Nursery World's Noticeboard-Teddy time, the X Factor and other celebrations

JEANS FOR GENES DAY

Little Einstein's Kindergarten in Perth, Scotland, and Nunthorpe Early Years Centre in Middlesbrough, Teesside, did their bit on Jeans for Genes Day on 7 October to raise funds for children with genetic disorders. Staff and children at Little Einstein's wore their jeans to the nursery, while at Nunthorpe Early Years Centre (below) children made 'denim dollies'.

SEEKING GORILLAS

Staff and children from Woodland House Day Nursery in Bristol set themselves a challenge to get a photo taken with the 60 WOW gorilla statues placed around the city by Bristol Zoo to mark its 175th anniversary. Parents also worked in partnership with the nursery to complete the challenge, bringing in photos of the children, family members and pets with the gorillas.

FRUITFUL HARVEST

Harvest festivals have been observed at nurseries across the country.Scott's House Nursery, owned by Bright Horizons, in Witney, Oxfordshire (top) and Castle Day Nursery in Worthing, West Sussex, made food parcels to donate to worthy causes. At ABC Nursery in Whitehaven, Cumbria (bottom), children took part in a scarecrow competition.

X FACTOR EXCITEMENT

Children and staff from kidsunlimited North Cheam nursery in Surrey organised a fun-filled week to raise money for charity. Events included a mini 'X Factor' competition as well as a cake sale and art competition, which brought in over £200.

BORN IN THE EIGHTIES

Fledgelings Day Nursery in Ramsgate, Kent, marked its 25th anniversary with a 1980s themed week. The children enjoyed cookery classes to make trifle, messy play with squirty cream and Angel Delight, and arts and crafts sessions where they created model mobile phones and Rubix cubes.

TEDDIE'S DAY OUT

A Teddy Bear Extravaganza at Busy Bees Nursery in St Matthews, Burntwood, Staffordshire, saw children bringing in their favourite teddies to be issued with a passport and undergo a security check through the special teddy x-ray machine. The athletic teddies then took turns on the Teddy High Wire and Boat-a-Bear water ride, operated by the children. Teddy medics were also on hand in case any bears injured themselves on the rides. The £240 raised by the family event was donated to the Rainbow Trust charity.

GRUFFALO IN THE GARDEN

The Gruffalo, or someone looking very much like him, visited Little Pilgrims Pre-Prep School in Bedford to open a new outside adventure playground, christened 'Little Pilgrims in the Day Garden'. It features a climbing wall, a look-out tower, a story corner and blackboard tents for the children to draw on.