Welcome to the January 2023 issue of Under 5 and Happy New Year. I hope you all managed to get some well-deserved rest at the end of 2022 and are feeling refreshed ready for the year ahead. To help you plan for the next 12 months, we’ve got some activity ideas for planning ahead with the children (page 20).
You may also be thinking ahead to April when the National Minimum and Living Wage are due to increase again.
If you have any questions about the rules on wages, we’ve got some tips to help you avoid accidental underpayments (page 14).
At this time of year, many families consider giving ‘Veganuary’ a try. We’ve got some information and advice from the ITF on making sure that toddlers’ diets are still nutritious if families try a meat-free or plant-based diet (page 22).
Although we know that mental wellbeing is important all year round, this time of year can be particularly difficult for many people. We’ve heard from Samaritans about their Brew Monday campaign and how you can get involved (page 19).
As ever, please do keep sharing your news and update with us for My Under 5 – you can reach us at editor.u5@eyalliance.org.uk.
Rachel Lawler
Editor