Submitting Scripts to Cbeebies

It's useful to watch lots of pre-school output to get a feel for what's out there already and what works well.

Always start from where the children are - don't assume too much prior knowledge. Pre-schoolers are constantly coming across things for the first time, which makes for a wonderfully fresh approach and a constant celebration of new things.

See the world through the eyes of the pre-school child; provide a 'window on the world', keeping it fun and child-friendly. At this age their imaginations are very active, so fantasy, role-play and 'what if' scenarios can be good.

Keep the material age-appropriate in terms of:

• Language level- playing with language, using rhythm, rhyme, and alliteration (it's good to extend vocabulary sometimes, but always explain/contextualise)
• Clear and simple structure - a modular approach can be helpful
• Pacing
• Interactivity – aim to engage the viewers actively (mentally as well as physically), but allow plenty of time for responses
• Child-friendly illustrations and examples

You should also bear in mind camera style (programmes should be shot accessibly and clearly) and editing (often a fairly gentle pace). The programmes could include lots of close-ups, held long enough for the child to respond to the shots and perhaps even comment on them or answer a question.

Avoid montages of fast-cut shots that aren't linked, as pre-school children don't always understand TV grammar, especially at the younger end

Popular pre-school-friendly topics could include the "big four":

• Me - and by extension family and friends. So things like where I live, my house/room, how I look
• Food – e.g. growing, gathering, processing, preparing, eating, meal-times, where things come from, tastes, smells, colours, textures
• Toys and games - perhaps making them in some instances, playing with them, games played alone or in a group, games played between generations, counting games
• Animals - wild animals, herd animals like cattle, or pets

Twenty minute programmes are common but 10, 15, 25, or 30 minutes are also possible. Shorter items within programmes are another option.

Formats vary and can include documentary, drama, magazine, quiz or quest shows, and so on.

Characters and/or setting may drive the concept, or something eclectic like a magazine format may work well.

Characters can include:

• Presenters being themselves
• Actors in character
• Children - the audience like to see themselves reflected on screen, but remember that child performers are strictly limited in their working hours
• Puppets - although they can impose limitations on shooting and the setting in order to hide the puppeteer
• Skins (full body suits) have more mobility than puppets, but are usually an expensive option, depending on the sophistication of the heads

The ingredients of pre-school programmes have always included key classic elements like stories, rhymes, songs, movement/dance, make and do, 'window on the world', counting rhymes, numbers, colour, patterns, and sequences. The challenge is to find a fresh take on all these things.

Parents and carers expect a child's viewing to have 'added value', and wherever possible the material needs to have sound educational foundations. You can access guidance via: Sure Start or DFES, or for the younger end of the age group, Birth to Three Matters.

See also the CBBC section at BBC Commissioning for various advice, tips and information on what's currently being commissioned.

Cbeebies Address
Head of Cbeebies Productions
Room N102
BBC Elstree
Clarendon Road
Borehamwood
WD6 1JF