Can they show or tell the other children about what they chose to collect and why they like it. Provide nature books so the children can

..find out more about their treasures. Let them take their treasure box home to share woth parents. Talk about how to look after nature.

Listen to sounds outside. Ask children what they can hear and what they think makes that noise. Distinguishing environmental sounds lays the

foundations for Communication, Language and Literacy and children do this from birth. Can they recreate the sounds using body percussion?

Remember how you played outdoors as a child. What did you enjoy? Children do not have as much freedom outdoors now - can we plan for more?

Mark-making with natural materials - mix mud and water, let the children chose tools - sticks, leaves to make marks/prints/bark rubbings

Questions to ask children: http://bit.ly/2jhwQ1

When I was a childminder, the kids loved playing X factor - even the little ones sang, danced and played with instruments.

New level 3 qualification for all practitioners working in children's services being launched in April 2009...

Children & Young People's Workforce Diploma. Consists of modules u can build up to make a whole level 3 qual. Could be up to 700hrs of study

Doing an NVQ or Diploma in Homebased Childcare requires less hours - complete it now whilst funding still available - contact NCMA for info

Geocaching in the school grounds. Maths based scavenger hunt from Canada http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1rVF17sYrog

This week is Road Safety week. For more information go to www.roadsafetyweek.org.

Why Working Mothers Can Breastfeed http://su.pr/1Lq7Fj

Check out @Stuff4Teaching for activity ideas

Childminders are ideal for supporting breastfeeding Mums returning 2 work. They may even be able 2 bring your baby 2 you on your lunch break

@jumblyMummy As a Mum I used washable napppies and offered parents the choice of doing so when I was a childminder. Provide a bucket and

@jumblyMummy packet of sanitiser 4 childminder to keep dirty nappies in (lid needed). A laundry service providing nappies could be an option

@jumblyMummy If your childminder would like some help in writing a risk assessment 4 hygiene purposes or would like any support, please ask

NCMA has reviewed and updated its example policies for members. Log into MY NCMA at www.ncma.org.uk to view the documents.