Cambridgeshire Early Years, Childcare, and School Readiness Service

06/09/2026

04/09/2026

Thought about a career in early years? Do something BIG. Work with small children. Search: Early Years Careers at the Department for Education

01/09/2026

Embark on an exciting journey in childcare and playwork. Empower, support, inspire. Be part of the wraparound movement and help change young lives.
Search: Early Years Careers at the Department for Education

30/08/2026

Help your child get ready for school with essential tips and resources to support their transition to reception. Download helpful materials and learn more about how you can make this important transition smoother for your child.

Visit the Learn Together website for essential skills for all children to practice before starting reception, and guidance to help children transition confidently into school.

26/08/2026

this summer with activity #45, Wonderful Waiting Games.
Waiting does not have to mean boredom. Whether you are waiting for the bus, at an appointment, in a queue or waiting for food, turn those everyday moments into opportunities to play, connect and learn together.

Simple waiting games can help children:
• Build patience and emotional regulation.
• Develop language, communication and turn-taking skills.
• Strengthen relationships and connection through play.
• Encourage observation, imagination and problem-solving.

Try:
• Finger games: Round and Round the Garden, Pat-a-Cake, This Little Piggy.
• Observation games: I Spy, counting red cars or listening for different sounds.
• Paper games: Noughts and Crosses, squares and doodle challenges.

These easy activities support wellbeing, social development and make everyday moments more fun, wherever you are.

24/08/2026

this summer with activity #36, Ready, Steady, Blow.

Did you know something as simple as blowing can help children feel calm, focused and ready to play?

This fun activity supports self-regulation and wellbeing, while also helping children build important muscles used for speech and communication.

Try these simple ideas at home or outdoors:
• Blow bubbles and watch them float away.
• Race feathers across a table.
• Blow dandelions and make a wish.
• Try whistles or blow on a mirror and see what happens when you blow.

Blowing activities can also help develop:
• Hand-eye coordination when using bubble mixture.
• This coordination supports later skills of gripping and controlling pencils, scissors and cutlery.
• Calm, confidence and joyful moments together.

Simple, playful and full of learning, perfect for summer days.

22/08/2026

CambsEYC blog spotlight ✨
Outdoor environments offer rich, sensory experiences that are vital for babies and toddlers.
The CambsEYC blog, 'Under twos in the outdoors', explores how time outside supports physical development, early communication, and emotional wellbeing for under twos, through movement, exploration and meaningful interactions.
With thoughtful planning and responsive adults, the outdoors becomes a natural extension of early learning.

17/08/2026

Passionate about play and making a difference? Be the positive role model children need. In Wraparound Care, you can inspire, support, and make a real impact in the lives of young children.
Search: Early Years Careers at the Department for Education

13/08/2026

This summer, make memories that last with and 50 Things To Do Before You’re Five.

Looking for inspiration to keep children entertained with free and low-cost activities? 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five is packed with simple ideas to help children learn, play and explore through everyday moments.

Even better, you can:
• Mark activities as complete.
• Save photos and memories of your adventures.
• Track your progress and celebrate what you have done together.

Whether you are exploring outdoors, getting creative at home or discovering local events, every activity is a chance to build confidence, curiosity and special family moments.

How many of the 50 Things to Do have you enjoyed this summer?