<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?><rss xmlns:dc="http://purl.org/dc/elements/1.1/" xmlns:content="http://purl.org/rss/1.0/modules/content/" xmlns:atom="http://www.w3.org/2005/Atom" version="2.0"><channel><title><![CDATA[Little Minds Early Years]]></title><description><![CDATA[Digital resources for leadership, planning, and everyday practice in early years settings.]]></description><link>https://www.littlemindsearlyyears.com/blog</link><generator>RSS for Node</generator><lastBuildDate>Mon, 13 Apr 2026 22:53:00 GMT</lastBuildDate><atom:link href="https://www.littlemindsearlyyears.com/blog-feed.xml" rel="self" type="application/rss+xml"/><item><title><![CDATA[Reflecting on my first week, in a new nursery setting]]></title><description><![CDATA[My First Week. Starting a new role after 18 years in one setting was always going to be a big change, but I don’t think anything fully prepares you for just how much of a shift it can be. This week has been challenging in ways I didn’t quite expect  emotionally, mentally, and physically. Stepping into a completely new environment, learning new systems, meeting new people, and trying to find your place within an already established team is a lot to take in all at once. I have spent the week...]]></description><link>https://www.littlemindsearlyyears.com/post/reflecting-on-my-first-week-in-a-new-nursery-setting</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69db616975afb0779a742984</guid><pubDate>Sun, 12 Apr 2026 09:10:45 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a4b706_67f642dcfad64ce09feaa8d11343fc1e~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Little Minds Early Years</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Simplify Planning with a Printable EYFS Activity Planning Tool]]></title><description><![CDATA[Planning for early years education can sometimes feel overwhelming. There are so many things to consider - the children's interests, developmental stages, learning goals, and of course, the daily routines. Over the years, I have found that having the right tools at hand can make a world of difference. One of the best ways to simplify this process is by using an EYFS activity planning tool that is easy to access and use. Today, I want to share how these tools, especially printable templates,...]]></description><link>https://www.littlemindsearlyyears.com/post/simplify-planning-with-a-printable-eyfs-activity-planning-tool</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69cb8df0dd3ddd8a5723717c</guid><pubDate>Wed, 01 Apr 2026 14:07:58 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a4b706_0c5bba4fafcf41bc83e50f516cde6e5a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_768,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>minimindsmatter</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Office Tools Every Nursery Manager Should Have]]></title><description><![CDATA[Running a nursery involves managing a lot of paperwork. From safeguarding records and accident forms to staff training documents and policies, staying organised is essential. Over the years I’ve found a few simple office tools that make a huge difference when it comes to keeping documentation organised and easy to access. Below are some of the tools I regularly use in my nursery office. (This page contains affiliate links. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.) Laminator A...]]></description><link>https://www.littlemindsearlyyears.com/post/office-tools-every-nursery-manager-should-have</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69ad7284053d59350a111e59</guid><pubDate>Sun, 08 Mar 2026 13:03:10 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a4b706_e203eed4806742818c8b33cc4045188d~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Little Minds Early Years</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[When Growth Means Letting Go: Preparing to Leave the Nursery I Built]]></title><description><![CDATA[In four weeks, I will leave the nursery I have led for the past six years. Even writing that sentence still feels unfamiliar. This small nursery, the team within it, and the culture we have built together have been a significant part of my professional life and identity. I have loved leading here. I have loved watching it grow. I have loved the people within it. And yet, I am leaving. Not because I want to leave them — but because I need to grow. Loving what you built Over the past six years,...]]></description><link>https://www.littlemindsearlyyears.com/post/when-growth-means-letting-go-preparing-to-leave-the-nursery-i-built</link><guid isPermaLink="false">69a16228b9110b3fca17b60e</guid><pubDate>Fri, 27 Feb 2026 09:27:16 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a4b706_3517150da4eb4b73b34b86ea286b6f2a~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Little Minds Early Years</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[Learning and Unlearning: Returning to the Room]]></title><description><![CDATA[As I prepare to step into a room leader role later this year, I’ve found myself in a period of learning and unlearning. I’m not in post yet, but I am already consciously shifting my thinking, noticing when my “manager head” takes over, and gently reminding myself what it means to be fully present in the room. Recently, I spent time sitting on the book mat with a small group of eight children aged two to three. There was no planned activity, no learning intention written down, no outcome in...]]></description><link>https://www.littlemindsearlyyears.com/post/learning-and-unlearning-returning-to-the-room</link><guid isPermaLink="false">697b84764c1c36a19b77f57a</guid><pubDate>Fri, 30 Jan 2026 17:49:34 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a4b706_e4105479090b4ab6a6b6798bda684cc0~mv2.jpg/v1/fit/w_1000,h_820,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Little Minds Early Years</dc:creator></item><item><title><![CDATA[A Day in Practice at Little Minds]]></title><description><![CDATA[A day at Little Minds Early Years is not defined by ticking boxes or simply getting through the timetable. It is shaped by relationships, observation, and responsiveness. Much of my time is spent supporting practice, being present on the floor, modelling interactions, observing children, and helping staff reflect on their own approaches. Leadership in early years is often misunderstood. It is not just about policies, rotas, or compliance. It is noticing when a practitioner needs support...]]></description><link>https://www.littlemindsearlyyears.com/post/from-nursery-manager-to-room-manager-a-conscious-career-decision</link><guid isPermaLink="false">696944a4059a56b31bdba331</guid><pubDate>Thu, 15 Jan 2026 20:02:52 GMT</pubDate><enclosure url="https://static.wixstatic.com/media/a4b706_4fb0ead5607c4423a17035aa9711b172~mv2.png/v1/fit/w_1000,h_1000,al_c,q_80/file.png" length="0" type="image/png"/><dc:creator>Little Minds Early Years</dc:creator></item></channel></rss>