Christmas parties

The children had a great time at the Christmas parties this week, we danced to Christmas songs, played party games such as pass the parcel, musical chairs and four corners and we had a lovely party buffett thank you to all our kind parents. The children all received a party bag and a gift from nursery.

Holiday Maths Actvity

We will be sending home a maths activity for you to complete with your child/ren over the Christmas holidays. This is to promote children's mathematical development and to share some of the steps to mathematical learning before children should be aware of number names. It is important for children to learn and understand quantity rather than just how numbers look. Please consider this when encouraging your child with numbers at home. Amanda is available for any questions about mathematical development and can help you support your child in this area.

Millie's Mark

As part of our accreditation for Millie's Mark we have recently carried out an audit of the setting with regard to Health and Safety, especially First Aid. This will be submitted and we should receive the Millie's Mark which means we have documented evidence to show are committed to Safeguarding children and that all staff @ The Park are First Aid trained. From the audit we have also amended some of our risk assessments carried out at the setting and some of our policies.

Further information about Millies Mark can be viewed in the setting or found on line at
https://www.milliesmark.com/

A full set of St Marys @ The Park policies can be viewed at any time in the setting, parents will find these in the cloakroom area on the windowsil.

Risk assessments are reviewed on an annual basis covering a wide range of risks and a daily risk assessment is carried out prior to the nursery opening each day.

Shining Stars Visit

St Marys nurseries have always believed that good practice should be shared in order to improve outcomes for children who attend any childcare provision in Blackburn with Darwen. We have always welcomed other settings to come and view our nurseries and supported them with any questions they have. In Novemeber we had a visit from some of the team at Shining Stars children's nursery. After their visit we asked them to complete a questionnaire of their thoughts on the nursery, here is what they said........................

What do you like about this Nursery?

The nursery was welcoming and staff were very friendly and helpful.  Children were well settled.  I especially liked the furniture, it was ideal for the children to access continuous provision. Resources were available for easy access and children could clearly see what was available to explore with. 

 

Sacred Heart Nativity

The morning children were invited to watch our friends perform their nativity at Sacred Heart School this week. It was lovely to see some of the children who used to attend our nursery in their different roles on the stage. Thak you to Sacred Heart for inviting us.

January Places

We now have very limited afternoon places available. All our morning places are now full (names can be added to the waiting list)  If you know of anyone requiring a place then please ask them to contact Amanda on 01254 677788 to arrange visits in the new year. The new term starts on 9th January.

Christmas Singing

The afternoon cildren performed their Christmas songs for our friends at Holly Mount Residential home this week. They also joined them in making some gingerbread biscuits. Our links with Holly Mount form part of our St Marys Values, teaching children about mutual respect and tolerance for all. The children learn about caring for others and provide a lovely experience for our older generation who are always happy to see us.

 

 

Christmas Singing

The morning children performed their Christmas Play for the 2 year olds this week. They have been learning a variety of Christmas songs that run alongside a narated Christmas tale read by Susan. The children performed well and it was enjoyed by all.

 

Learning about the world

The children are currently observing some winter vegetables to learn about changes over time and growth and decay. This is part of their development in Understanding The World. Whole vegetables of potato, brussel sprouts, carrot and parsnip have been displayed along with cut pieces and some pieces sealed in laminate pouches. The children are being encouraged to observe them over a 3 week period and talk about the changes in them. This activity will end next week. Here are some of the comments children have been making.

At the begining

"They're hard"

"They're cold"

"Potato smells like cauliflower"

What do you think will happen? - "grown up"


Observations over the next 2 weeks

"it's going manky"

"it's changed shape"

"it's going black, it's not really hard, it's white and black"

What would happen if you ate a black potato? -

"you would get sick"

"they have turned bad, you don't eat"

"you might turn black"

Christmas Closures

Nursery will close at 4pm on Wednesday 21st December and re-open again on Monday the 9th of January. May I take this opportunity to wish all our children and their familes a very Merry Christmas, Happy Holidays and all the best wishes for 2017. We look forward to welcoming all our new children in the new year. Thank you for your continued support.

Christmas Parties @ The Park

Tuesday 20^th December is Christmas party day. Please dress your child in Christmas themed or party clothes. Can you please look at the party list on the main door, select something and write your name next to the item you want to bring. Staff are available to support you with this and answer your questions.

Children will be taking part in a variety of party games, developing their listening skills and ability to follow instructions as well as having lots of fun. We will be having a party buffet and snowball fight. Each child will rceive a gift from nursery and take home a goodie bag for over the festive holidays.

 

 

St Marys @ The College Nativity

Our aftrenoon children were invited to watch the nativity of The Sleepy Shepherd performed by our friends at St Marys College Nursery. The children were really well behaved and sat beautifully through the performance and even joined in with their songs at the end. Congratulations to all our colleagues at St Marys @ The College who have worked extremely hard for the last couple of months to put this performance together. All the children involved did really well and it was lovely to be a part of it.

Children's activities