* The DfES, Sure Start and the Primary National Strategy have launched a new set of training materials for practitioners working with children in the Foundation Stage. 'Communicating Matters' aims to promote communication and language development through training delivered directly by local authorities. Practitioners should contact their local authority for more details on training plans in their area. Visit www.communicatingmatters.com.
* Talk To Your Baby, the early years campaign by the National Literacy Trust, has developed a new resource kit for teachers in Key Stage 4. The kit conveys to students the importance of speaking and listening to babies and includes a quiz, fact sheet, Baby's First Word toolkit and information for babysitters. Visit www.talktoyourbaby.org.uk.
* The Good Toy Guide 2005/06 has been published by the National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries for toy libraries, playgroups, nurseries, schools, childminders and after-school clubs. It costs 2.95, or is free for NATLL members. Visit www.natll.org.uk/gtg.htm.
* Popular TV character Bob the Builder has adopted a new motto, 'Reduce, Reuse and Recycle' in his role as the face of a new recycling campaign for nurseries and pre-schools. Bob's creator HIT Entertainment has produced a six-page guide to recycling activities, 'Project: Build It', and sent it to 12,000 settings. If your nursery has not received a copy, e-mail Malcolm Packer on mpacker@ hitentertainment.com.
* Practitioners and carers can find out more about child development with 'Baby it's you: the first three years', tracing a baby's progress through walking, talking, reasoning and forming relationships, available as a video for Pounds 14.99 or DVD for 16.99 from shops or Beckmann Visual Publishing on 01624 816 595.
* Harrow Early Years, Childcare and Parenting Service in north-west London has produced a development pack for people working with children from refugee communities. The packs have captions in five languages designed for use with Harrow's largest refugee groups, but could be adapted to meet the needs of other communities elsewhere. For more information, or to obtain a sample pack, contact Keith Mann on 07767 207 515.
