The days are longer, there’s the tentative smell of BBQs wafting in the air on sunny weekends, and evenings are filling with the noise of children playing outside – spring is in full bloom and summer is truly on its way. So, welcome to May’s magazine!

This month, we celebrate the beauty of play – whether that’s learning about Dr Aaron Bradbury’s Play Matters project, focused on reclaiming play as a cornerstone of early childhood education, how to pair the everyday with children’s interests for truly inspirational play and learning, or how to keep little ones safe when out in the sun.

Meanwhile, we sit down with early education minister Stephen Morgan and ask him crucial questions about the future of the early years and funding, the team at Law-Call discuss statutory sick pay (SSP), and, over in Book Nook, we dive into the world of comic books and graphic novels for little ones.

The world continues to feel overwhelming right now, with a lot of darkness for us to hold. I encourage you to acknowledge and feel these feelings, while also taking time to notice and absorb the little pockets of joy and beauty that exist in spite of all the horror. Sit outside with the children to look at the way dust motes swirl in shafts of sunlight; let the children’s laughter wash over you and inspire your own; run your fingers through grass, leaves or water to feel the different textures; do something each day to help or uplift someone else – these are all small things that can help reignite hope when the world seems somewhat hopeless. And we all need a bit of hope right now.

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.ukto be featured.