Reuse and recycle

Children can be entertained by almost anything used in the right way, so think about how you might want to adapt some of the following ideas for your setting. As well as helping them learn to use items creatively, you'll save some cash, too!

• Reuse household ‘rubbish’ such as toilet roll inners, plastic containers and cardboard boxes for hours of junk modelling fun. And it's OK, toilet roll inners are perfectly fine to use - even under "health and safety"! Read more from the Health and Safety Executive.
• Repurpose old cutlery and kitchen utensils as digging implements in the garden or for play dough sessions. It's a great way to encourage fine motor skills and get children used to handling cutlery and utensils.
• Old blankets and bed linen are perfect for making dens or using outdoors during the summer. We especially love this octopus den created from old packaging materials and this sheet and peg indoor creation.

Have a look at some of these great reuse and recycling ideas here. These childminders use anything and everything to enhance their setting. Plus it helps them teach children about the value of recycling – and protecting the environment at the same time