Nurseries invited to take part in the Big Spotacular for Children in Need

Taking place next week, BBC Children in Need is partnering with Lloyds Bank for the second year of its fundraising appeal the Big Spotacular.

Early years settings are invited to host Pudsey picnic parties and bake spotty cakes in aid of disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

They will also be able to participate in Pudsey’s Round Pound Countdown, a fundraising challenge to collect and donate as many old pound coins as possible.

A range of new resources, including materials to support SEND learning, tailored fundraising ideas and a Pudsey coin fill, as well as updated curriculum-linked lesson content about the charity, and a fundraising kit, are all available online.

Last year, over 17,500 schools and nurseries across the UK helped raise nearly £6m for disadvantaged children and young people across the UK.

Research conducted by National Schools Partnership, who surveyed a sample of 977 schools that used the Big Spotacular resources in 2016, found that:

• 91 per cent of teachers felt taking part in the campaign had positively impacted pupils’ attitudes regarding awareness of challenges faced by other children

• Over three quarters of teachers said fundraising for Spotacular had positively impacted pupils’ teamwork (76 per cent), communication skills (77 per cent) and confidence (77 per cent).

Jonathan Rigby, director of marketing and fundraising at BBC Children in Need, said, ‘This year we’re urging all the nurseries and schools across the rest of the UK to join the Big Spotacular with Lloyds Bank and go spotty to help raise money for BBC Children in Need.

‘The money raised really will make a huge difference to children and young people up and down the UK who are facing disadvantage. So, whether it’s hosting a spotty picnic or taking part in a spotty sponsored footie match, get your hands on a fundraising pack and get involved!’

• For a fundraising kit click here