Information and Reminders
Happy New Year to everyone!
Nursery Garden!
The nursery garden has been renovated and improved during the last two weeks of December and looks amazing! Photos will be included in the first weekly update in January. Drainage works were carried out to improve the areas of flooding which have become more pronounced in recent times mainly to due to high levels of rainfall. The main area has been resurfaced with artificial grass and a layer of underlay underneath for the children’s comfort and safety. The water now runs away as it should. The low retaining walls have been rebuilt in brick with wooden finishes to the top which double up as seating, and the decking replaced. The garden still retains the woodland feel which is an important part of our ethos and an essential facility for the children with the areas at the side and back with trees and shrubs and soil covered in play bark.
Winter Theme - 2nd January onwards
Our overall topic for the first few weeks will be Winter. We will be discussing what people wear in the winter time, as well as observing birds and animals and how they survive in the cold climate. We will also be looking into how the landscape changes during this season. The children will have the opportunity to create their own fake snow, exploring the different textures and discussing how these textures feel compared to other natural materials. The children will be learning about the world around them and delving into a world of discovery. We will be using the lovely outdoor areas to observe natural animal habitats and learning about the hibernation process for the animals that we locate on our woodland walks. Junk modelling to create our own warm habitats, using natural materials that we collect from the environment and baking warm bread rolls will be some of the many activities that will be carefully planned to suit the individual needs of each child and we will ensure to incorporate their own individual interests to make these activities stimulating and enjoyable for all.
The nursery garden area and the Imber Court site have been used extensively and will continue to be used over the winter period, to show how nature changes to a new cold season. We will also be looking at animals and how they survive the winter. The children will be able to make bird ‘seed cakes’ to make sure the birds have lots to eat over the cold period; as well as lots of other exciting activities.
The children will be out and about as usual, wearing their waterproof clothing sets to explore the garden and the whole of the Imber Court grounds whilst keeping warm and dry. Remaining warm and dry is the most important element to create happiness and creative play regardless of the weather. Please do bring your child with a warm hat, socks and gloves to keep them warm. We are planning frosty walks and winter nature hunts and fingers crossed for some snow!
The children will be exploring space, weight and measurements throughout the different activities using our scales and tape measures to support their mathematical development. Reading will also be a focus for the children in the next few weeks, where they can delve into the magic of different stories and will use their imaginations to create their own stories and information booklets about the discoveries they have made whilst at nursery.
Important: Please supply a named pair of wellies to be kept at nursery, thank you.
Book of the month
The nursery has a wide range of books for the children to choose from. In addition to this, the children all have the opportunity to look and listen to the text of the book of the month, and engage in learning, thinking, and responding to that shared text. This will lead to extension activities in the nursery. We hope you will enjoy sharing the story at home!
January - One snowy night
February - Owl babies
Science!
The children will also become scientists in the next coming weeks, where they will be investigating with many experiments to widen and expand their learning and experiences to promote a love of learning and provide the tools to support their critical thinking. Critical thinking is one of the characteristics of effective learning, encouraging the children to have their own ideas, making links and testing out their own ideas, and predicting outcomes.
The children will be making their own volcanoes, watching the lava overflow down the sides and will observe the changing colours of materials when mixed with water and other liquids as well as learning about the different planets and solar system. The children will be making their own planets using a variety of fun arts and crafts materials such as, paint, paper mache, glue and many more.
Here is a guide on activities for children 0-2 and your child’s learning journey for 3-5 year olds which we hope you find interesting.
Activities to try at home!
Snow puffy paint recipe (air dries)
Make some glorious Winter art with this sparkly, snow puffy paint recipe! Using shaving cream and white glue, this paint dries thick and puffy and looks really effective in art projects.
Combine 1/2 cup white glue (PVA/runny school glue) with 1/2 cup of shaving cream in a bowl and mix together until it looks like thick, whipping cream. Sprinkle over lots of Eco friendly silver glitter and stir through. Done!
We found that if you dollop the paint onto the card in large scoops, it looks even more effective as it can be piled up to increase volume and thickness. It doesn’t run or lose its shape, and when left to dry flat without being touched overnight, it keeps its puffiness and feels (and looks) wonderfully tactile. You can add cut card shapes for the details on top of the paint while it was still wet and these dried on and stuck firmly in place. You can also have sprinkled more glitter over the top which made it super sparkly and wondrous! Enjoy!
Upcoming Events
Swimming Classes - 6th January onwards
We are delighted to offer swimming classes for 24 children each week.
Sadly we are unable to take more children due to availability of teachers and classes at Imber Court pool. However, we are hoping that numbers can increase in time.
Classes are arranged through separate emails to you.
Parent meetings week commencing 27th January daily for ALL age groups.
There will be an invitation on Tapestry 1-2 weeks beforehand– please do choose a convenient time for the 10 minute meetings with your child’s keyworker. This is an opportunity to discuss your child’s progress at nursery and to answer any questions you may have.
In addition, Tapestry gives you regular updates and staff are always happy to discuss any queries or comments at any point.
Chinese New Year - 10th February
The children will be exploring and learning about Chinese New Year surrounding this date, with this year being the year of the Snake. We will be sampling Chinese food with the children, making dragons and lanterns and filling red envelopes with fortune cookies. They will be able to take part in chopstick games which promotes their fine motor skills. The children and staff will also make a big dragon as a group project and be participating in a dragon dance!
Nursery growing areas
The children will continue to grow winter crops such as garlic, onions and salads in the colder months. The children will be sowing many more seeds in the spring and tending the crops as the season develops. They will harvest and help prepare the fruit and vegetables for cooking and eating at nursery.
Further ahead..
Pancake Day Tuesday - Tuesday 4th March
Pancake Day is also known around the world as Shrove Tuesday. It falls on the day before Ash Wednesday each year, the first day of Lent. We plan to have a pancake tasting, a pancake cafe role play, making pretend pancakes in the mud kitchens, and paper pancake races in the garden, which is always great fun!
Book Week and World Book Day - 6th March
World Book Day celebrates the joy and value of books and reading, especially for children.
We invite the children to dress up as a character from their favourite book, or your child may prefer a simple mask or face paint which is fine. We will be focusing on books and related activities all week, including games and reading by torchlight!
All children will be able to access a Book Token which entitles them to a £1 reduction at bookshops. The children will also make their own books.
Holi Festival of Colour - 14th March
Holi is a Hindu festival that marks the arrival of spring. Known widely as the Festival of Colour, it takes place over two days, and is a celebration of fertility, colour, and love, as well as the triumph of good versus evil. A colourful festival, with dancing, singing, and throwing of powder paint and coloured water.
Holiday Dates 2025-2026
Reopen Tuesday 2nd January 2024
Easter Closed Fri 18th April – Good Friday
Closed Mon 21st April – Easter Monday
Early May Bank Holiday Closed Monday 5th May
Spring Bank Holiday Closed Monday 26th May
Summer Bank Holiday Closed Monday 25th August
Christmas 2024 Closed Tuesday 23rd December 2025
Reopen Friday 2nd January 2026