celebrating all things ‘puzzling’ for National Puzzle Day on 29 January (pages 10-11), while we share some ideas for woodland walks with stories for baby and toddler groups (pages 12-13), and an introduction to the learning wonders of beach school (page 15).

We’re also introducing our new regular feature, Book Nook (page 31), where we will highlight fantastic reads, engagement strategies, reading activities and learning that can go alongside different books. This month, we look at the book It’s Tu B’Shevat by Edie Stoltz Zolkower to learn about and celebrate the Jewish holiday centred around trees and tree fruits!

There’s also a handy round up of information for the early entitlement expansion by the Alliance’s director of communications and external affairs, Shannon Pite, who answers a funding Q&A to clear the waters for providers (pages 28-29), as well as part two of Law-Call’s guidance and protocols for managing persistent staff illness and absence (pages 26-27). We also explore children’s emotional wellbeing and the ways in which settings can help children to become emotionally ‘healthy’ (pages 20-21)!

In these difficult times for children around the world – but especially in Gaza, Sudan and the Congo – we hope that you, like us, keep them in your hearts and thoughts. After all, children are our future.

Take care,

Jess Gibson