Early years settings say 'let it snow'

Staff at Kestrel's Children's Centre in Caterham, Surrey, learned the true meaning of teamwork as they all pulled together to make a home from home for parents and children who were stranded at the centre, creating makeshift beds and serving up mugs of hot chocolate.

The following morning, additional staff delivered breakfast and toiletries to those who had stayed overnight.

Centre manager Linda Smith said, 'The next morning we had seven members of staff and only two babies, who happily enjoyed the extra space and made the most of having the soft play equipment to themselves. Staff also had more time to catch up on the back-burner jobs that normally wouldn't be tackled during a busy day.'

Sharon Fish, a childminder from Tipton in the West Midlands, said the snow had not been a hindrance and had given her lots of ideas for activities to do with the children in her care.

She said the children were intrigued by the snow, but because it was too cold to go outside, she decided to bring the outside in by filling a box with snow and ice for the children to explore (right).

Nurseries also found enjoyable activities in the extreme conditions. At Little Acorns Day Nursery in Gomersal, West Yorkshire, children went on a hunt for icicles.

Everyone at Red Hen Day Nursery in Louth, Lincolnshire, went on a walk to feed the sheep and ponies that live on the farm where the setting is based.

Making snowmen was the order of the day for children at Bright Sparks Nursery in Murrayfield, Edinburgh, and Happy Child Nursery in Shepherd's Bush.

Staff at Nursery on the Green in Frimley Green, Surrey, got to work clearing the car park with help from an early starter among the children who wanted all his friends to be able to enjoy the snow.