Enabling Environments: Equipment - Dizzytron; Becopotty; Giant Rainbow...

DIZZY-TRON (£44.99) and software/mats (£89.99), www.hope-education.co.uk

Dizzy Tron, the new programmable robot from Hope Education, is suitable for use with children aged four and upward and can be used for directional language, early programming and as a learning aid for numerous curricular areas such as maths and English.

With a memory of up to 50 steps, Dizzy, claims Hope, 'is by far the most advanced programmable robot on the market'.

Other features include a removable remote control which has a reach of up to 30 feet, a drawing feature for tracing steps and drawing of simple geometric shapes. Dizzy interacts with whiteboards (software sold separately), where his movements can be replicated on screen so children can play back their activity.

Dizzy will be available from this month and on show at the Nursery World Show at the Business Design Centre in London on 22 - 23 January.

BECOPOTTY (£7.99), www.becothings.co.uk/

The Becopotty offers an eco-friendly alternative to the standard plastic baby's potty. Made from rice husks - a waste product of rice farming - the Becopotty is biodegradable yet durable, lasting just as long as a plastic version. Small than the average potty, it is comfortable and easy to use, and its high back offers extra support.

Becopotty is stocked in JoJo Maman Bebe stores (www.jojomamanbebe.co.uk) and available nationwide from John Lewis (www.johnlewis.co.uk).

SINGLE SENSORY STACKING TOWER (£39.95 plus VAT), www.ascoeducational.co.uk

Ideal for sensory exploration and developing fine motor skills is Asco's single stacking tower, which comes with six rings in varying textures and a velvet bag.

Also available is the Sensory Stacking Towers (£145 plus VAT), comprising three wooden stands. The rings are made from various materials including soft cloth, beads, woven twine and plastic.

THE GIANT RAINBOW (£695 plus VAT), www.ascoeducational.co.uk

As well as providing opportunities for rocking and climbing, the Giant Rainbow, with its five curved arches and matching playmats, enables children to define their play space and create areas in which to hide.

The arches are made from a tactile stained plywood skin over a frame, which makes them strong but light enough for children to lift and carry.

TRANSPARENT EASEL (£36.57 incl VAT), www.wesco-group.com

Perfect for portrait painting, the transparent easel enables children to see the subject of their drawing through the Plexiglas screen. Then before the paint dries, they can place a sheet of paper over the window to create a permanent record of the painting.

Measuring 39.5cm wide and 54cm high, the easel must be used with poster paints, which can be wiped from the screen with a damp cloth.

ALPHABET SOUP SORTERS (£39.95 plus VAT), www.LearningResources.co.uk

This set of Alphabet Soup Sorters is designed to build children's phonic awareness and literacy skills. Each of the 26 cardboard cans holds one uppercase letter, one lowercase letter, and five object cards with real-life photography on one side and the corresponding words printed on the reverse.

PLAYGROUND PUMP (£3,122), Playgarden, www.playgardens.co.uk

The Playground Pump provides children with the joy of running water in their outdoor area. Simply crank the handle and watch the water flow.

The pump is part of a wide range of fixed outdoor equipment available from Playgarden, which also supplies basic equipment for outdoor play, ranging from sprayer kits (£9.78) to watering cans (£9.78).

PRODUCTS FOR REVIEW?

If you have a new product that you would like reviewed, e-mail details to: ruth.thomson@haymarket.com.