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Outdoor play gives children opportunities to build confidence, independence and problem-solving skills. But warnings about danger, restrictions on getting dirty and adults’ responses to risk can shape how children approach play.

ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2026/10/messy-risky-outdoor-play-children

New NTU research explores why play matters in early childhood and the challenges professionals face in creating the conditions for meaningful play.

ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2026/09/new-research-reveals-gap-between-the-value-of-play-and-the-conditions-to-support-it

Associate Professor Alison Hardy explores why debates around the national curriculum feel so personal for the education community.

ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2026/06/why-national-curriculum-debates-feel-so-personal

At NTU Mansfield, supporting learners at every stage of life is central to what we do. Cheryl Hibbard and Vicky Wright, both studying the Foundation Degree in Education, are two mature students whose experiences reflect the determination and commitment often seen among those returning to study later in life.

ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2026/04/mature-students-supporting-the-community-while-balancing-study-and-caring-responsibilities

A study has cautioned against focusing solely on individual mental health when discussing distress around Ofsted inspections.

ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2026/02/ofsted-inspection-mental-health

Former NTU lecturer Doug Williamson and graduate Julie Bullock reunite at a disability sport event, showcasing NTU’s lasting impact on inclusive sport.

ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2026/02/ntu-connections-reunited-through-disability-sport

Nottingham Trent University academics visited Hiba Academy Nursery in Hangzhou to explore early years curriculum, play-based pedagogy, outdoor learning, and international collaboration in early childhood education.

ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2025/12/nottingham-trent-university-academics-visit-hiba-academy,-hangzhou,-to-explore-early-years-curriculum-and-pedagogy

Associate Professor Alison Hardy on why the curriculum needs to recognise Design and Technology education as a priority in a world driven by technological systems.

ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2025/01/expert-blog-design-and-technology-education-at-a-crossroads-crisis,-opportunity,-and-the-path-forward

An Inspirational Reading Hub has been created at Nottingham Trent University to give trainee teachers a broader knowledge of children’s literature and boost reading for pleasure in their future classrooms.

ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2024/12/inspirational-hub-created-to-boost-childrens-reading-for-pleasure

A training programme which aims to change the culture of Local Authority (LA) social work teams has been shown to “transform” the mindset of participants, leading to better relationships among teams and with the young people and families they work with.

ntu.ac.uk/about-us/news/news-articles/2024/10/training-capable-of-transforming-social-work-culture