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The start of a new school year can bring excitement, but it can also create anxiety and uncertainty. For children in care, returning to school may bring additional challenges linked to trauma, loss, disrupted education or changes in routine. We have an important role in helping children feel safe, supported and prepared for the transition. Using PACE – Playfulness, Acceptance, Curiosity and Empathy – can help us approach this time with understanding and compassion. Playfulness: Making the...

A visual timetable is one of the simplest and most effective tools for helping children feel secure, organised, and ready for the day ahead. By breaking the day into clear, predictable steps, it gives children a sense of control and reduces the stress that often comes with transitions, uncertainty, or busy mornings. At its core, a visual timetable turns abstract time into something concrete. Instead of relying on verbal reminders — which can be overwhelming or easily forgotten — children can...

Nature play is more than just time outdoors — it’s a vital part of healthy childhood development. For school‑age children, exploring natural spaces offers freedom, creativity, and a sense of wonder that structured indoor environments often can’t match. When children climb trees, build dens, or collect leaves and stones, they’re not only having fun — they’re learning. These experiences strengthen problem‑solving skills, teamwork, and resilience. Nature provides endless opportunities for...