As the days grow longer and spring settles in, May becomes the perfect month for nurseries to embrace outdoor learning. With Outdoor Classroom Day taking place on 21 May 2026, early years settings across the UK will be celebrating the power of outdoor play and at KiddyKare Staff Solutions, we know just how transformative this can be for children’s development.

Outdoor learning isn’t an add‑on. It’s a core part of the EYFS, supporting communication, physical development, emotional wellbeing and curiosity. For nurseries, it’s also a chance to create memorable experiences that build confidence and independence.

Why Outdoor Learning Matters

Outdoor environments offer something indoor spaces simply can’t replicate:

• Freedom to explore without the constraints of walls
• Natural opportunities for risk‑taking and problem‑solving
• Sensory-rich experiences that support language development
• Physical challenge that builds strength, balance, and coordination

Children learn best when they’re engaged, active, and connected to the world around them and the outdoors provides the perfect backdrop.

Outdoor Activity Ideas for May

Here are some simple, curriculum-linked ideas practitioners can lead:

• Nature storytelling, outdoor role play, “I spy” vocabulary games.
• Counting petals, measuring sticks, comparing leaf sizes, shape hunts.
• Minibeast observations, weather charts, planting seeds and tracking growth.
• Obstacle courses, balancing logs, water play, digging and transporting.

Risk-Benefit Assessments: A Key Part of Outdoor Learning

Outdoor play naturally involves manageable risk and that’s a good thing. Practitioners support children by:

• Completing dynamic risk assessments
• Modelling safe behaviour
• Teaching children how to assess risk themselves
• Ensuring ratios and supervision remain strong

How Flexible Staff Support Outdoor Provision

Nurseries often need additional hands during outdoor-heavy days, especially in spring and summer. Our team helps by:

• Maintaining safe supervision levels
• Leading small-group outdoor activities
• Supporting transitions between indoor and outdoor spaces
• Bringing fresh ideas and energy to outdoor learning

Outdoor Classroom Day is a brilliant reminder of the value of learning beyond the walls of the nursery. With the right support, nurseries can create outdoor experiences that spark imagination, build resilience and nurture a lifelong love of nature.

Speak to our team today to find out how our flexible practitioners can enhance your nursery setting. Call us on 01628 675828.

As spring reaches its brightest point, nurseries across the UK prepare for National Children’s Gardening Week, running from 23–31 May 2026. It’s a celebration that perfectly aligns with early years values: curiosity, exploration and hands‑on learning.

At KiddyKare Staff Solutions, we see every day how gardening activities help children thrive. Whether it’s planting seeds, digging in soil, or watching a tiny sprout emerge, gardening offers rich opportunities for development. It’s a wonderful way for practitioners to bring the EYFS to life.

Why Gardening Matters in Early Years

Gardening is more than a fun outdoor activity. It supports key areas of learning and development:

• Children learn where food comes from, observe growth cycles and explore nature first-hand.
• Digging, watering, carrying pots and scooping soil build strength, coordination and fine motor skills.
• Gardening introduces new vocabulary – roots, stems, buds, compost – and encourages conversation.
• Caring for plants builds responsibility, patience and pride.
• Counting seeds, comparing plant heights and measuring water all support early numeracy.

Gardening is a natural way to nurture curiosity and confidence, giving children the chance to see the results of their efforts over time.

Easy Gardening Activities

Nurseries don’t need large outdoor spaces to get involved. Here are simple, low‑cost ideas practitioners can lead:

• Seed Planting Stations: Sunflowers, cress, beans and herbs grow quickly and keep children engaged.
• Sensory Herb Gardens: Mint, lavender, rosemary and basil offer rich sensory experiences.
• Mini Bug Hotels: Using sticks, pinecones and recycled materials, children can create habitats for minibeasts.
• Watering Helpers: Children love responsibility small watering cans make this safe and manageable.
• Nature Art: Leaves, petals and natural materials can be used for collages and transient art.

These activities are EYFS‑aligned, inclusive, and easy for flexible staff to support.

How Gardening Builds Independence and Confidence

Gardening gives children real ownership. They see the impact of their actions – watering, caring, checking progress and this builds:

• Resilience
• Problem‑solving skills
• Pride in their achievements
• A sense of calm and focus

For many children, gardening becomes a grounding, therapeutic part of their nursery day.

How KiddyKare Practitioners Support Outdoor Learning

Our flexible childcare staff play a key role in helping nurseries deliver high‑quality outdoor experiences. They support by:

• Leading small gardening groups
• Encouraging safe tool use and modelling good practice
• Helping children explore nature with curiosity and confidence
• Maintaining supervision and safeguarding standards outdoors
• Bringing fresh ideas and enthusiasm to outdoor provision

Whether a nursery is planting a vegetable patch or simply growing cress on a windowsill, our practitioners can help make the experience meaningful and safe.

Gardening and Safeguarding: What Our Practitioners Consider

Outdoor learning is joyful, but it also requires careful planning. Our practitioners ensure:

• Tools are age‑appropriate and used safely
• Allergies are considered when choosing plants
• Outdoor areas are checked for hazards
• Children are supervised closely during digging and watering
• Hygiene routines are followed after gardening

This balance of exploration and safety is at the heart of high‑quality early years practice.

Let’s Get Growing Together

National Children’s Gardening Week is a wonderful opportunity for nurseries to celebrate nature, nurture curiosity and create hands‑on learning experiences children will remember.

At KiddyKare, we’re proud to support settings with nursery practitioners who bring outdoor learning to life helping children grow, explore and flourish throughout the spring and beyond.

Speak to us today to find out what skills our childcare professionals can bring to your team.  Call KiddyKare on 01628 675828.

We’re serving up a sleigh-full of questions to get to know the team behind your nursery bookings. From mince pies to mulled wine moments, here’s what’s cooking in their Christmas kitchens…

Jodi’s Foodie Favourites

• What’s your ultimate Christmas dinner must-have?
  Yorkshires and red cabbage of course.
• Mince pies: love them or leave them?
  Always homemade – Yum!
• Sweet or savoury: what’s your festive snack vibe?
  I would have to say sweet overall because I love a celebration, but I am partial to a Savory snack as well. Maybe I am a mix of both.
• What’s your go-to Christmas morning breakfast?
  Scrambled eggs or pancakes!
• Do you have a quirky food tradition in your family?
  Our tradition is to try a new weird festive crisp flavour – I wonder what this years will be.

Festive Fun & Personality

• If you were a Christmas dish, what would you be and why?
  I’d be a Christmas trifle – layered, colourful, and guaranteed to make people smile. A little bit fruity, a little bit nutty, and topped with something sweet!
• What’s your top tipple for the season?
  It must be a hot chocolate with marshmallows and whipped cream.
• What’s one Christmas treat that instantly takes you back to childhood?
  Those little chocolates you hang on your Christmas tree.
• What’s your dream Christmas party spread?
  A crusty white loaf, salted butter and a gooey camembert. Delicious!
• What’s your New Year’s food resolution – if any?
  This year, I’m saying yes to seconds, trying recipes that scare me (hello soufflé!), and turning every meal into a mini celebration. Food is joy and I plan to eat like I mean it!

Emily’s Foodie Favourites

• What’s your ultimate Christmas dinner must-have?
  Controversial, but it is not Christmas dinner without Brussel Sprouts.
• Mince pies: love them or leave them?
  Hate them, so definitely leave.
• Sweet or savoury: what’s your festive snack vibe?
  M&S Chocolate Biscuit Selection, it’s a must.
• What’s your go-to Christmas morning breakfast?
  Smoked salmon and scrambled egg on toast – it is a tradition.
• Do you have a quirky food tradition in your family?
  Devils on horsebacks – prunes wrapped in bacon. Don’t knock it until you have tried it.

Festive Fun & Personality

• If you were a Christmas dish, what would you be and why?
  Roast Potatoes – Crispy on the outside but fluffy on the inside.
• What’s your top tipple for the season?
  Hot chocolate with marshmallows and cream!!
• What’s one Christmas treat that instantly takes you back to childhood?
  Quality Street tin – always fighting for the purple one!
• What’s your dream Christmas party spread?
  Party food and picky bits.
• What’s your New Year’s food resolution – if any?
  Fighting food waste!

Lois’ Foodie Favourites

• What’s your ultimate Christmas dinner must-have?
  Yorkshire pudding, which most people do not have on their Christmas dinner which is wild!
• Mince pies: love them or leave them?
  Bin them!
• Sweet or savoury: what’s your festive snack vibe?
  Most defo must be savoury.
• What’s your go-to Christmas morning breakfast?
  Pain au chocolat.
• Do you have a quirky food tradition in your family?
  We are so boring, so the answer is no.

Festive Fun & Personality

• If you were a Christmas dish, what would you be and why?
  If I’m honest I could not tell you, but if I was a Christmas item I’d be a cracker as I can always crack a good joke.
• What’s your top tipple for the season?
  BEER.
• What’s one Christmas treat that instantly takes you back to childhood?
  Chocolate ball balls.
• What’s your dream Christmas party spread?
  Bread and butter.
• What’s your New Year’s food resolution – if any?
  To be healthier like the girls.

Kelly’s Foodie Favourites

• What’s your ultimate Christmas dinner must-have?
  Prawn cocktail for starter.
• Mince pies: love them or leave them?
  Leave them.
• Sweet or savoury: what’s your festive snack vibe?
  Can’t decide – Christmas is all about both, sweet and savoury.
• What’s your go-to Christmas morning breakfast?
  I skip Christmas breakfast as we have an early dinner.
• Do you have a quirky food tradition in your family?
  Nope we’re plain Janes.

Festive Fun & Personality

• If you were a Christmas dish, what would you be and why?
  Cranberry sauce because I would be sweet.
• What’s your top tipple for the season?
  Bucks fizz.
• What’s one Christmas treat that instantly takes you back to childhood?
  Chocolate selection box.
• What’s your dream Christmas party spread?
  Cheese, meats and crackers.
• What’s your New Year’s food resolution – if any?
  More adventurous with trying new foods.

It’s been so much fun sharing a little bit of our team’s festive spirit (and our questionable food cravings!) with you. Whether you’re a candidate looking for a fresh start in the New Year or a nursery looking for the perfect addition to your team, we are so grateful for your support and partnership.

Now, we’re off to enjoy some of those festive snacks we mentioned! From all of us here at KiddyKare, we wish you a wonderful holiday season filled with joy, rest and plenty of delicious food.

Merry Christmas to you and your families and we look forward to seeing you in the New Year!

The magic of Christmas isn’t just for grown-ups – it’s a sensory wonderland for babies and toddlers too! Whether you’re planning nursery fun or cosy home moments, here are age-appropriate festive activities that spark joy and support early development.

For Babies (3–12 Months)

• Light & Shadow Play: Use soft fairy lights behind sheer fabric to create a calming visual experience. Great for tummy time or quiet moments.
• Christmas Sensory Bottles: Fill clear bottles with glitter, bells, and red-green pom-poms. Shake gently for visual and auditory stimulation.
• Festive Tummy Time Mats: Decorate mats with safe textures like felt snowflakes or crinkly wrapping paper for sensory exploration.
• No-Mess Finger Painting: Place red and green paint inside a sealed Ziplock bag taped to the floor – babies can squish and explore safely.

For Toddlers (1–2 Years)

• Sticky Wall Tree: Create a Christmas tree shape on the wall with contact paper (sticky side out). Toddlers can decorate it with felt ornaments.
• Gingerbread Play Dough: Homemade dough with cinnamon and nutmeg scents makes for festive sensory play and fine motor practice.
• Jingle Bell Shakers: Fill containers with bells and let toddlers shake to their heart’s content – perfect for music and rhythm exploration.
• Christmas Calm Down Bottles: Glitter, water and a touch of glycerin in a bottle create a mesmerising tool for emotional regulation.

For Preschoolers (2–4 Years)

• Build-a-Snowman Station: Use felt pieces to let children assemble their own snowmen – great for creativity and sequencing.
• Christmas Tree Decorating Relay: Turn decorating into a game: children race to add ornaments to a felt or cardboard tree.
• Festive Storytime & Puppet Play: Read holiday classics and let children act out scenes with simple puppets or props.
• Sensory Snow Bins: Use fake snow, scoops, and festive trinkets for imaginative play.
• Crafty Keepsakes: Try salt dough handprint ornaments or fingerprint lights – adorable gifts for families.

The holiday season is a unique chance to blend festive fun with crucial developmental benefits, nurturing everything from sensory exploration to fine motor skills and emotional regulation. So, whether you’re a dedicated parent or a committed educator, embrace these moments of simple, sparkly joy.

By actively engaging with your little ones this Christmas, you’re not just celebrating—you’re creating priceless, lasting memories that truly capture the magic of the season.

Ever wondered what it’s really like to kick off a career in recruitment, especially in the fast-paced world of childcare staffing? Well, wonder no more!

Meet Lois, our trainee recruitment consultant here at KiddyKare. Lois is a whirlwind of daily tasks, from sorting through applications and sourcing new candidates to building agency workers’ schedules and, yes, eating pasta every single day for lunch (she promises it’s a running joke!).

Get ready for an honest and insightful look at a day her life, that proves recruitment is far more than just phone calls—it’s about connection, planning and a whole lot of energy!

Morning routine

6:00 AM: Alarm goes off, ready to get up for the day😊

6:45 AM: Set off for my journey to attend work.

Workday begins

7:15 AM: Arrive at work to open my laptop and write down my list of daily tasks.

7:30 AM: Have a catch up with Kelly and plan for the day to support one another.

8:00 AM: Begin to sort through emails and organise them for either me or Kelly to reply to.

8:30 AM: Start to contact people who have applied for job roles and gather their information to be passed on.

9:00 AM: Resourcing for new candidates who could be good potentials for our available job roles.

11:30 AM: Begin to make the future diary for current agency workers, to designate them to Nursery shifts.

12:00 PM: Time to eat my pasta! (Yes, I have this every single day). I start to yap everyone’s ear off and make everyone laugh as I am constantly told how funny I really am 😊

Afternoon tasks

1:00 PM: Time to get my attention back to my computer and continue the working day.

1:30 PM: This when I begin what we call ‘pre reg’. I start to contact everyone on our system gather their information and see if they are looking for a new job role within childcare.

2:00 PM: I start to contact companies that people have provided me for their references, so they can begin to work for us 😊

3:30 PM: Time to have a another catch up with Kelly about all our temps that we are working alongside, ready for the next day.

3:45 PM: Start to make sure all my tasks have been ticked off and pack up ready for the journey back home (long drive by the way).

Evening routine

4:30 PM: Arrive home and greeted by my dog and cuddle her for a minute.

5:00 PM: This is when I decide I am tired and tell myself it is time to put on Big Bang Theory and fall asleep (I need a nap every day).

7:00 PM: Only just woke up and most the time feel more tired than I did before. But I get up and have a shower and eat my dinner.

7:30 PM: Back into bed to watch a film or documentary (any recommendations, let me know) 😊

9:30 PM: Night, see you tomorrow 😊

Are you looking to join a nursery team, support early years learning, or step into a school-based role? Then these tips are here to help you shine. Whether you’re just starting out or ready for your next move, think of this as your job-hunting toolkit, tailored for the world of education and childcare.

1. Tailor your CV to the setting

Every nursery, school or childcare provider is different. Read the job ad carefully and highlight the skills they’re asking for whether it’s safeguarding knowledge, SEND experience, or a warm, nurturing approach.

Find more KiddyKare CV writing tips here:

How to craft a compelling CV

12 things to leave off your CV

2. Make your personal statement count

This is your chance to show your passion for working with children. Keep it short, focused, and full of heart. Mention your experience, your values and why you love supporting little learners.

3. Know your EYFS (or Curriculum!)

Brush up on the Early Years Foundation Stage or relevant curriculum frameworks. Being able to talk confidently about child development, learning through play, or behaviour strategies shows you’re ready to hit the ground running.

Check our our blog on ‘Understanding qualification requirements for early years‘ for more information.

4. Keep your online presence professional

If you’re applying for a role in education or childcare, your digital footprint matters. Make sure your LinkedIn (or any other public social profiles) reflect your professional side – especially if you’ve shared any childcare tips, activities or resources.

5. Prep for interview questions

Expect questions like “How would you handle a safeguarding concern?” or “Tell us about a time you supported a child’s development.” Use real examples and keep it child focused.

Find more tips in our blog ‘How to prepare for your childcare interview’.

6. Follow up with warmth

After applying or interviewing, a polite follow-up email shows you’re thoughtful and committed. It’s a small gesture that speaks volumes in a people-focused profession.

7. Stay positive and reflective

Childcare and education are all about growth and that includes you! If you don’t land the first role, reflect, tweak your CV and keep going. Your next opportunity is out there.

8.  Let your personality shine

In early years and education, warmth, creativity and teamwork matter just as much as qualifications. Be yourself your energy and passion are what make you stand out.

We wish you the best of luck with finding your dream childcare role and are here to help you on your journey.

Search our latest childcare vacancies.

Or to speak to the KiddyKare team on 01628 675828.

Whether you’re just starting your journey in childcare or updating your documents for a new role, it’s important to understand how your qualifications align with current standards. Here’s a breakdown of what you need to know when registering with KiddyKare:

✅ Level 2 & Level 3 Qualifications Completed Before September 2014

If you hold a Level 2 or Level 3 qualification completed before September 2014:

• Simply provide your certificate.
• Our team will verify that it’s full and relevant – no additional documentation required.

📘 Level 3 Qualifications Completed After September 2014

If your Level 3 qualification was completed after September 2014, there are a few extra steps:

• You must also hold a Level 2 Functional/Key Skills English certificate, or a GCSE in English Language and/or Literature at grade 4 (or grade C) or above.
• Alternatively, an A Level or AS Level in English Language and/or Literature is accepted.

Important:

Without a relevant English certificate:

• You will be counted as a Level 2 Practitioner.
• Your pay rate will reflect Level 2 status until the correct documents are provided.

Additionally, if your qualification was gained after 30th June 2016:

• You must hold a full and relevant Paediatric First Aid Certificate, or
• Complete one within 3 months of starting with KiddyKare.
• Please speak to our team for guidance on booking your training.

🎓 Qualified Teacher Status (QTS)

If you hold QTS and started your training on or after September 2014:

• Your qualification must be full and relevant to work as a Level 3 Practitioner.
• To be recognised as a Level 6 Practitioner, you must hold an approved QTS, EYTS, or EYPS.

🌍 Qualifications Gained Outside the UK

If your childcare qualification was completed abroad:

• It must be translated and assessed via ENIC (UK ENIC service).
• This will determine the UK equivalent level of your qualification.
• Further steps may be needed to make your qualification full and relevant – we’ll guide you through the process.

For further guidance and advice on qualifications needed for a new childcare role, or help with finding a new position, please get in touch with the KiddyKare team.

Your CV is your first impression and we want it to land with impact. Whether you’re applying for flexible nursery shifts or a permanent role, here are 12 things that don’t need to be there.

Think of it as a tidy-up checklist before you hit send:

1. Jobs that don’t fit

That summer stint scooping ice cream? Lovely but not relevant – leave out the detail and stick to giving dates only. Expand only those role that show off your childcare or teamwork skills.

2. Irrelevant qualifications

Stick to qualifications that will support your application, keep it current and focused on the role you’re applying for.

3. Your age or date of birth

Not needed and best left out to avoid bias. Let your experience do the talking.

4. Full home address

Postcode and town are plenty. No need to include your full street details until you are moving forward with an application.

5. A profile photo

Unless you’re applying for a role that requires a picture, skip the selfie. It’s not a standard requirement in UK CVs.

6. “I” and “My”

CVs work best without personal pronouns. Instead of “I supported children,” go with “Supported children in early years settings.”

7. Funky email handles

Keep it professional. If your email includes nicknames or numbers, consider switching to something simple like firstname.lastname@gmail.com.

8. Duties without impact

Don’t just list tasks, show what you achieved. “Managed rotas” becomes “Improved rota system to reduce shift gaps.”

9. Salary expectations

Save this for later. It’s not a CV thing.

10. Random hobbies

Love baking or hiking? Great! But only include hobbies if they show off teamwork, creativity or leadership.

11. References

You don’t need to write “References available on request.” Employers will ask when they’re ready.

12. Over-the-top formatting

Skip the glitter fonts and rainbow colours. Clean, clear and easy-to-read wins every time.

Once you’ve cracked these basics your polished CV will shine among others in the recruiters inbox. Good luck with your application from the KiddyKare team!

Halloween isn’t just for the big kids! At KiddyKare, we know that even the tiniest pumpkins love a bit of seasonal sparkle. Whether you’re planning nursery activities or looking for ideas to try at home, here are some age-appropriate, safe and sensory-rich Halloween activities for babies, toddlers and preschoolers.

👶 For Babies

1. Pumpkin patch sensory basket

Fill a basket with soft fabric pumpkins, textured leaves and baby-safe rattles in autumn colours. Let little hands explore under supervision.

2. Spooky sound bottles

Create sensory bottles with rice, googly eyes and Halloween confetti. Shake, rattle and roll for a gentle sensory experience.

3. Baby print ghosts

Dip tiny feet or hands in white paint and let them print all some black paper.

🚼 For Toddlers

1. Pumpkin scoop and explore

Let toddlers scoop out the insides of a pumpkin with spoons or hands. It’s messy, squishy and brilliant for sensory play.

2. Spider web sticky wall

Stick contact paper (sticky side out) to a wall and draw a web. Provide cotton balls, paper spiders and tissue to stick and unstick.

3. Halloween colour sorting

Use orange, black, green and purple pom-poms or blocks for a simple colour-sorting game with a spooky twist.

🧒 For Preschoolers

1. Ghost bowling

Draw ghost faces on white plastic cups and stack them. Use a soft ball to knock them down – great for motor skills and giggles!

2. Witch’s brew water play

Set up a cauldron (or water tray) with coloured water, ladles and Halloween-themed items like plastic spiders or eyeballs. Stir, scoop and pour!

3. Pumpkin stamping

Cut a small pumpkin in half, dip it in paint, and stamp onto paper. Add faces to turn them into Halloween pumpkin masterpieces.

4. Costume dress-up corner

Create a mini dress-up station with hats, capes and soft accessories. Let imaginations run wild – no scary costumes needed!

🧡 Tips for a child friendly Halloween

• Keep it light and fun, avoid anything too spooky or loud.
• Always supervise sensory and craft activities.
• Use edible or baby-safe materials where possible.
• Embrace the mess – it’s part of the magic!

Whether you’re crafting footprint ghosts or stirring up a witchy water tray, Halloween is a brilliant time to spark creativity and sensory exploration in little ones. These activities are more about giggles than ghosts and perfect for making memories that last longer than the sweets!