Why not try some yoga at home...follow the link below
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=obzFP6eEGAg
Tuesday, 31 March 2020
Monday, 30 March 2020
Post a comment
Each post has the option for parents to 'post a comment'
It would be lovely to see some comments about the activities, special messages for your teachers or ideas of what you would like to see on the blog.
Home learning ideas from Yusra
Some ideas of things to do at home from Yusra.
We would love to see some photo's of what you have been getting up to at home, email these to s.dodd@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk
We would love to see some photo's of what you have been getting up to at home, email these to s.dodd@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk
We can learn through everyday jobs...
Good Morning! hope you are all well... x
Please don't under estimate the learning that can take place during everyday jobs such as 'tackling the mountains of washing'
Please email any ideas of other activities you have tried, or photos of you doing anything we have shared on here to s.dodd@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk
Saturday, 28 March 2020
Rainbows of Hope...
Good morning children... Lots of boys and girls are making rainbow pictures to stick in their windows. This makes all of the really special workers smile as they spot them on their way to and from work..
We would love it if you could do this today and then ask your grown up to email a photograph to s.dodd@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk
We will share any pictures we receive on here and then you can see your friends and their rainbows too x x x
Friday, 27 March 2020
A HOUSEBOUND TREASURE HUNT
Create a map of your home and hide small items around it. Mark each piece of hidden treasure on the map. Explain the map to your little one and offer your support for the hunting game in case they need it.
Even once they’ve found all the treasure, why not get them to organise their own hunt? They can draw their own map or come up with their own cryptic questions to send you on a great search. send photos to s.dodd@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk
30 hour's
Please do not forget to update/apply for your 30 hour free education code. Failure to do so will result in no reduction of your fees when the nursery reopens. Cut off date for summer term is 31 March 2020. Stay safe
BWD Help Hub
BWD Help Hub
We’ve launched the BwD Help Hub, a support network for Blackburn with Darwen residents in need while isolating at home.
The Help Hub can provide a range of support; organising deliveries of food and essential supplies, providing information and advice, and weekly phone calls to help keep people’s spirits up.
If you or anyone you know needs this kind of help:
- Use our online form
- Call 01254 588111 from 12:00 on 26.03.2020
Thursday, 26 March 2020
Aamazing slime
A slime reciepe from Rukhsar who works at our Wensley fold setting...
Message from Rukhsar
"I don't really measure anything, I just put a bit of everything in.
I use pva glue and food colouring - mix them together
Add 1tsp bicarbonate of soda and some contact lense solution
Keep mixing until it is not sticky anymore.
You can also add a bit of shaving foam to the glue at the start if you want"
Happy slime making
Love from
Rukhsar
(please send photos to s.dodd@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk and we can share them on the blog)
Looking after yourself, looking after your children
There is a lot of uncertainty around the current COVID-19 outbreak, particularly given that the situation is constantly developing and the information about the virus remains incomplete.
Understandably, this is causing a lot of worry and anxiety for people. Having children and young people at home, often when people are trying to work themselves, adds another layer of stress. It is therefore important to not only consider our physical health during such challenging times, but also to pay attention to our mental health. It is normal to feel worried, stressed and anxious when we are faced with uncertain situations, but the sooner we acknowledge and learn to take care of our mental health, the healthier and better equipped we’ll be to cope with the situation we're having to face.
Looking after your children
For the most part, children will need what they’ve always needed; love, attention and opportunities to learn and play. If children are home for long periods because of social-distancing or self-isolation, the following tips might be helpful:
Try and keep to a structure and routine that suits you. Keep bedtime and morning routines close to existing ones to promote a sense of normality that children will find reassuring. Encouraging them to get up and dressed during the week will help maintain some difference between weekdays and weekends.
Keep boundaries firm and make it clear that you expect the same standards of behaviour as usual. Boundaries show that adults are still in control and taking care of them, which helps children to feel safe.
Make sure they get some time to burn off energy every day. Younger children will enjoy assault courses, discos etc. Older children and teens might respond better to fitness videos.
Expect children to do some learning every day. In the longer-term schools are likely to provide opportunities for online learning. In the short term, or as extra activities there are a wealth of helpful websites, many of which they will be able to access independently. Continuing with their learning helps promote a sense of normality and purpose as well as keeping them up to date for when they are back at school.
Find opportunities for them to interact with their friends remotely. For tweens and teens, contact with their peers is especially important. Technology provides lots of opportunities for older children to connect, chat and game together. But be wary of giving unsupervised access to platforms that you would not normally allow your child onto; the internet still poses the same risks as in normal times.
Balance screen time with other activities. Challenge children to learn new skills that don’t involve screens e.g. tying shoe laces, juggling, baking. Older children might want to set their own goals.
Give children opportunities to have a say in what will be happening. They may have had a lot of their freedoms and choices removed for a while and may feel powerless or angry. Older children and teenagers will be more able to understand the risks in too much screen time, too little sleep, inactivity etc. They are more likely to ‘buy in’ to new rules and routines if they feel that they have a voice. Family meetings where children and adults problem-solve together can be helpful for this.
There are some example timetables on the next page. These are just shared as a guide but may be helpful in terms of thinking about how to maintain some structure and routine throughout days at home. Remember to intersperse activities with breaks, and don’t forget healthy snacks and drinks!
The last pages in this pack have links to websites with helpful ideas and activities covering a range of topics.
Talking to children about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Although it’s tempting to try and protect children from difficult topics, they are more likely to worry when they’re kept in the dark. Children and teenagers will be aware of what is happening but may not have all the facts they need to understand it.
These tips will help you communicate about Coronavirus with your child:
· Take time to talk and listen. Be clear that you are happy to answer any questions that they have. Be led by your child as they may not be that interested or want to know everything all at once. Try to answer any questions honestly but keep things in context e.g. “Sadly, some people do die, but the vast majority of people will recover, and children seem to be only mildly affected”.
Reassure them that their own risk is very low but that we all need to ‘do our bit’ to look after people who might be very unwell. Underline how helpful they are being by following the rules about hygiene and social-distancing. Knowing we’re being altruistic helps us to bear the tough times.
Give positive messages about everything you are doing as a family to keep yourselves safe. Talk about all the work people around the world are doing to find treatments and a vaccine.
Keep explanations developmentally appropriate.
o Young children up to about age seven will need very simple explanations that relate to their own experiences. Explain that, like other germs, Coronavirus can spread between people and make them ill. But because Coronavirus is a new germ that we don’t know everything about, we need to take more care and so things might be a bit different for a while.
o Older children and tweens will want to know more. They may have heard partial explanations and ‘filled in the gaps’ themselves with their own ideas, so check what they already think they know about it.
o Teenagers will have a similar capacity to understand what’s going on as adults. They will need calm, factual information and opportunities to talk through their worries and disappointments.
Give them an opportunity to talk about their feelings. Our instinct might be to ‘make it all better’, but it is normal to feel scared, sad and angry in the face of what’s happening. Tell them that what is happening is not normal but that their feelings are.
Understandably, this is causing a lot of worry and anxiety for people. Having children and young people at home, often when people are trying to work themselves, adds another layer of stress. It is therefore important to not only consider our physical health during such challenging times, but also to pay attention to our mental health. It is normal to feel worried, stressed and anxious when we are faced with uncertain situations, but the sooner we acknowledge and learn to take care of our mental health, the healthier and better equipped we’ll be to cope with the situation we're having to face.
Looking after your children
For the most part, children will need what they’ve always needed; love, attention and opportunities to learn and play. If children are home for long periods because of social-distancing or self-isolation, the following tips might be helpful:
Try and keep to a structure and routine that suits you. Keep bedtime and morning routines close to existing ones to promote a sense of normality that children will find reassuring. Encouraging them to get up and dressed during the week will help maintain some difference between weekdays and weekends.
Keep boundaries firm and make it clear that you expect the same standards of behaviour as usual. Boundaries show that adults are still in control and taking care of them, which helps children to feel safe.
Make sure they get some time to burn off energy every day. Younger children will enjoy assault courses, discos etc. Older children and teens might respond better to fitness videos.
Expect children to do some learning every day. In the longer-term schools are likely to provide opportunities for online learning. In the short term, or as extra activities there are a wealth of helpful websites, many of which they will be able to access independently. Continuing with their learning helps promote a sense of normality and purpose as well as keeping them up to date for when they are back at school.
Find opportunities for them to interact with their friends remotely. For tweens and teens, contact with their peers is especially important. Technology provides lots of opportunities for older children to connect, chat and game together. But be wary of giving unsupervised access to platforms that you would not normally allow your child onto; the internet still poses the same risks as in normal times.
Balance screen time with other activities. Challenge children to learn new skills that don’t involve screens e.g. tying shoe laces, juggling, baking. Older children might want to set their own goals.
Give children opportunities to have a say in what will be happening. They may have had a lot of their freedoms and choices removed for a while and may feel powerless or angry. Older children and teenagers will be more able to understand the risks in too much screen time, too little sleep, inactivity etc. They are more likely to ‘buy in’ to new rules and routines if they feel that they have a voice. Family meetings where children and adults problem-solve together can be helpful for this.
There are some example timetables on the next page. These are just shared as a guide but may be helpful in terms of thinking about how to maintain some structure and routine throughout days at home. Remember to intersperse activities with breaks, and don’t forget healthy snacks and drinks!
The last pages in this pack have links to websites with helpful ideas and activities covering a range of topics.
Talking to children about Coronavirus (COVID-19)
Although it’s tempting to try and protect children from difficult topics, they are more likely to worry when they’re kept in the dark. Children and teenagers will be aware of what is happening but may not have all the facts they need to understand it.
These tips will help you communicate about Coronavirus with your child:
· Take time to talk and listen. Be clear that you are happy to answer any questions that they have. Be led by your child as they may not be that interested or want to know everything all at once. Try to answer any questions honestly but keep things in context e.g. “Sadly, some people do die, but the vast majority of people will recover, and children seem to be only mildly affected”.
Reassure them that their own risk is very low but that we all need to ‘do our bit’ to look after people who might be very unwell. Underline how helpful they are being by following the rules about hygiene and social-distancing. Knowing we’re being altruistic helps us to bear the tough times.
Give positive messages about everything you are doing as a family to keep yourselves safe. Talk about all the work people around the world are doing to find treatments and a vaccine.
Keep explanations developmentally appropriate.
o Young children up to about age seven will need very simple explanations that relate to their own experiences. Explain that, like other germs, Coronavirus can spread between people and make them ill. But because Coronavirus is a new germ that we don’t know everything about, we need to take more care and so things might be a bit different for a while.
o Older children and tweens will want to know more. They may have heard partial explanations and ‘filled in the gaps’ themselves with their own ideas, so check what they already think they know about it.
o Teenagers will have a similar capacity to understand what’s going on as adults. They will need calm, factual information and opportunities to talk through their worries and disappointments.
Give them an opportunity to talk about their feelings. Our instinct might be to ‘make it all better’, but it is normal to feel scared, sad and angry in the face of what’s happening. Tell them that what is happening is not normal but that their feelings are.
Wednesday, 25 March 2020
St Mary's Movers
Hello St Mary's Movers remember to watch and join in with 'Wake up with Wendy' each day on the nursery blog, see you tomorrow at 9:00am x
Nursery closure
Dear Parents/carers,
Following the Government’s announcement last week with regards to school/childcare closures, we had decided that we would remain open to provide care for our front line critical workers. However, after much thought and dramatic decline in parents requiring childcare places, it is with sadness we announce that from today 25/3/20 at 6pm we will temporarily close our doors to help in the fight against COVID 19.
The safety and wellbeing of our children, team and families must be at the forefront of our decision making and we feel this is the right and responsible thing to do. We will be posting updates and ideas for activities for you to carry out with your children at home.
We will keep in contact Via texts, and the Nursery Blog, please check -in daily.
If you are a ‘key worker’ and need care for your child during this time the LA have advised us that the following childcare provisions are open.
Little Harwood Children Centre 01254 506910 (close to St Mary’s Nursery @ St Mary’s College)
Shadsworth Children Centre 01254 680733 (close to Blackburn Royal Hospital)
If you are having difficulty accessing these settings or they have decide to close too please contact Tracy Ellett (area Manager of St Mary’s) on t.ellett@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk)
For now we wish you and your loved ones well, Keep Safe and we will see you all soon.
With best wishes
St Mary’s Team x
Wednesday, 18 March 2020
Coronavirus update 18/03/20
Dear
Parents/carers,
Unfortunately due to the recommendations
set out by the Government for schools/colleges and childcare settings, to
reduce the spread of Corona Virus, St Mary’s Nurseries have now implemented
their Contingency Plan for staff shortages.
From Thursday 19th March
2020 we will be closing sessions for children accessing Free Education ONLY,
until further notice.
Sorry for any inconvenience, please
keep up to date using the nursery Blog (www.smcnurseryatthepark.blogspot.com)
Our intention is to remain open as
long as possible providing childcare for the British workforce.
Regards
Tracy Ellett (Nursery Area Manager)
Tuesday, 17 March 2020
Parent's notice
Dear Parents/carers,
You will be aware of the latest news from Government with guidance to respond to the challenge of managing the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Please be assured that we are monitoring this very closely and following the official advice and guidance from DfE and Public Health England as to what action to take.
The advice to us changed yesterday as they suggested further precautionary measures to minimise the risk to the most vulnerable.
We have responded and made the immediate decision to cancel our spring performance and the parent's sessions planned for this week.
The Government also updated its advice regarding isolation.
You will be aware of the latest news from Government with guidance to respond to the challenge of managing the spread of COVID-19 (coronavirus). Please be assured that we are monitoring this very closely and following the official advice and guidance from DfE and Public Health England as to what action to take.
The advice to us changed yesterday as they suggested further precautionary measures to minimise the risk to the most vulnerable.
We have responded and made the immediate decision to cancel our spring performance and the parent's sessions planned for this week.
The Government also updated its advice regarding isolation.
If you live with others and you or one of them have symptoms that may be caused by coronavirus, then household members must stay at home and not leave your house for 14 days. In this scenario please call the nursery to let us know.
Government advice for vulnerable groups is here:
Stay at home guidance is here:
Friday, 13 March 2020
Corona virus-parents information
Dear
Parents/carers,
Following
the recent government advice, we will be remaining open until further notice.
However, the following new procedures will now be in place with immediate
effect;
· Please do not send your
child/children to nursery if they have a temperature of 37.8 or above. Children
that develop a temperature during their session will need to be collected
immediately. Children should remain at home for 7 days.
· Please do not send your
child/children into nursery if they have a new persistent cough children should
remain at home for 7 days.
In the event
of compromised ratios due to staff illness the Contingency Plan for the nursery
will be followed.
Further
actions taken by nursery to reduce the spread of Coronavirus 19
· No visitors in nursery play areas
· Cancelled student placements
· Parents viewing the setting will not
be allowed into the play areas
· Extra door handle wiping
· Children washing hands on entry to
nursery
· Parents of children with underlying
health issues advice to seek medical advice on whether to attend nursery or
not.
I appreciate
that these new measures may cause some inconvenience to parents but, during
these uncertain times we have to follow government advice, safeguard children
and staff and do everything we can to contain this disease.
We are
optimistic that the nursery will continue to remain open over the coming weeks
and months but any decisions to close will be based on the health and safety of
our nursery children and in coordination with Public Health England and the
Local Authority.
Thank you
for your understanding
Tracy
Please save your egg boxes
Please bring in your empty egg boxes...Some of the children have shown an interest in 'dumper trucks', an invitation to learning will be set up using egg boxes and other creative materials for children to make their own dumper trucks.
Thank You
Thank You
Wednesday, 11 March 2020
Question of the month
February- Do you know your child's next steps?
Out of the responses we received one person said 'no'. Each term two next steps are set by your child's key worker and one from the parent/carer. If you are unsure of what these are please speak to your child's key worker. Parent's sessions are being held next week (w/c 16/03/20) this is an ideal opportunity to have these discussions.
March-Does your child enjoy coming to nursery?
Please email your answers to s.dodd@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk or alternatively collect a slip from nursery
Out of the responses we received one person said 'no'. Each term two next steps are set by your child's key worker and one from the parent/carer. If you are unsure of what these are please speak to your child's key worker. Parent's sessions are being held next week (w/c 16/03/20) this is an ideal opportunity to have these discussions.
March-Does your child enjoy coming to nursery?
Please email your answers to s.dodd@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk or alternatively collect a slip from nursery
Mother's day
Please could you send a photograph of 'Mummy/Carer' by 13th March.
You can either send in a printed photo or email one to s.dodd@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk for us to print.
During the W/c 16th March we will have a 'Creation Station' set up, the children will be able to create their own masterpiece using their photo of mummy/carer (so please do not send in your expensive photos)
They will have access to:
card, paper, magazines, frames, paint, crayons, scissors, tape, glue, ribbon, buttons, leaves, collage, and much more
You can either send in a printed photo or email one to s.dodd@stmarysblackburn.ac.uk for us to print.
During the W/c 16th March we will have a 'Creation Station' set up, the children will be able to create their own masterpiece using their photo of mummy/carer (so please do not send in your expensive photos)
They will have access to:
card, paper, magazines, frames, paint, crayons, scissors, tape, glue, ribbon, buttons, leaves, collage, and much more