Over in our Baby and Toddler Group section, we take a closer look at toy safety, highlighting the key symbols to be aware of and the new toys that may be a hazard in your group. We also keep you updated about the use and safe handling of flour in settings, with guidance from the Food Standards Agency (FSA).

In this month’s Inspiration Corner, we celebrate kindness in all its forms and share ideas for passing on the skills of kindness and empathy to little ones. This theme carries on into November/December’s Book Nook, where we celebrate International Migrants Day with a selection of books that aim to inform and promote empathy.

We also take a look at activities to benefit both gross and fine motor skills in settings that can also be passed on to families, get buzzing about bees over in Family Corner, and focus on the Alliance’s new Level 3 and Level 4 SEND qualifications.

As always, this time of year is incredibly busy for all – make sure you take some time to sit and have a breather in between all the chaos!

Take care,

Jess Gibson, editor

Not only are we always looking for your good news and stories to share in My Under 5, but we’d also like to hear a little bit more about what it is that you want to see in the magazine each month. Send your good news, stories, questions or suggestions to editor.u5@eyalliance.org.uk to be featured.