With early spring just around the corner, room leaders have been coming up with ideas for how the children might feel a sense of accomplishment and ownership by refreshing the Highwood garden ahead of the growing season.
Plans are still evolving, so if you have any unused garden resources you would be willing to donate, we would be extremely grateful to receive them. Plants, plant pots, troughs, water trays and/or compost would undoubtedly make a meaningful contribution to the learning experience.
Garden features such as bird feeders, wind chimes and/or ornaments could also make a valuable difference. For example, children have been particularly enjoying the addition of a small boat, kindly donated by Linda.
This month’s major staff development is that Louise has now started her maternity leave. Naturally, we wish her all the best. Please be assured that you can now contact Sarah, Kirsten and Claire with any office enquiries.
As always, please be reminded to update us on any changes to your contact details, as well as information about any holidays you have booked for 2023.
Kindest regards,
Sarah Bower
Nursery Manager
World Book Day
World Book Day is on 2 March, and all children will receive a book token. Also, we would love to see the children dressed up as their favourite book character throughout the week commencing 27 February. The token redemption period is from 16 February – 26 March 2023. You can find out more by clicking here
Words for Life
Words for Life is an initiative that provides parents, children and young people with activities to improve their language, literacy and communication skills at home. Activities have been broken down into age brackets, making everything age and stage appropriate (from birth to 12 years). There are also useful parent support tools for tackling challenges including baby weaning. You can access these resources by clicking here
Early Years Education funding
We advise all parents of children who have turned two, or are turning two or three this term, to check the government’s Childcare Choices website to assess the funding for which they may be eligible from next term and let us know. Also, if you are not already signed up to tax-free childcare, information and eligibility can be checked through the same website. Just click here
Children’s Mental Health Week
Children’s Mental Health Week runs from 6 February to 12 February. This year’s theme is ‘let’s connect’, encouraging people to connect with others in healthy, rewarding and meaningful ways. The children will be taking part in mindfulness activities and focusing on emotions while working together. You can find out more about Children’s Mental Health Week by clicking here
Lymington Library trips
Pre-schoolers have really enjoyed recent trips to Lymington Library, with travelling together by bus being one of the many highlights. During the latest visit, the children borrowed 30 books on the Nursery’s account. These books are now playing a pivotal role in enhancing both the individual and collective learning experience. If your child is not at nursery on the day of planned visits, it would be great to see you and them there. Simply ask us for details.
Chinese New Year
The children thoroughly enjoyed our Chinese New Year celebrations, which featured a wide variety of sensory experiences, as well as cultural learning, awareness and appreciation.
You can see some of the pictures here:
