Weekly Round up - 13 October 2023

The topic of healthy eating is always popular with the children. They've enjoyed the activities this week which have included making their own paper plates of food, choosing between healthy options and foods that we should be having in moderation. Both rooms have had real fruits and vegetables in the role play areas which always seem to engage the children more than the plastic or wooden pretend versions. Using real food during play provides the children with a sensory experience as it allows them to see, smell, touch and even taste some of the produce while exploring. This is a great way to introduce new and unfamiliar foods to children and provides an opportunity to talk about where our food comes from. Some of the children who were at Pre-School last term remember planting seeds and watching them grow into tomatoes and beans. 

We've also spoken lots this week about the importance of brushing our teeth and limiting our sugary snacks. In Honeys, the children used toothbrushes to clean some of the animals and dolls teeth while Bumbles read a great story about a little boy visiting the dentist. The book of the week was Oliver's Vegetables by Vivian French which tells the story of a little boy who only eats chips but makes a deal with his Grandad to grow and eat vegetables. Great for fussy eaters! Both rooms had trays of the vegetables for children to explore while listening to the story. This is a great way to engage the children and give the story life, stimulating their imaginations and interest while making sure the story is meaningful and fun!

Thank you for uploading your pictures of children eating healthy meals and snacks, and of their toothbrushing regimes at home. We've shared these with the children at group time which encourages discussions about what we eat and do at home. There are a few contenders already for the healthiest lunchbox competition and you have until next week to join in. We'll announce the winners (one from each room) on Thursday.

A healthy lifestyle includes physical and mental wellbeing which also applies to children. Our curriculum is based on the EYFS Development Matters guidance which states the following:

'Children’s personal, social and emotional development (PSED) is crucial for children to lead healthy and happy lives, and is fundamental to their cognitive development. Underpinning their personal development are the important attachments that shape their social world. Strong, warm and supportive relationships with adults enable children to learn how to understand their own feelings and those of others. Children should be supported to manage emotions, develop a positive sense of self, set themselves simple goals, have confidence in their own abilities, to persist and wait for what they want and direct attention as necessary. Through adult modelling and guidance, they will learn how to look after their bodies, including healthy eating, and manage personal needs independently. Through supported interaction with other children they learn how to make good friendships, co-operate and resolve conflicts peaceably. These attributes will provide a secure platform from which children can achieve at school and in later life.'

We know how challenging it can be when children are displaying unwanted behaviours but using positive reinforcement strategies, rather than smacking, will support children's understanding of how to manage their own conflicts. For more information about behaviour management visit www.nhs.uk/conditions/baby/babys-development/behaviour.  There are some great tips for dealing with temper tantrums, separation anxiety and managing behaviour. 

This time of year seems to bring with it lots of illness and sickness which tends to spread quickly in nursery settings. Please ensure your child is well enough to attend and if they require medication (including infant paracetamol) in order to reduce their symptoms they are best kept at home to reduce the spread of infection. Children with vomiting and/or diarrhoea must remain at home for 48 hours after their last bout. Thank you for your understanding and together we can ensure the Pre-School remains operational. 

Our topic continues into next week and don't forget, we finish on Thursday the 19th of October for the half term. 

Have a lovely weekend.