Information and Reminders
AUTUMN
We should like to welcome the new children and their families that have recently joined us, and to say a sad farewell to those children whom have left us, to begin their journey at school. We wish them every success and happiness for the future. We will be focusing on Autumn as a broad subject, which includes Colours, Shapes and Numbers.
Here is an Autumn video for you to share with your child which we will show the children at the nursery which give a very good insight into this lovely season. Autumn is always a fun topic because so much is changing and this is very easy for the children to see. We can go out for walks and collect different colour and size leaves, twigs and pine cones all around the site and in the nursery garden. These nature items will then be used in all areas of the nursery including creatively, maths and language and literacy and in our discussions. Colours, shapes and numbers are also fun but in a different way; we can make new shapes out of other shapes, we can learn to recognise numbers and colours using different amounts of for example nature items, or current items of the children’s interests.
Forest schools sessions
Forest school gives children an understanding of the world around them, encouraging and inspiring them through positive outdoor experiences all year round. The children love to design and build their own dens and shelters using camouflage fabrics, tarpaulins, pegs twigs and logs. They go pond dipping in the local streams which are home to lots of wildlife! The children are able to whittle with vegetable peelers, hunt for bugs and paint outdoors (mixing our own paints and making our own paint brushes!) They have also been growing fruit and vegetables which have been enjoyed at meal times! Find out more about our Forest School both here and here.
Parent Guides and Autumn menus
Our Autumn menus will commence from 1st October, and can be seen our healthy eating page from that date.
Phonics, Maths and Reading. The Nursery has a curriculum which delivers daily Phonics and letter formation, maths and reading. We carry out activities such as circle time with phonics, air writing, laminated cards and white board pens to practice writing letters, letter formation sheets and writing activities. The nursery / home library is a great way to link up home/nursery reading.
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!
Upcoming Events and Celebrations
Swimming Classes
These will continue this Autumn commencing 9th September at the Imber Court swimming pool and are now fully booked. The next classes will be in January 2025. Invitations will be sent nearer the time.
Garsons Farm Pumpkin Parade
We are planning a trip to Garsons Pick your own farm 8th October for children 2.5 years and older- more information will be emailed soon.
Harvest Festival Sunday 6th October
We will be looking at Harvest Festival and will have activities involving fresh fruit, vegetables and other produce. Harvest festivals are traditionally held on or near the Sunday of the Harvest Moon. This is the traditional start of the autumn season. The nursery growing areas are very busy at this time!
Autumn Social Thursday 17th October 4pm-5.30pm
We should like to invite everyone to our Autumn Social event to enable you all to get to know each other a little better! This event is open to all ages and we hope you can attend regardless of your child’s days of attendance. There will be a treasure trail for you to take part in with your child around the garden, activities and refreshments.
Halloween
We shall look at Halloween (nothing scary!) by deseeding pumpkins, making pumpkin soup, and reading books such as ‘Pumpkin Soup’.
Dates for your diary further ahead..
DIWALI – 12th November - We will be celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali during the week leading up to this, which is known as the Festival of Lights. The children will be creating their own Diva pots, rangoli pictures, join in light play, and looking at the story of Rama and Sita. They will also be taking part in a food tasting activity, tasting different Diwali foods.
Preschool Room Christmas Concert Wednesday 11th 4pm - 5.30pm
Christmas Tea Parties for all ages week commencing 16th December
Full details will be provided to you regarding all above events nearer the time.
Christmas Holiday Dates 2024-2025
Last day of the year Friday 20th December
Closed Monday 23rd December 2024 - 1st January 2025
Reopen Thursday 2nd January 2025