50 Things National Blog

Screens, still faces and a child’s need for undivided attention

Fri, 28 Aug 2026 09:11:00 +0000

We take a look at how adult screen use in front of children can have a detrimental impact on emotional development.

Get Moving This Summer: Fun Ideas For All Ages

Wed, 12 Aug 2026 08:51:00 +0000

Dr Anna Chalkley shares simple ideas that can help children of all ages move more, have fun and make happy summer memories together.

Swiping Away Childhood: Why We’re Holding a National Conference About Play

Fri, 07 Aug 2026 08:51:00 +0000

It’s high time we had a national forum to talk about less screen time and more play time. This November we’re giving it a shot.

Why Toy Story 5 Hits So Close To Home

Thu, 30 Jul 2026 07:44:00 +0000

The latest instalment in the popular series sees the gang "go head to head" with an "all-new threat to playtime". For Becca, it's a story she knows all too well.

Why Books Matter: Using Inclusive Literature to Build Empathy and Belonging in the Early Years

Tue, 26 May 2026 07:42:00 +0000

Books do much more than support language development and early literacy. They help children make sense of themselves, understand others, and explore the diverse world around them.

6000 Bradford children to receive playful new guide to help them start school with confidence

Tue, 26 May 2026 07:42:00 +0000

Discover how Bradford's Ready, Steady… Reception booklet is helping 6,000 children build school-ready skills through fun, 50 Things To Do Before You're Five activities this summer.

Unlocking Maths at Home with 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Read our new blog and learn how everyday play and 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five can turn home experiences into fun, meaningful early maths learning.

Wrapping Up 2025: A Year of Play, Partnerships and Impact

Fri, 19 Dec 2025 09:00:00 +0000

As 2025 draws to a close, we’re taking a moment to celebrate what has been a truly brilliant year for 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five. Read the blog to discover our 5 standout moments from 2025!

How Does 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five Support Young Minds and Boost Family Wellbeing?

Wed, 08 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Friday 10th October is World Mental Health Day! This year we are talking about how 50 Things to Do activities can boost families' wellbeing. Read more to find out how you can support your family or families you work with.

Healthy Parent, Healthy Baby: Supporting Families with 50 Things to Do Before You’re Five

Fri, 03 Oct 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Celebrate National Baby Week 2025 with 50 Things to Do Before You're Five! Hear how you can use 50 Things To Do to support families to be healthier and happier within your setting.

National Eye Health Week 2025: We spoke to our local optometrists about how screens are impacting our eye health

Wed, 24 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Today over 2 million people in the UK live with sight loss. Keeping our eyes healthy is so important in our digitalised world and this starts with Less Screen Time More Play Time. Hear from the experts at Girlington Specsavers about the importance of playing outdoors for eye health.

Helping Families to Reduce Screen Time for a Better Sleep Time

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 09:00:00 +0000

No more sleepless nights! Help parents to create bedtime routines that will help their child have a relaxing, deep sleep. Using Less Screen Time More Play Time, help families to reduce screen time and establish healthy sleep patterns.

Creativity falling through the cracks - why everyone needs 50 Things to Do Before You're Five

Thu, 21 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Nursery World article reveals that creative practice is becoming less and less in early years settings. At 50 Things, we believe that children's creativity and exploration must be fostered right from the start of life.

Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life through 50 Things to Do Before You're Five

Fri, 15 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

The Government's new "Giving Every Child the Best Start in Life" strategy aligns perfectly with our mission at 50 Things to Do Before You're Five. Hear from our Director: Institute for the Early Years, Rebecca Oberg, about just how intertwined both of our approaches really are.

Play at the Heart of Bradford’s Culture: Kicking off National Play Day 2025

Wed, 06 Aug 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Bradford’s year as UK City of Culture is a celebration of our rich heritage, vibrant creativity, and proud diversity, and at the heart of it all is PLAY. As we celebrate National Play Day 2025 on Wednesday 6th of August, Rebecca Oberg, Director: Institute for the Early Years, shares Bradford’s rich play history and how it is embedded into our culture.

Children of Bradford #23 See it Live with a Bradford City of Culture for 2025 show!

Thu, 19 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

More than 2,000 Bradford children are involved in Sing Dance Leap, the first ever collaboration between Royal Ballet and Opera, Opera North and Northern Ballet, who've been working together in schools to create this one-off performance at the newly refurbished Bradford Live theatre.

50 Things to Do Before You’re Five features in new report, "Everything to Play For: A Plan to Ensure Every Child in England Can Play"

Wed, 11 Jun 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Centre for Young Lives have released the second report in the Raising the Nation Play Commission: "Everything to Play For: A Plan to Ensure Every Child in England Can Play". Our 50 Things to Do Before You're Five initiative have been mentioned within the report supporting the mission for play to be at the heart of the country.

Screen Time is Impacting Young Children’s Development and We Need to Act Now!

Thu, 22 May 2025 10:00:00 +0000

Our Director: Institute for the Early Years, Rebecca Oberg announces the new 50 Things to Do Before You're Five 'Less Screen Time, More Play Time' early childhood campaign.

Play England launches it's new 10 year Play Strategy!

Fri, 16 May 2025 09:00:00 +0000

Play England has just launched it's 10 Year Play Strategy! We are so excited to see the first steps towards making the new generation of children's lives more playful!

Reading levels for children at a 'crisis' point

Wed, 22 Jan 2025 13:00:00 +0000

Rebecca Oberg, Director: Institute for the Early Years comments on the importance of sharing books for children to improve reading levels.