference is the various types of ethos that different preschools will adopt. For example, schools are likely to take a very formal approach, following topic-led teaching, which might not be of interest to your child, meaning they'll be less likely to get involved and enjoy learning. However, privately owned preschools like Ducklings preschool follow a more child-centred ethos, where our sessions are based on the child's individual interests and needs. Our staff are trained to support ongoing development and offer educational activities that promote progression and learning through play-based learning. "What about having a key person?" At privately owned preschools, like Ducklings preschool, your child will be paired with a qualified member of staff. This 'key person will perform observations and is someone your child will feel comfortable around and will be your contact throughout your time at nursery/preschool with us. Unfortunately, school preschools have no such scheme in place - and with only one adult for every 13 children, it's questionable whether they can provide that personal level of attention and assistance. “Would I be guaranteed a primary school place if I send my child to a school’s nursery?” Unfortunately, no. This is a common misconception – that children who attend a school nursery will gain automatic entry to the attached primary school when their child starts reception. This is due to local authorities making decisions on which school children attend – and where your child currently attends does not weigh their decision. Local authorities can only consider your preferred choice when submitting your application. “Would my funding entitlement at school nursery be the same? Can I still use it?” Both privately owned nurseries and school nurseries receive funding for the same hours and age groups. However, each offers the funding differently. What exactly does that mean? School nurseries often provide two sessions only, morning and afternoon, which are usually 3 hours long, to comply with the school opening hours. Although the sessions may be useful, if you work full-time, you may need to find cover for the lunch hour in between, or at the end of the school day, depending on the school's nursery hours. Furthermore, check on the school nursery requirements during term breaks and holiday dates. Typically, private nurseries are much more flexible when it comes to hours and funding. Furthermore, Ducklings Preschool allows parents or guardians to combine funding entitlements with paid sessions! If you have any more questions regarding finances, please call us at 01772 356709 or email us at ducklingsfinance@gmail.com Due to all of this, we advise parents to carefully consider moving their child to a school nursery, and whether they will move their children away from their current preschool for the right reasons. We want all children to feel comfortable and happy when arriving at nursery, so if you have any questions or concerns please don't hesitate to contact us.

Welcome Halloween this October in a new and exciting way! Our FREE activities book is full of EYFS activities suitable for toddlers and early years children! We hope you enjoy, and Happy Halloween!

Music is humanity’s oldest form of communication: It’s been used for millions of years and is commonly referred to as a “universal language”. Music brings communities together and can unite people! It also has a profound effect on brain development in all stages of life and can clearly be used as a tool in many instances. In reference to a child’s brain development, music training can increase maturity in a child’s brain and can help them develop other areas of their brain at a faster rate. For example, children who take part in music training, like violin lessons, will likely mature faster and gain a larger skill set otherwise not found in the average child. Furthermore, music therapy has shown to have a significant effect on overall relaxation and even respiration rate. Music has been noted to further reduce anxiety levels. Due to this, music interventions can provide opportunities for: Anxiety and stress reduction Positive outlets for changes in moods and emotional states Non-verbal outlets for emotions associated with traumatic experiences Relaxation for family groups Positive physiological changes, like lowering blood pressure, reducing heart rates, and relaxed muscle tension. Children are the future of the human race! How they develop, learn, and grow matters a lot. The most important time in brain development occurs during a child’s early years - when their brain's plasticity is at its highest, thus making it the perfect time to nurture their growing minds through musical training. Don’t just take our word, various studies have been conducted, like the one USC Dornsife College of Letters, Arts, and Sciences, which performed a five-year study focusing on how music training can change the structure of both the brain's white and grey matter. The study found that children who had experienced, just as little as two years, musical training tended to have more mature brain development in areas that dealt with sound processing, language development, speech perception, and reading skills. All these skills activate areas of the brain, such as the frontal lobe, temporal lobe, and parietal lobe. Furthermore, the study found that the children in musical training showed higher amounts of brain development than those who played sports, so music is truly highly beneficial to the development of children’s brains! Connect with Ducklings Preschool At Ducklings Preschool, we strive to create a loving, caring atmosphere in a safe and friendly environment! We want to support all children to enable them to achieve their best. In order to do this, many steps are taken to support them through their learning journeys during their time with us. Additionally, Ducklings goes a step further! We provide a ton of free resources for you to use while at home! These can be found on our website, under the Ducklings Activities tab, https://www.ducklingspreschool.co.uk/activities as well as on our blog! Keep checking these platforms regularly, to gain insight into activities like art, literacy, mathematics, cooking, gardening, and so much more!