Teacher Resources & Classroom Insights
Practical tips, curriculum support, and honest stories to support your EYFS teaching journey.
Practical tips, curriculum support, and honest stories to support your EYFS teaching journey.
Calm Play January: Navigating the 'Back-to-School' Chaos
Honest insights on teacher wellbeing, managing transitions, and why realistic goals are vital for the new term.
Iâm writing this as a parent first⌠and the founder of Playtime Pioneers second. We had a truly wonderful, chaotic Christmas. The kind where I spent a good portion convinced the kids (and the dog!) had worms. Everyone got a worming just to be safe. Peace was restored, but fun? Not so much.
Then came the "Back-to-School" reality.
Whether you are a parent waving them off, or an EYFS teacher welcoming a class of dysregulated children, the transition is hard. We don't always thrive on strict routines immediately after a break. I believe classrooms survive January better with a bit of spontaneity. Slower starts. Soft landings.
That said, we still need sanity. This is why we launched "Calm Play January".
Instead of intense pressure, we are focusing on "Calm Play Routines"âpockets of low-demand, high-engagement play (like Small World or Sensory play) that work in busy nurseries just as well as at home.
So, letâs approach 2026 with less pressure and more presence. If your goal is just to survive until half-term without catching another coldâthatâs okay too. đ
From "Kitchen Table Idea" to Classroom Staple: Our Journey into 2026
Reflecting on rigourous safety testing, scaling a small UK business, and why supporting independent suppliers matters for schools.
As the year comes to a close, Iâve been reflecting. Playtime Pioneers started as one of those "silly ideas"âthe kind that feels exciting and ridiculous in equal measure. But somewhere between the late nights and never-ending to-do lists, that idea quietly turned into a real business.
**The Reality of Manufacturing Educational Resources**
At the start, I underestimated what it takes to manufacture a product that is safe for schools. I thought it would be a simple case of ticking a few boxes.
In reality, the amount of hoops we jumped through was unreal. Rigorous safety testing, UKCA/CE regulations, and endless quality control checks.
While it was exhausting, I say this with pride: **We didn't cut corners.** Every product in our catalogue has earned its place in your classroom through hard work and strict compliance.
**The Human Behind the Brand**
On top of building a business, Iâm also a mum of three. I know that feeling of jugglingâwhether you are a parent managing Christmas chaos or a teacher managing end-of-term assessments.
We are all just doing our best. If you managed to get everyone fed and safe today, that is more than enough.
**Why Shop Small in 2026?**
My goal for 2026 is simple: Keep working hard to serve our education community.
When schools choose to "Shop Small" with suppliers like us, you aren't just buying a box; you are supporting a business built on late nights, big dreams, and a genuine passion for child development.
Playtime Pioneers is just getting started. WATCH THIS SPACE! â¨
Supporting Neurodiversity in EYFS: Role-Play as an Inclusive Tool
Practical strategies for SENCOs and practitioners to support regulation, transitions, and social confidence.
Every child deserves a space where their voice and unique way of experiencing the world are celebrated. Role-play is a gentle yet powerful pedagogical tool for inclusion, helping children of all abilities navigate everyday challenges.
**Why Role-Play Matters for SEN Support**
For neurodiverse learners, "pretend play" is a safe bridge to social growth. It allows children to rehearse communication and empathy without the high stakes of real-life interactions.
Our kits are specifically designed to support this:
* **The Medical Centre:** Reduces anxiety before real appointments (using X-rays and ID tags).
* **The Airport:** Visualises the travel process (check-in, boarding) to aid transitions.
* **The Post Office:** Introduces sequencing and turn-taking in a structured way.
**Creating Inclusive Spaces: Best Practice Tips**
* **Keep it Predictable:** Use visual cues (like our printed menus or passports) so children know what to expect.
* **Sensory Integration:** Combine role-play with sensory materials. Handling a passport or weighing a parcel provides tactile feedback that supports regulation.
* **Scaffold the Learning:** Start small. Let a child observe first, or play side-by-side (parallel play) before encouraging interaction.
**Free Lesson Idea: The "Feelings Passport"**
A simple PSED activity to support emotional literacy:
1. Create a paper "Passport".
2. Have the child stamp/draw how they feel at the "Check-In" (Start of day) and "Arrival" (End of day).
*This makes abstract emotions visual and concrete.*
By setting up role-play thoughtfully, we create a classroom where every childâneurodiverse or notâfeels secure and capable.
Craft Time: Creating Props at Home
Boost creativity and fine motor skills with simple DIY projects using household items.
Props can make role play feel extra exciting for children, and the best part is you can make them with things you already have at home.
Activity: The DIY Adventure Suitcase This craft works for all our role play sets (Shopping, Travel, or Delivery).
All you need:
A cardboard box (like a cereal box or shoebox)Some string or ribbon for a handleMarkers or stickers to decorate
Not only does this add fun to the role play, but it also supports fine motor skills, creativity, and imaginationâplus, kids love using something theyâve proudly made themselves!