Equality, Diversity and Prevent
International Friendship Day
July 30th is the United Nation’s International Friendship Day. Officially proclaimed in 2011, it is aimed at promoting friendships between peoples, countries, cultures and individuals to “inspire peace efforts and build bridges between...
7 tips for nystagmus success in the classroom
Having just released my book “Can I Tell You About Nystagmus?” I jumped at the chance of being able to raise the awareness around the condition, in support of Nystagmus Awareness Day, 20th June 2019. For those who don’t know, nystagmus is an...
Drowning Prevention Week
Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death in children in the UK, and every year, over 700 people drown in the UK and Ireland; approximately one person every 10 hours. According to the Royal Life Saving Society’s Director of...
Diabetes Week
What comes to mind when you think of diabetes? Older and more obese people? Insulin injections? Poor eyesight? A life without chocolate?All these things have been associated with diabetes in the past, and some still are today; but is this all...
Learning Disability Week
Can you imagine how your life would be different if you had a learning disability? How would it affect you and the lives of the people you love? Maybe you’d find it more difficult to live independently? Perhaps everyday tasks that we all take...
People who help us
In the UK, there are over eight million ‘999’ calls made every year? That’s approximately one every 4 seconds! And millions of other calls are made to the non-emergency police number, 101. But it’s not just the police, fire and ambulance service...
The importance of fostering
Every year, around 30,000 children enter the British care system – imagine the intake of 30, average-sized comprehensive schools – all children needing to live with people other than their parents, in surroundings that may, or may not be...
Deaf Awareness Week
In the UK, it is estimated that 1 in 6 people (approximately 11 million people) are deaf or hard of hearing. Deafness is the third most common disability in the world, but you would be hard-pressed to spot a deaf person in a crowd. Most deaf...
Viral Meningitis Awareness Week
The first full week in May (6th – 12th) is Viral Meningitis Awareness Week. It’s run by the charity, Meningitis Now, as an annual event aimed at “stopping lives being lost through meningitis and to make sure that sufferers and survivors get...
Ways to celebrate St George’s Day
On Tuesday 23rd April, England will celebrate their Patron Saint Day and the heroic figure of St George will be remembered up and down the country. Flags bearing the familiar red cross on a white background, will be flown from many a windowsill...
Book review: “Voyage to Arghan”
“Voyage to Arghan” is a new sensory story, conceived and written by Joanna Grace, (an international sensory engagement and inclusion specialist), and beautifully illustrated by Helen Lanzrein. It tells the story of Nila, who excitedly wins a...
Sensory Nature Adventures and Play with the Sensory Trust
written by Madeleine Amos For children with disabilities and their families, going out and being in nature can seem a daunting prospect. In response, Sensory Trust, a charity that creates accessible and engaging outdoor experiences, have...
National Autism Awareness Month
April is National Autism Awareness Month and the first week, (1–7th), is World Autism Awareness Week. Across the globe, people who have autism, carers, parents, teachers, family and friends will come together to raise money for research and...
Celebrate St Patrick’s Day
Sunday 17th March is St Patrick’s Day – the patron saint of Ireland, but it is not only in the ‘emerald isle’ that this day is cherished and celebrated as it’s reported that St Patrick’s Day is celebrated in more countries than any other...
Join the celebration – International Women’s Day 2019
On March 8th, millions of people will come together to honour and celebrate the achievements of women around the world on International Women’s Day. People from all walks of life will recognise and pay tribute to the contribution that women make...
Hanukkah – Festival of lights
Hanukkah or sometimes spelled ‘Chanukah’, is known as the ‘Festival of Lights’ and is an eight-day Jewish holiday commemorating the rededication of the Holy Temple in Jerusalem (known as the Second Temple). The United Kingdom is estimated to...
Remembrance Day in Your Setting
"They shall grow not old, as we that are left grow old: Age shall not weary them, nor the years condemn. At the going down of the sun and in the morning We will remember them." From "For the Fallen" by Laurence Binyon Remembrance Day,...
Celebrating Diwali in your setting
Diwali, also known as the Festival of Lights, is celebrated by millions all over the world. Although the date of the festival normally falls in October, this year it will be held on the 7th November. It is India’s most important holiday and can...
International Stammering Awareness Day
October 22nd is International Stammering Awareness Day. It aims to raise awareness about the seventy million people across the globe who suffer with stammering*. It could be on certain words, in certain situations, or in general, but the impact...
October is ADHD Awareness Month
In recent years, there has been an increase in publicity about ADHD and most people have now heard of it at least, although there are still a lot of misconceptions about what it is, and even more about the people who suffer with it. Many...
Wear your pyjamas with pride for Humphrey’s Pyjama Week
Humphrey’s Pyjama Week takes place on the 2nd October. It’s a fun-filled activity week to help raise money for The Children’s Trust, a charity which has teamed up with the popular Humphrey’s Corner brand. The Children’s Trust provides...
Developing friendships in early childhood
When babies are born, they form an attachment with one or two main caregivers. The first few months in a child’s life are the most important time in which to form these good quality attachments. Eye contact, smiles and being held lovingly by...
Mental Wellbeing and Vulnerability Support
Mental Health is an issue which affects so many people but not everyone lets it show if they are struggling mentally or emotionally; or are in a situation where they feel vulnerable. If you feel that you would benefit from some confidential,...
Setting the record straight: Diabetes Awareness Week
This year, Diabetes Awareness Week is set to take place on the 11th June. It’s an annual event aimed at people coming together and raising awareness of diabetes, as well as sharing their stories. This year’s theme is ‘Setting the record...
Celebrating Deaf Awareness Week
Deaf Awareness Week is an annual event which is promoted by the UK Council on Deafness (UKCoD). It seeks to raise awareness of the difficulties experienced by people who are deaf or hard of hearing and promote social inclusion. This year, it...
Ramadan Mubarak (Happy Ramadan!)
Soon, Muslims around the world will be preparing for the holy month of Ramadan. The date of Ramadan varies each year, but for 2018 it’s predicted to be the 15th May. The reason that the date is only predicted is because it’s determined by the...
6 things you didn’t know about St George
Celebrated every year on the 23rd April, St George’s Day remembers England’s patron saint. Legend has it that he slayed a dragon and, in doing so, saved a princess from being eaten by the ferocious beast. Separating fact from fiction, here are 6...
iPads and online safety in the Early Years
Back in 2010 when iPads and other comparable tablets first appeared, their potential to change the way children were educated was revolutionary. There are three noticeable features which have the potential to make a positive difference to early...
Why do we celebrate Easter with bunny rabbits and eggs?
Easter is a Christian festival and celebrates the belief that Jesus rose after he was crucified, an event which is called the resurrection. According to the Bible, Jesus died on Good Friday and his body was laid in a tomb guarded by a watch of...
Understanding autism
There is no “one size fits all” aspect to autism, therefore those who have the condition may have different stimulatory triggers and resulting responses. Autism is described as a “lifelong condition” because there’s no cure for it and those who...