Dear Parents & Carers,

I hope this newsletter finds you all well. As the season becomes crisp and cold, I’d like to share some exciting happenings and other important information from our Horfield nursery.

World Space Week

Read on to find out what cosmic journey your little ones embarked on...

Hedgehog Room- Babies

Our babies had a blast exploring the mysteries of space through play. They used their little hands to experience cosmic playdough along with other space themed sensory activities that enhanced their fine motor skills. They also got creative with crafting their own alien contact hats and delved into galaxy art play, sparking their creativity and imagination. The babies also engaged with songs about Zooming to the Moon and touch and feel books about astronauts, space buggys and stars, these activities allow our babies to develop a love for storytelling.

Squirrel Room & Otter Room- Toddlers

Our toddlers delved into some artistic teamwork by building a giant rocket together, this activity encouraged collaboration and helped develop their motor skills. They also explored cosmos face painting that allowed them to learn about celestial objects, as well as explore being imaginative. Toddlers also got involved in our culinary experience of baking space rock cookies where they explored basic cooking skills, as well as learnt about shapes, sizes, quantities and textures. Other exciting activities were alien scavenger hunts and space themed circle times about Blasting off to the Moon, as well as oodles of galaxy themed stories.

Badger Room & Deer Room- Rising 3’s and Preschool

Our bigger children of the nursery embarked on a comprehensive journey of learning. They dived into classic stories with props, like "Whatever Next," where a bear finds his own rocket and picnics on the moon. The use of props during story telling allows our children to have an interactive experience. They explored our solar system and soaked up key facts about each planet and they moved onto an artistic journey as they worked together to paint these stunning planets. The children also got involved in various space themed arts and crafts, where they crafted their own play dough aliens and rockets. These activities nurtured their imaginations and encouraged them to invent their own stories. They were also captivated by the story of "Man on the Moon," learning about the life of an astronaut, this added a real-world perspective to their space exploration adventures.

Each age group had a unique experience, ensuring not only did they have fun but also gained valuable skills during World Space Week. And to add to all the excitement, our awesome kitchen team (George & Natalie) served up an incredible galaxy themed menu which delighted our little astronauts. It was a joy to see our children so eager to explore and learn, and we can’t wait to do it all again next year. We are proud of our team for facilitating such an epic week of fun filled learning.

Black history Month

For October, our nursery embarked on a month of wonderful activities and learning experiences based on Black History Month. It was a time of exploration, creativity and celebration of African and African American culture.

Djembe Drumming & Dancing

Our children had a blast during their circle time sessions, which were centered around the rich traditions of African culture. They danced and drummed to the rhythmic beats of a Djembe drum, experiencing the joy of music and movement. The smiles on their faces as they explored the sounds of the drum were truly heartwarming. (Fun fact about Jenny our Deputy Manager, she has been drumming for 12 years and is currently in a band called Afon Sistema)

Black History Book Display

All age groups enjoyed our book display that had an array of age-appropriate books based on the theme of Black History Month. They were captivated by various classic tales such as ‘Handa’s surprise’ and ‘We’re going On A Lion Hunt’. Our book collection also introduced our children on historical figures such as Rosa Parks and Martin Luther King Jr and other influential individuals who made significant contributions to Black history.

Culinary Experiences

Following the storytelling sessions, children had the opportunity to get involved with the story by trying the exotic fruits that Handa carried on her journey. It was a fantastic opportunity for them to explore new flavors and expand their palates while connecting with the story's cultural context. In addition to our activities, the baking of Jamaican ginger cake was another hands-on experience that allowed the children to appreciate the culinary heritage of the Caribbean. And once again, our fabulous kitchen team whipped up a Black History Month themed menu that brought the richness of African and African-American cuisine to our tables. The children enjoyed delicious dishes inspired by various cultural traditions, further enhancing their understanding and appreciation of diverse foods.

These activities weren't just fun, they were educational experiences that provided a platform for children to learn about different cultures, traditions and history. By teaching them about diversity and the importance of celebrating it, we aim to foster a deep sense of understanding and inclusivity from a young age.

We are proud to be committed to fostering an environment where cultural diversity is celebrated, allowing our children to learn, grow and develop an appreciation for culture from around the world. As we reflect on the enriching experiences from our Black History Month, we would love for you to reach out to us and make suggestions of any ideas, cultural traditions or celebrations you would like us to deliver to our children. Your involvement will not only enhance our curriculum but also foster love and respect for different cultures among our children. We believe that celebrating diverse backgrounds is essential and your input would be much appreciated.

Reminders

Illness Policy

As we are now in the flu/cold season, please kindly remember our illness policy. If your child is unwell with symptoms such as a fever, heavy cough or they are generally poorly, we appreciate you keeping them at home for rest and recover. This will help maintain a healthy environment for our children and staff.

No Mobile Phones

To ensure the safety and privacy of all children, we kindly request that mobile phones not be used on-site. This policy is in place to uphold safeguarding measures and your cooperation in refraining from mobile phone use during your time at the nursery is greatly appreciated.

6pm Closure

A gentle reminder that our nursery closes promptly at 6pm. This ensures our dedicated practitioners have valuable time to be with their families too. If you require a handover, please aim to arrive with plenty of time before 6pm. Kindly note that handovers cannot be accommodated past 6pm to ensure a smooth transition for our staff to close their rooms. Thank you for your understanding and cooperation in respecting our closing hours.

Events

27th November Christmas Jumper and Clothing Swap

For the week commencing 27th November, we're excited to announce our Christmas jumper swap event. This initiative not only saves you money but also promotes sustainability by reusing jumpers. Here's how it works: Bring in gently used or outgrown Christmas jumpers or Christmas clothing and exchange them for another one. It's a fantastic way to refresh your child's festive wardrobe without spending extra money and contributes to reducing textile waste which benefits our planet.

29th November Spooky S’mores 5.30pm-7.00pm

Last call for our upcoming S'mores evening, a delightful family event filled with warmth and gooey treats. We still have a few remaining spaces available for families and children to join in the fun. Secure your spot by contacting us at horfield@snapdragonsnursery.com

Friday 8th December Preschool Nativity

FAO Preschool families, the countdown to our nativity is well on the way and the anticipation is building as we prepare to showcase our little stars on the stage, spreading love and joy with their adorable performances. By now you will have been made aware of your child’s performance time, if not, please speak to a member of staff in the office and they can assist you.

Monday 11th December Christmas Party

Get ready for some festive fun! You're cordially invited to join us for our Christmas Party on Monday 11th December starting at 3:00 PM then wrapping up the celebration by 4:30 PM. It's a delightful occasion filled with merriment, activities and festive cheer. Children attending nursery on this day will be part of our special festivities. However, we extend a warm welcome to children who don't usually attend on Mondays, provided they are accompanied by an adult. To secure your spot, please contact us on the above email address. Festive clothes and Christmas jumpers are encouraged.

Friday 15th December Christmas Lunch

Our scrumptious Christmas lunch will be served to the children on Friday 15th December, and it will be sure to fill their tummies with joy. And once again, festive clothes/ Christmas jumpers are encouraged.

Christmas Closure

And lastly, we would like to remind you of our Christmas closure dates. Children attending term time only will finish on Friday 15th December. All year-round children will finish on Friday 22nd December. Our nursery will reopen on Tuesday 2nd January.

As always, we thank you for entrusting us with your children’s early education. Over the next few weeks, we look forward to creating more memories as we enjoy the fun build up to Christmas and bring on the festive spirit. See you around the nursery.

Jojo, Jenny & Team Horfield

November Newsletter 2023