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Windmill Hill Day Nursery children enjoy pantomime performance

Christmas came early for delighted children at Windmill Hill Day Nursery in Swindon as they received a special visit from the touring Shooting Star Entertainments theatre company.

At the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on Windmill Hill Business Park, Whitehill Way, pre-schoolers were immersed in an exciting performance of ‘Search for Santa’, where they were introduced to a range of festive characters, including the ‘fairy on top of the tree’, before finally meeting Father Christmas in the magical Nursery Rhyme Land.

During the half hour show, children were thrilled to join in with songs and perform actions, before having discussions about the array of beautiful costumes and props.

Windmill Hill Day Nursery Deputy Manager, Kayleigh Blaylock explained;

“Our children had an amazing time watching the panto performance and this proved to be an excellent introduction to live theatre, with lots of exciting opportunities for audience participation. This was the perfect way of getting in the festive spirit, ahead of our vast schedule of seasonal activities, as well as Christmas parties and dinners in nursery.”

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West Downs Day Nursery children enjoy Christmas tree trip

Festivities were well underway at West Downs Day Nursery in Winchester as children took a trip to the local garden centre to pick a range of Christmas trees to bring back to the setting.

After venturing next door to Hilliers Garden Centre, pre-schoolers from the award-winning setting on Romsey Road were delighted to browse the vast selection of Norway Spruces, taking their time to pick the perfect ones, before watching them be pushed through the netting funnel, ready to be returned and decorated within the nursery rooms.

As part of the exciting learning experience, children were able to help pay garden centre staff for the Christmas trees at the end of their visit, building upon their mathematical knowledge as they counted out the money and practiced their addition and subtraction skills.

Back at nursery, children were thrilled to showcase their creativity by making their very own Christmas tree decorations, ready to proudly display on the new additions to their rooms.

West Downs Day Nursery Team Leader, Danni Markwick explained;

“The children had a magical time selecting their Christmas trees and bringing them back to the nursery. This was hugely insightful and a brilliant learning opportunity for children who might not have had a real Christmas tree at home before. We have had a wonderful time preparing for the festive season and love creating these seasonal experiences.”

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Windmill Hill Day Nursery declared ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted

There was cause for celebration at Windmill Hill Day Nursery in Swindon as proud parents and practitioners learnt that the setting had achieved Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ status, following an inspection in November.

A result achieved by only 16 percent of English Early Years providers, the Ofsted inspectors credited the staff team at the setting on Windmill Hill Business Park as “excellent role models” who “provide amazing experiences for children” and “plan the environment exceptionally” to capture interests and stimulate natural curiosity.

In the report, inspectors praised the setting’s “robust” key-person system and observed “all children, including those new to the setting, settle exceptionally well” as a result, whilst staff members build “strong relationships with children and families” in their care. The inspectors added “children arrive smiling and confidently join in activities in their rooms”.

The nursery’s focus on communication and language was also admired, as well as the range of techniques used to encourage this, including baby sign and gestures. Inspectors noted that “Children know staff value their views and opinions. All children, including those who are learning to speak English as an additional language, are becoming confident talkers.”

Ofsted inspectors, Verrity Simons and Anita McKelvey observed;

“The quality of education is brilliant. The staff know what children can do and what they need to learn next, including children with special educational needs and/or disabilities. The staff adapt their level of support to appropriately meet children’s needs, ensuring all children make excellent progress and feel success. Parents praise the support children receive and feel fully informed of their child’s day.”

Windmill Hill Day Nursery Manager, Lora Worthington explained;

“We are absolutely thrilled to be named as Outstanding by Ofsted and have our efforts recognised across the board. We are committed to providing each of our children with the best possible start in life and are so grateful for the support of our amazing nursery families.”

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Brinds Well Day Nursery Christmas Fayre raises over £1,000 for charity

Festivities were well underway at Brinds Well Day Nursery in Chelsfield as families gathered at the setting for a fun-filled Christmas Fayre, all whilst raising money for charity ‘Bliss’.

From an Elf Workshop where children could pen their letters to Santa, to a Polar Express themed room complete with hot chocolate and festive games, pre-schoolers and parents were immersed in all the occasion had to offer, raising a grand total of £1,024.00 for Bliss, which will now go towards helping babies born premature or sick and their families.

At the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on Hawstead Lane, children were also delighted to visit Santa’s Grotto and pick up reindeer food for Christmas Eve, before having their faces painted and enjoying a meeting with Mickey and Minnie Mouse, whilst parents took part in a gift and bottle raffle, with delicious food served by Whitegate Farm Butchers.

As a result of their fundraising efforts throughout the year, which have included colleagues taking part in the Virtual London Marathon and spending a night ‘sleeping rough’ under the stars, the nursery has helped contribute to the £120,000 raised so far by Childbase Partnership settings for Bliss, with a month of fundraising yet to go.

Brinds Well Day Nursery Manager, Vanessa Lawrence explained;

“Bliss is such a worthy cause and one close to the hearts of many across our nursery. We had a magical time at our Christmas Fayre and are delighted to be making this donation despite so much hardship this year. Our families are so generous with their support and constantly set an amazing example to the children about the importance of helping others.”

Brinds Well Day Nursery have adopted Bliss for a year-long fundraising drive.

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Cherry Trees Day Nursery children receive card from Kensington Palace

Children from Cherry Trees Day Nursery in Cranfield were delighted to receive a card from Kensington Palace, having sent a letter of condolence to Prince George, Princess Charlotte and Prince Louis following the Queen’s passing in September.

At the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on Duncan Road, children in the setting’s ‘Caterpillar Room’ detailed the ways in which they’d honoured Her Majesty’s life, from holding a Paddington Bear themed tea party complete with marmalade sandwiches, to listening to ‘God Save the Queen’ and looking at photographs from her 70-year reign.

Back in the summer, children of all ages celebrated the Queen’s Platinum Jubilee, with families invited to the nursery gardens for a ‘Very Royal Tea Party’, as well as creative activities including crown making and bunting decorating for the occasion.

The reply, which contained a photograph of the Queen, read;

“The Prince and Princess of Wales would like to thank you for the kind words you sent following the death of Her Majesty the Queen. Their Royal Highnesses have been extremely touched by the very thoughtful messages of condolence that they have received during this time. They will deeply miss Her Majesty, who played such an important part of both their lives, but so appreciate your message which has provided them with a great deal of comfort.”

Cherry Trees Day Nursery Quality Manager, Lorraine Harben explained;

“We were all deeply saddened by the passing of Her Majesty, who was an important figure in the lives of so many. We have been sensitively handling the children’s questions and were thrilled to receive such a lovely reply from the Palace following these celebrations of life.”

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Celebrating professional development at Devonshire Day Nursery

There was cause for celebration at Devonshire Day Nursery in Chiswick as the proud staff team marked the achievements of their colleague and Apprentice, Sara Lates, as she graduated from the Childbase Academy of Excellence as a Qualified Nursery Practitioner.

Having worked at the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on Bennett Street alongside her studies since March 2021, Sara is the first in her cohort of learners to complete the NVQ Level 3, passing her professional discussion and exam the first time. She is now showcasing her talent in the setting’s ‘Caterpillar Room’ with the youngest children aged from six weeks.

Established in January 2021, the Childbase Training Academy of Excellence was created to deliver a centre where all Apprentices are supported in-house by Childbase Partnership experts as they gain practical experience in nursery. The team provide face to face training, conduct in person observations and support learners in achieving their qualifications.

Through an extensive range of bespoke training days, Apprentices gain essential knowledge across all areas of their standard, with topics covered including Health and Safety, Equality and Diversity, Child Development, Safeguarding and SEND. These sessions are also supported with additional online training courses and resources to instil confidence.

Devonshire Nursery Practitioner, Sara Lates explained;

“I can’t explain how amazing this journey has been for me and I can’t believe how quickly the time has gone. The knowledge and confidence I’ve gained throughout is unbelievable and having the opportunity to go on training days helped so much as I could come back and put everything into practice. I had support throughout from my assessor and management team and I knew I could ask them for help anytime. It’s so helpful to be able to look back at all my work and studies to enable me to continue as an outstanding practitioner.”

Devonshire Day Nursery Manager, Emmy Avery said;

“We are so proud of Sara, turning 18 during her apprenticeship and going from strength to strength as she worked alongside her studies. The academy has put so many amazing things into place for apprentices, from the training days to the Teach to Reach training. As a manager I can really see how beneficial the courses have been for my team members.”

Learners must be at least 16 years old and be successful at interview for an Apprenticeship position. Vacancies can be found here: https://search.childbasecareers.com

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Knowle Green Day Nursery Christmas Fayre raises £1,800 for charity

Festivities were well underway at Knowle Green Day Nursery in Staines as families gathered at the setting for a fun-filled Christmas Fayre, all whilst raising money for charity ‘Bliss’.

From a live nativity, complete with real animals including a donkey, goats and sheep, to a stunning performance by the Salvation Army Choir and brass band, children and parents were immersed in all the occasion had to offer, raising a grand total of £1,800 for Bliss, which will now go towards helping babies born premature or sick and their families.

At the award-winning setting on Knowle Green, children were also delighted to showcase their creativity at a gingerbread decorating station, as well as enjoying a visit to Santa’s grotto, whilst parents took part in a hamper raffle, festive games and a browse of the Christmas market, filled with gift inspiration, including reindeer food for Christmas Eve.

As a result of their fundraising efforts throughout the year, which have included colleagues spending a night ‘sleeping rough’ under the stars, a ‘Sparklers and S’mores’ Bonfire Night event, pumpkin carving and more, the nursery have helped contribute to the £120,000 raised so far by Childbase Partnership settings for Bliss, with a month of fundraising yet to go.

Knowle Green Day Nursery Quality Manager, Hayley Blissett explained;

“We had a magical time at our Christmas Fayre and this was a fabulous opportunity to catch up with our nursery families and get into the festive spirit. The feedback we have had from parents has made us very proud and we are so grateful for their continued support. We’ve had a brilliant year of fundraising and can’t wait to make this donation to give more babies the best chance in life.”

Knowle Green Day Nursery have adopted Bliss for a year-long fundraising drive.

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Hampstead Gate Day Nursery make advent calendar donation

Thoughtful parents and practitioners from Hampstead Gate Day Nursery in Milton Keynes have made a donation of advent calendars to ensure no child goes without this Christmas.

After appealing to families at the award-winning setting on Eelbrook Avenue, colleagues were delighted to hand over a grand total of 142 advent calendars to the Milton Keynes Food Bank, who will now distribute them to families in the community who need them most.

Hampstead Gate Day Nursery Team Leader, Ashleigh Smith explained;

“This can be a magical time of the year but also one of real financial hardship for many, especially in the current climate. Something as simple as an advent calendar is often taken for granted but is incredibly special for a child in the lead up to Christmas. We are so grateful to our amazing nursery families for helping us to make this donation possible.”

Milton Keynes Food Bank looks to provide emergency support to those in crisis and relies solely on the donations of the public and help of volunteers. The charity is currently appealing for tinned items, cereal, toilet roll, long-life milk and Christmas food items.

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Nature Trails Day Nursery families mark World Prematurity Day

Families from Nature Trails Day Nursery in Cawston have been showing their support for the 90,000 babies cared for in UK neonatal units each year with a special awareness day.

Having adopted ‘Bliss’ the charity for babies born premature or sick for a 12-month fundraising drive at the start of the year, colleagues from the award-winning setting on Coventry Road were delighted to hold a purple dress up day to support the cause, complete with themed activities for the children including purple sensory play and playdough making.

As a result of their fundraising efforts throughout the year, which have included colleagues spending a night ‘sleeping rough’ under the stars, taking part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon, family fun days and more, the nursery have helped contribute to the £120,000 raised so far by Childbase Partnership settings, with a month of fundraising yet to go.

Bliss is close to the hearts of many families at Nature Trails, including that of Nursery Practitioner, Hannah Richardson and her partner, Nursery Caretaker, Connor Taggart, who proudly wore their purple Bliss t-shirts, having been supported by the charity after their son Lucas was born at just 32 weeks. He is now thriving in the setting’s Caterpillar Room.

Nature Trails parent, Hannah Copeland, had also never heard of Bliss before the birth of her son Jacob, but the charity became instrumental in the family’s journey after he was born at just 25 weeks, weighing only 885g.

Hannah explained;

“Before you experience NICU as a parent or carer it’s a completely unknown world, and you face it at the most overwhelming, emotional and stressful time of your life, hope and terror are mingled together. Having Bliss there to help prepare and explain was so helpful and made a huge difference to our understanding and experience.”

Whilst in hospital, Bliss was the family’s go-to trusted resource for information on conditions, treatment options and machinery, as well as being the steering group that supported family-centred care within the NICU, campaigning for tiny clothes to fit premature babies and funding research to reduce their pain as they are unable to demonstrate or communicate this.

“Jacob is doing really well now, he has the most incredible imagination; constantly telling stories, making up songs and re-enacting his favourite books, he loves the outdoors and generally can be found with a stick in his hand. Back inside he loves helping in the kitchen and is a keen baker. He has been going to Nature Trails Day Nursery since he was 12 months, actual 9 months corrected, their care and support has been amazing”, she added.

Fran Baldwin of Childbase Partnership’s Charity Department said;

“World Prematurity Day provides an excellent opportunity to raise awareness of premature birth and the sometimes devastating impact it can have on families. We are so proud of our incredible nursery colleagues who work tirelessly to plan and execute these fundraising initiatives, as well as our wonderfully generous nursery families who are unfailing with their support for this amazing charity. We are hugely proud to be supporting Bliss this year, and these donations will ensure more families get the care and compassion they deserve.”

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Nursery on the Green families take part in Bliss Little Lights Walk

Families from Nursery on the Green in Redbourn showed their support for the 90,000 babies cared for in UK neonatal units each year by taking part in the Bliss Little Lights Walk.

A fundraiser organised annually by Bliss, the leading charity for babies born premature or sick, the event saw parents, children and colleagues join together to complete a walk around the garden and grounds of the award-winning setting on South Common, armed with candles, lanterns and torches to ‘light the way’ for all the babies and families affected.

Nursery on the Green have spent the past year supporting Bliss after adopting the charity for a 12-month fundraising drive. As a result of their efforts, which have included colleagues spending a night ‘sleeping rough’ under the stars, taking part in the Royal Parks Half Marathon, family fun days and more, the nursery have helped contribute to the £120,000 raised so far by Childbase Partnership settings, with a month of fundraising yet to go.

Nursery on the Green Charity Representative, Sharna Smith explained;

“Bliss is a cause close to the hearts of many at Nursery on the Green and we are delighted to be supporting them this year. Our nursery families are incredible at getting behind these worthy causes and set an amazing example of kindness to the children with their generosity. The Little Lights Walk was a really special evening and we can’t wait to make this donation.”

Month: December 2022

News

Windmill Hill Day Nursery children enjoy pantomime performance

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West Downs Day Nursery children enjoy Christmas tree trip

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Windmill Hill Day Nursery declared ‘Outstanding’ by Ofsted

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Brinds Well Day Nursery Christmas Fayre raises over £1,000 for charity

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Cherry Trees Day Nursery children receive card from Kensington Palace

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Celebrating professional development at Devonshire Day Nursery

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Knowle Green Day Nursery Christmas Fayre raises £1,800 for charity

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Hampstead Gate Day Nursery make advent calendar donation

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Nature Trails Day Nursery families mark World Prematurity Day

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Nursery on the Green families take part in Bliss Little Lights Walk

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Cedars Day Nursery - Leighton Buzzard