With autumn in full swing and winter fast approaching, the world around us becomes full of colour, light, and excitement — from crunchy leaves and sparkling fireworks to cosy winter mornings. These seasonal changes are more than just beautiful — they’re bursting with opportunities for speech and language development in the early years. Through storytelling, singing, and play, young children learn to listen, understand, and communicate with confidence. We know that children learn best through...

As the seasons change, books are a wonderful way for children to explore the world around them. These books celebrate the wonders of autumn while supporting key areas of early years development — from language and communication to understanding the natural world. Here are Our Favourite Autumnal Books for Under 5s Leaf Man by Lois Ehlert Using real leaf collages, this beautiful picture book encourages children to spot shapes, patterns, and movement in nature. It’s perfect for developing...

Trick or treating is often the highlight of Halloween for children — a thrilling chance to dress up as goblins, ghouls, and favourite characters while collecting sweets by the handful. Beyond the excitement, Halloween activities offer valuable developmental benefits. Dressing up supports imaginative play, which boosts creativity and self-expression. Going from door to door encourages confidence, communication, and social skills — while decision-making and turn-taking are practised naturally...