A simple, editable ready to use resource to help Early Years staff strengthen adult-child interactions through purposeful talk. These sentence starters support questioning, vocabulary, oracy and sustained shared thinking during everyday provision, play and learning.

This fully editable document sets out the planned provision for the Creative Area across Nursery and Reception. It is linked closely to Development Matters and shows how children’s learning in Expressive Arts and Design is supported alongside key aspects of Physical Development, Literacy, Mathematics, Understanding the World, Communication and Language, and Personal, Social and Emotional Development. The plan identifies the materials, tools and resources children should have access to, the common play behaviours they may demonstrate, and the progressive skills they are likely to develop through meaningful creative exploration. The plan also clarifies the role of the adult in enabling high-quality creative learning. It supports staff to introduce and revisit tools, model safe and purposeful use of materials, extend vocabulary, encourage talk about children’s creations, and build independence over time. By linking provision, adult interaction and vocabulary to Development Matters, the document helps ensure the Creative Area is intentional, progressive and responsive to children’s interests and developing skills.