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Black History Month at Knowle Green

Pre-schoolers from Knowle Green Day Nursery in Staines were delighted to learn more about the life and achievements of Martin Luther King Jr as part of Black History Month.

After reading the ‘Little People, Big Dreams’ story about the influential civil rights leader, children from the award-winning setting on Knowle Green enjoyed interactive activities and inspiring discussions, including sharing their own dreams for the future, having learnt all about Dr King’s powerful speech and hopes for an inclusive and harmonious world for all.  

As part of the experience, pre-schoolers showcased their creativity by drawing their ambitions in art sessions, which included becoming firefighters, farmers and older siblings, with children presenting their ideas to the group on a specially created stage.

Throughout the month, children have also explored the lives and legacies of pioneering figures including Rosa Parks, Marcus Rashford and Morgan Garrett, as well as discovering the sounds and rhythms of traditional African music and creating inspired crafts.

Knowle Green Day Nursery Manager, Chanelle Weaver explained;

“We were thrilled with the enthusiasm and curiosity shown by our children as they asked questions, shared their thoughts, and reflected on the lessons taught by Martin Luther King Jr. Witnessing their understanding of the history that has shaped our world gives us hope for a brighter future where love and acceptance prevail. We will continue to educate and inspire young minds about the importance of Black history and its impact in shaping our world.”

Knowle Green Black History Month

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Parent Curriculum Evening at Windmill Hill

Windmill Hill Parent Curriculum Evening

There were insightful opportunities at Windmill Hill Day Nursery in Swindon as families were invited to a Parent Curriculum Evening to learn more about their child’s Early Years journey.

Following room transitions in September across all age groups at the Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on Windmill Hill Business Park, devoted practitioners put on the special event to give parents a greater understanding of the teachings taking place to help children reach their developmental milestones, as well as being given tours of the stimulating environments.

During the evening, Team Leader; Emily Riordan, discussed room intents, spoke of the importance of role modelling and shared ways parents could promote independence, before handing out special emotions cards created by the team with a demonstration to help families, following feedback that managing feelings at home could often present challenges. 

Colleagues each had their own stations set up throughout the age-appropriate classrooms, exhibiting the exciting learning opportunities enjoyed by children at the setting, with practitioners promoting the value of learning through play, as well as top tips for extending learning at home and ways to create a sense of awe and wonder through a child’s eyes.

Before leaving the event, parents were each given bespoke resources and materials with tailored information, linking to their child’s age group and the Early Years Foundation Stage.

Windmill Hill Day Nursery Deputy Manager, Kayleigh Blaylock explained;

“We had a brilliant time at our Parent Curriculum Evening and it was wonderful to see so many of our nursery families come together to learn and engage in their child’s education. Our dedicated team of educators shared valuable insights and practical tips that will benefit both children and parents. We believe fostering a strong partnership with our families is essential to creating a nurturing and stimulating environment for our little ones.”

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Black History Month at West Downs

West Downs Black History Month

There were learning opportunities at every turn for children at West Downs Day Nursery in Winchester as they took part in exciting co-research activities to find out more about famous African American inventor and entrepreneur, Garrett Morgan, as part of Black History Month.

After learning all about the events that led Morgan to pioneer the first ever set of traffic lights and the need for more efficient ways to ensure safety, children from the award-winning setting on Romsey Road created their very own fact book based on the inventor, who also developed the gas mask, as well as making their own replica lights using recycled materials.

During the experience, children took part in activities to familiarise themselves with the highway code and spoke about how to stay safe as pedestrians, before taking to the garden to showcase their knowledge with a ‘stop and go’ game, complete with traffic light props.

During the month, pre-schoolers have also explored the lives and legacies of influential figures including Martin Luther King, Rosa Parks and Maya Angelou, as well as discovering the sounds and rhythms of traditional African music and creating inspired artwork.

West Downs Day Nursery Team Leader, Danni Markwick explained;

“At West Downs we are committed to providing an inclusive and diverse environment where everyone’s contributions are celebrated. We believe it is vital to commemorate and teach the achievements of influential African Americans like Garrett Morgan to inspire our young minds to dream big and make a difference in their own future. Black History Month has been hugely insightful and filled with important lessons about equality, history and innovation.”

Black History Month is celebrated annually throughout October. 

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Celebrating colleagues at Nursery on the Green

NOG Redbourn National Nursery Practitioner Day

Festivities were well underway at Nursery on the Green in Redbourn as colleagues marked National Nursery Practitioner Day with a week of celebrations, put on by grateful managers.

Putting the spotlight on the achievements of the Early Years workforce, practitioners from the award-winning setting on South Common were delighted to start the week with cake and gift boxes, filled with goodies including sweet treats and self-care items, to thank them for their valued contributions to nursery life and continued devotion to the children in their care.

Throughout the week, teams enjoyed different daily initiatives including mindfulness colouring activities on Tuesday, handmade cookies on Wednesday, origami sessions and positivity jars on Thursday, before ending with a special pizza lunch on Friday.

The occasion follows a string of events which put the talented team in the spotlight, most recently including the annual Childbase Conference, Ball and Awards at Coventry’s CBS Arena with host Stephen Mulhern, as well as annual long-service dinner, with 200 colleagues celebrating over 15 years at the company, totalling over 4,000 years combined.

Nursery on the Green Manager, Carli Toal explained;

“We had a fantastic week celebrating our amazing nursery practitioners. We can’t thank them enough for their unwavering support, expertise and positivity. Their passion for educating and nurturing young minds is inspiring and makes coming to work a real joy.”

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National Nursery Practitioner Day at Woodlands

Woodlands National Nursery Practitioner Day

Festivities were well underway at Woodlands Day Nursery in Barnet as colleagues celebrated National Nursery Practitioner Day with treats from their grateful managers.

Putting the spotlight on the achievements of the Early Years workforce, practitioners from the award-winning setting on Orchard Road were delighted to be greeted with messages of appreciation from their grateful manager; Melina Koulakis, as well as a special hot chocolate station with a variety of treats and toppings to thank them for their valued contributions to nursery life and continued devotion to the children in their care.

The occasion follows a string of events which put the talented team in the spotlight, most recently including the annual Childbase Conference, Ball and Awards at Coventry’s CBS Arena with host Stephen Mulhern, as well as annual long-service dinner, with 200 colleagues celebrating over 15 years at the company, totalling over 4,000 years combined.

Woodlands Day Nursery Manager, Melina Koulakis explained;

“We had a brilliant time toasting to our amazing nursery practitioners who make a positive impact to the lives of our little ones every single day. This is another fantastic opportunity to honour the hard work and dedication of our colleagues, whose passion for nurturing young minds and shaping futures is truly commendable.” 

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Hampstead Gate children learn about sporting heroes

As part of learning for Black History Month, children from Hampstead Gate Day Nursery in Milton Keynes embarked on a journey of discovery to find out more about sporting heroes.

Through physical activities, co-research activities and inspiring stories, youngsters from the award-winning setting on Eelbrook Avenue learnt more about the remarkable achievements of inspirational athletes, from Usain Bolt and Serena Williams to Jesse Owens and Simone Biles, who have broken barriers, defied odds and paved the way for future generations.

As part of the learning experience, children were delighted to take part in their own sporting event in the garden outside, embarking on different races whilst practicing their balance, gross motor skills and co-ordination, before each receiving gold medals for their efforts.

Hampstead Gate Day Nursery Team Leader, Jordan Hall explained;

“We had a brilliant time learning all about legendary sportspeople for Black History Month, and we firmly believe that fostering this understanding from an early age will empower our children to celebrate their own unique talents, embrace diversity, and dream big.”

Black History Month is celebrated annually throughout October.  

 

Hampstead Gate Black History Month

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Colleague celebrations at Edwinstowe

Edwinstowe Mental Health Awareness

The focus was on wellbeing at Edwinstowe Close Day Nursery in Cambridge as colleagues celebrated both World Mental Health Day and National Practitioner Day over a week period.

Taking time to reflect on World Mental Health Day, practitioners from the award-winning setting off Chaucer Road dressed in green to represent the international mental health symbol of the green ribbon, before taking to the staff room for games including self-care bingo, a skittles challenge to promote talking about feelings and colouring activities, as well as being provided with mindfulness resources and a positivity jar filled with quotes to inspire.

Following the festivities, later in the week colleagues enjoyed treats from their grateful managers as part of National Nursery Practitioner Day, which puts the spotlight on the achievements of the Early Years workforce, with initiatives including a pick ‘n’ mix station and bespoke handwritten cards for each staff member, thanking them for their outstanding contributions to nursery life and continued devotion to the children in their care.

Edwinstowe Close Deputy Manager, Chantelle Adams explained;

“From creating a safe and stimulating learning environment to fostering a sense of curiosity and wonder, our practitioners are the heart and soul of the nursery. Their dedication and passion truly make a difference in the lives of both children and parents alike. We had a brilliant time celebrating them, as well as having important conversations on mental health.”

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Pirate Day at Willows

Willows Pirate Day

There were swashbuckling celebrations at Willows Day Nursery in Stoke Mandeville last month as children took part in activities to mark ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day’.

Dressed in costume with accessories including bandanas and eyepatches, pre-schoolers from the award-winning setting on Mandeville Road were delighted to get into character with a treasure hunt around the setting, before showcasing their best pirate phrases, from ‘ahoy’ and ‘heave ho’ to ‘walk the plank’ and ‘shiver me timbers!’

As part of the festivities, children showcased their creativity by making their very own golden coins, before singing shanties and reading themed stories including ‘Ten Little Pirates’ and ‘That’s Not My Pirate’, all whilst learning related facts and taking part in role play activities.

Willows Day Nursery Manager, Jane Hobbs explained;

“Our pirate crew had the best time immersing themselves in all the fun and games on offer for the occasion and this provided endless opportunities for imaginative play, as well as promoting speech and language development, teamworking, self-esteem and confidence.”

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Edwinstowe team complete Step Up September

Edwinstowe Step Up September

There was cause for celebration at Edwinstowe Close Day Nursery in Cambridge as a group of devoted colleagues completed ‘Step Up September’ to raise vital funds for charity.

At the award-winning setting off Chaucer Road, the five-strong team of colleagues; Shelagh Manners, Virginie Ariuex, Chantelle Adams, Sarah Martin and Francine Harris, were delighted to finish the challenge, which involved individually walking, running, cycling or swimming for 30 minutes every day throughout the month, all in aid of The Trussell Trust.

To commemorate the end of the initiative, colleagues dressed in green and added up the sponsorship they had raised from generous supporters, totalling over £350.00, which will now go towards helping local people who need it most through the food bank network.

Edwinstowe Day Nursery Manager, Francine Harris explained;

“We were thrilled to complete Step Up September and are hugely grateful to have such passionate colleagues who are literally willing to go the extra mile for others. The Trussell Trust work tirelessly to ensure no one goes hungry, especially during these uncertain times and we are over the moon to be supporting them in their important mission.”

Edwinstowe have adopted The Trussell Trust for a year-long fundraising and donation drive.

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Pirate play at Windermere

There were swashbuckling celebrations at Windermere Day Nursery in Kettering last month as children took part in a range of activities to mark ‘International Talk Like a Pirate Day’.

Dressed in costume with accessories including bandanas and eyepatches, pre-schoolers from the Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Day Nursery on Haweswater Road were delighted to get into character with a treasure hunt around the setting, before showcasing their best pirate phrases, from ‘ahoy’ and ‘heave ho’ to ‘walk the plank’ and ‘shiver me timbers!’

As part of the festivities, children re-enacted their favourite themed stories, from ‘Pirates Love Underpants’ to ‘Charlie Cook’s Favourite Book’, as well as using a variety of recycled materials to create their very own junk modelling pirate ships for role play activities.  

During the celebrations, kind-hearted colleagues and families made contributions to Windermere’s charity of the year, The Trussell Trust, raising over £70.00 for the worthy cause, which will now go towards helping feed local people facing hardship.

Windermere Day Nursery Deputy Manager, Stacey Chamberlain explained;

“We love to celebrate a wide range of occasions throughout the year and International Talk Like a Pirate Day provided a brilliant opportunity to promote imagination and creativity, encourage speech and increase confidence and self-esteem.”

Windermere International Talk Like a Pirate Day

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Cedars Day Nursery - Leighton Buzzard

We prioritise the importance of outdoor play at Cedars Day Nursery in Leighton Buzzard. All children at our Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ nursery have access to our large, natural garden area on a daily basis as we recognise the impact that being outdoors has on a child’s social, emotional and physical development. The children enjoy planting vegetables and tasting their produce, served by our dedicated Nursery Chef.

Cedars Day Nursery, Mentmore Rd, Leighton Buzzard LU7 2PA

Tel:  01525 850200

Email: cedars.nursery@childbase.com