- Willows and wellies
Children at Kiddi Caru Day Nursery in Torquay had a wonderful timecreating a willow dome for the nursery's garden. They enjoyed theopportunity to dig in the mud and explore the different textures of thewillow.
- Childminders' day out
Childminders took their charges to visit Castle Espie Wetlands Centre inCounty Down, Northern Ireland. They were well prepared in theirwaterproof jackets and wellies for splashing in the mud exploring,climbing on trees and playing in the adventure playground, as well asmeeting the centre's resident ducks, geese and swans.
- Children for chicks
Meadow View at Stramongate Nursery in Kendal, Cumbria, reports thatletting the children care for newly-hatched chicks this spring hashelped the nursery to develop stronger links with parents. The nurseryalso held enjoyed a fun day to celebrate the improvements made to itsoutdoor environment, during which the children explored the new garden,played on a bouncy castle and enjoyed a visit by the local firebrigade.
- Tackling fires
The local fire brigade also paid a visit to Early Years ChildcareNursery in Hove, Brighton (below). The firefighters from the East SussexFire and Rescue Service talked to the children about what their workinvolves, demonstrated the equipment they use and gave children thechance to try on their helmets and uniforms and explore the fireengine.
- Hail saint george
Early years settings around England celebrated Saint George's Day on 23April. Children at Little Acorns in Mirfield, West Yorkshire, dressed inSaint George's Day-inspired costumes, while Kids Count Day Nursery andPre-School in Northwich, Cheshire, had a themed party in honour of SaintGeorge as part of the nursery's 15th anniversary celebrations. Otherevents included a toddle around Hartford village to raise money forchildren's charity Barnado's.
Children at Good as Gold Childcare Centre in Rossendale, Lancashire,took part in a week full of Saint George's activities, making hats,flags, shakers, bravery medals and bracelets to wear on the big day.They also set up a role-play chip shop, exchanging a portion of fish andchips for a penny.
- Penguins have a go
Poulton Penguins Nursery in Merseyside has been rated outstanding byOfsted inspectors. The report commented on children's happy andconfident behaviour and their willingness to have a go at things becausethe inspirational and committed staff team valued their opinions andideas.
- Open for business - nursery spin-off
Owners of the Spinney Day Nursery in Hoole, Chester, have opened a newnursery at the Bell Meadow Business Park in nearby Pulford. The nursery,which also has a holiday club and provides after-school care, has beenrated outstanding in its recent Ofsted report.
EVENTS
- National Family Week
A new event to celebrate families is being launched nationwide on 25 to31 May. National Family Week aims to encourage families to play, learn,read and spend quality time together. A number of events are being heldacross the country, including a world record attempt at a family picnic.The week is being backed by the Prime Minister and various celebritiesand sponsored by community organisations, government bodies andcharities.
To find out what's happening in your area visitwww.nationalfamilyweek.co.uk.
Photo of the week: Children at Thorne Day Nursery and Pre-School inHolsworthy, Devon, have been sharing their healthy snacks with dinosaursas an extension of an ongoing activity where they learn about the worldaround them from a dinosaur called Dave. Dinosaur Dave was noted to bean exemplary resource during the nursery's recent Ofsted inspection, inwhich it was rated outstanding.
- Do you have a story to tell? Share it with us atnews.nw@haymarket.com
The best photo of the week will win 30 worth of children'sbooks
