weekly roundup 15 September 2023

Another lovely week of settlers and sunshine at Pre-School!

We're all enjoying the sunny weather and making the most of using the outside area which includes our wonderful climbing apparatus. This allows the children to use their bodies in a variety of ways and develops their physical skills. They can climb using the slope, ladder or rope to reach a high platform and find their way back down. Equipment like this does have an element of risk involved which we feel is an appropriate way of helping children to manage hazards during their play (and later on in life!). Children need to develop their strength and coordination and build their confidence through exploration and play. All staff at the setting risk assess the equipment, activities and resources that are used and evaluate the dangers. We can't eliminate all risks and this would certainly not be beneficial to children and the odd bump, bruise or graze is part of childhood and growing up. We try and find a balance between providing activities that challenge children and weigh these up against the likelihood of serious injury. For more information about the benefits of engaging in risky play visit the Early Education article - early-education.org.uk/taking-risks-in-play.

 There have been lots of new starters this week so a few tears too. Our staff have been making a real effort to get to know their Key Children and finding ways of making them feel comfortable and secure at Pre-School. If you haven't already done so, try and add a few photographs to your child's All About Me book as these can be very helpful if a child is feeling a little insecure. Both rooms have been exploring some familiar stories, not just by listening to books being read but by taking part in some activities that help them understand the language used in context. Using props, small world play items like cars, animals and dolls can help extend language as children will engage in pretend play and act out the stories. By offering props and ideas we can deepen the learning.

We'd like to say Shanah Tovah to our families that are celebrating today. The Jewish festival of Rosh Hashanah celebrated the birth of a new year and starts the process of thankfulness, reflection, acceptance and looking forward. Our children learned about traditions and tasted Challah bread, and dipped apples into honey for their snack.

A little reminder about giving children only water in their drinks bottles please and to cut up any berries, small fruits and cherry tomatoes etc as these can pose a choking hazard.

We'd like to give our congratulations to Viktoria who qualified as an Early Years Educator last term after putting in a great deal of effort during her studies! Well done!!!! We also have only two weeks to go to find out if Sophie, who was nominated for the Practitioner of the Year 2023, will be taking home the top prize at the Nursery World Awards where she is one of only five people shortlisted!!!! A double celebration!

Enjoy the weekend.