People often talk about parenting and how quickly the years fly by, but those of us who work with little ones feel it too. We welcome tiny hands into our classrooms, wipe away tears on those first few days, celebrate first friendships, first achievements, and the little moments that seem ordinary but become unforgettable. Our days are filled with stories, songs, messy play, cuddles when they’re needed, endless questions, laughter, and watching children discover the world with wonder. Then, before we know it, it’s time for them to move on. To a new classroom, a new school, and the next chapter of their adventure. We spend months helping them grow in confidence, encouraging them to be brave, kind, curious, and independent… knowing that one day they’ll no longer need us in quite the same way. Saying goodbye is never easy. The classroom feels a little quieter. We miss their smiles, their funny little sayings, their unique personalities, and the joy they brought to each day. But while they move on, they leave little pieces of themselves behind—in our memories, our hearts, and in all the moments that reminded us why we chose this profession. To every child we’ve had the privilege of teaching… thank you for letting us be a small part of your story. We’ll always remember you, and we’ll always be cheering you on as you spread your wings. Because although your time with us is only one chapter in your life… you’ll forever be part of ours. ❤️

As the summer holidays begin, it’s easy to feel like we should be filling every day with exciting trips, perfectly planned activities, and magical family memories. Social media certainly makes it feel that way. But the truth is, children don’t need a packed schedule to have a wonderful summer. Some of the best childhood memories are made in the simplest moments—running around the garden, building dens, riding bikes, making up games with friends, drawing with chalk on the driveway, or simply lying on the grass watching the clouds. It’s also completely okay for children to be bored. In fact, boredom isn’t something to fear. It gives children the opportunity to be creative, solve problems, use their imagination, and learn how to entertain themselves. We don’t need to rush in and fill every quiet moment. As parents, there’s a lot of pressure to “make the most” of the holidays. But making the most of them doesn’t have to mean spending lots of money or constantly being on the go. Sometimes, slowing down is exactly what everyone needs. So if your summer doesn’t look like the highlight reels online, that’s okay. If your children spend hours outside playing, reading books, building Lego, or simply saying, “I’m bored!” before finding something to do—that is enough. Childhood isn’t about curated memories. It’s about freedom, play, connection, and feeling safe enough to simply be. This summer, let’s give ourselves permission to let go of the pressure and remember that ordinary days often become the most treasured memories. How are you approaching the summer holidays?

If you could only choose ONE summer-themed activity for your children this term, what would it be? ☀️ Water play🐞 Minibeast exploration🌻 Nature scavenger hunts🏖️ Beach-themed sensory trays🍋 Summer loose parts play🌈 Outdoor art and creativity Tell us your choice and WHY it’s your favourite! Bonus points if you share a photo of your setup or a resource that children always engage with. Let’s build a bank of summer learning ideas that everyone in our community can use! 👇

We’re excited to have you here! Be the first to see new products and access planning, share ideas. . SAVE - Get up to 15% off! SAVE At EDUTRAYPLAY, we’re passionate about providing sensory-rich, open-ended play resources that inspire curiosity, creativity, and meaningful learning through play. Whether you’re an early years practitioner, childminder, teacher, or parent, this community is a space to share ideas, ask questions, and discover new ways to engage children in learning. 🌻 Summer is the perfect time to bring learning outdoors, and we’ll be sharing plenty of seasonal inspiration over the coming weeks. Think sensory tuff tray invitations, loose parts play, nature-based activities, and EYFS-linked learning opportunities that children will love. One of our favourite summer resources comes from Yellow Door, whose beautifully designed educational resources encourage storytelling, communication, exploration, and imaginative play. Their nature-themed sets pair perfectly with sensory trays, small world play, and outdoor learning experiences. 🍋 Summer EYFS Learning Ideas:• Create a sunshine-themed sensory tray using yellow rice, loose parts, and natural materials.• Explore minibeasts and habitats through small world play.• Develop communication and language skills with storytelling stones and character prompts.• Encourage mathematical thinking through sorting, counting, and pattern-making activities.• Support Understanding the World through nature hunts and seasonal investigations. 👇 We’d love to hear from you! Share a photo, idea, or resource recommendation in the comments and let’s inspire each other!#LearningThroughPlay #EYFS #TuffTrayPlay #SensoryPlay #SummerLearning #YellowDoor #EarlyYears What’s your favourite summer activity for children in the Early Years?