Helpful visitors
Willow Tree Nursery and Pre-School in Wembley, London, part of theCasterbridge chain, was officially opened in December by the Mayor ofBrent, Councillor Ralph Fox. A child-friendly model policemanaccompanied a police presentation at the launch, while visitors wereentertained by local steel band Nostalgia and parents were invited totake a tour of the 1.9m purpose-built setting. It features asensory area, three gardens and a soft play area and can accommodate 129children aged up to five.
- People and Places
Close Knit Family
Two-and-a-half year-old Emily was captivated by the hand-knit Nativityscene at Apple Tree Day Nursery in Halifax, West Yorkshire. The Nativityfigures were knitted by a woman working at the local farmers' market,who wanted to help the children to understand the meaning ofChristmas.
Fair Donation
Children, staff and parents at Strawberry Hill Nursery in Edinburghraised more than 250 from their Christmas Fair, which they aredonating to a nursery in Ethiopia with which the nursery has forgedlinks. The fair featured a raffle, bake sale, tombola, book andbric-a-brac stall and had a surprise visit from Santa Claus.
Reindeer Grotto
A real reindeer came to enchant children at Busy Bees Day Nursery in StAlbans, Hertfordshire, when it was transformed into a giant wonderlandgrotto with its very own Santa Claus. Staff and children dressed inChristmas fancy dress for the whole week before the holidays and theirfestive activities included feeding and caring for the reindeer. Thegrotto, which was officially launched by local MP Anne Main, was alsoopen to the public, with the opportunity for children to meet FatherChristmas in his log cabin or write him a letter for a small donation,in aid of children's charity the NSPCC.
Ringing the Bells
In the run-up to Christmas, children and staff at Midland Road NurserySchool in Bradford, West Yorkshire, visited their local garden centrefor a good look at the decorated Christmas trees. Daycare manager SandraWalker said, 'One of the children noticed a large silver bell which allthe children found fascinating'.
Dressing the Part
Children from Wellside Kindergarten in Falkirk, Stirlingshire, markedthe end of term with a Christmas Nativity play, which they performed for90 family members. The three kings rode on their camels while the otherchildren dressed as angels, shepherds and stable animals. Theirrendition of the song 'Whoops A Daisy Angel' received rave reviews fromparents.
- Inspections
Vibrant pre-school
Micklands Pre-School in Caversham, Reading, Berkshire, has been gradedoutstanding following its latest Ofsted inspection. The inspectorscommented in particular on Micklands' vibrant atmosphere and its abilityto embrace every child. Supervisor Emma Kemp said, 'The pre-school'sattention to detail helped it to achieve its outstanding status. Theinspectors were impressed with our snacks, lunch club, the children'sindividual scrapbooks and the level of safety in the outdoor playarea.'
- In Stock
Free fitness fun
Haven Holidays is launching a new Fun and Fitness campaign to supportyoung children across the country and encourage them to participate insport. The campaign is being backed by British champion rhythmicgymnasts Francesca Jones and Keziah Gore. The family holiday and leisurecompany is giving away free sports equipment to nurseries and playgroupsin a limited special offer on a first-come first-served basis. Toregister for the scheme, visit www.havenfunfitness.com.
- Photo of the Week
Children aged from two to five at Rainbow's End Pre-School at theWinchester army training regiment base, the sons and daughters ofservicemen based at the regiment, enjoyed a mini boot camp when theybecame the official testers of Fisher Price's Kid Tough range ofhigh-tech toys. They put the Kid Tough Digital Camera through its paces,bouncing it across the ground, soaking it in a mud pit and carrying itunder a cargo net.
- The best photo of the week will win 30 worth of children'sbooks.
- Do you have a story to tell? Share it with us atnews.nw@haymarket.com.
