What have we been up to this month?

Babies

This month the babies have been busy making firework pictures using kitchen scouring pad to create the splatter image. The babies really enjoyed dipping the scourer in the messy paint and then dapping it on the paper to make as much mess as possible.

Pyjama day in support of Children in Need was a success again, the babies looked very warm and cosey in their onesies as they snuggled up to their teddies.

Our nursery photographer Royce has been in again this month, he has captured some lovely photos of the babies exploring the forest garden and gathering leaves. The babies then used their collection of leaves to make some artwork when back inside in the warmth.

The weather hasn’t been as nice this month and so babies have made the most of their soft play. They explored the tunnels and practiced some yoga on the soft mats. They then had lots of fun playing with the parachute.

Our Christmas tree has now arrived and so babies have been busy making some lovely decorations to go on the tree, this included baubles and gingerbread men. As you can see, the babies were very excited about their decorations and being able to add them to the tree.

Toddlers

Toddlers have also made their own firework pictures at the start of this month. They used kitchen roll tubes with slits to create the fireworks. They mixed the colours together which created some very colourful and bright displays.

Toddlers have been helping Charlie with some planting this month. They helped by digging the holes and planting the garlic and broad beans, ready for next year.

For Remembrance Day, toddlers created some poppies using paint and cotton wool. With great precision, they managed to create the delicate petals of the poppies.

Our photographer Royce spent some time with the toddlers and captured their skittles activity. The toddlers painted and decorated all the skittles needed for their game, they then took it in turns to try and knock them all down.

Royce also managed to capture the toddlers exploring natural objects found outside. Using play dough, they created imprints of these objects into the playdough to see what patterns and shapes they created.

Pre-School

Pre-school used chalks for their firework pictures, they took inspiration from the fireworks they had seen with families as well as some pictures from previous years displays. As well as chalk, pre-school used paint which they added to a salad spinner which when spun, splattered the paint around on their pictures, creating their firework. It was hard work spinning the spinner but lots of fun.

Pre-school took part in some Diwali activities this month, they made diva lamps out of play dough which they then decorated with buttons.

Pre-school also supported Children in Need and made the most of being able to wear their pyjamas to nursery. Everyone looked so warm and cosey.

Carrying on the spooky season, pre-school made some potions. They used different scents and colours to create lots of different types. They then finished everything off in the cauldron.

For Remembrance Day, pre-school made a fantastic pom pom wreath which they took up to the memorial.

Pre-school set up a story activity inspired by the book ‘we’re going on bear hunt’. Royce was on hand to capture the story as they told it using props. They then had their very own exploration through the long wavy grass, deep cold river, thick oozy mud, big dark forest, swirling whirling snowstorm and the narrow gloomy cave.

Helpful information as part of Millie’s Mark, please see below advice for the winter months

When should I worry about my child’s breathing?

As the winter approaches, the number of respiratory illness rises significantly.

This can be a very worrying time for parents, but when should you be concerned about your child’s breathing?

Most chest infections are caused by viruses and so do not usually need treatment with antibiotics, and most children do not need to see a medical practitioner and will get better by themselves.
It can be extremely scary if your child has any sort of breathing difficulty. Use your instincts; if your child appears well and their breathing difficulty improves after a short period of time, there is normally no need to worry.

Wheeze is extremely common in young children and is most often triggered by a viral infection. Most pre-school aged children with wheeze do not have asthma.

Children under 2 years of age with breathing difficulty may have bronchiolitis. This is an extremely common condition, caused by a viral infection. It usually starts as a runny nose and cough but their breathing may get worse of the next 2-3 days.

If your child is struggling to breathe, they need to be seen by a medical practitioner and may need treatment.

Call 999 or go to A&E if your child:

· has blue lips

· pauses in breathing or starts grunting

· a harsh breath noise as they breathe in

· too breathless to talk

· is pale, mottle and feels abnormally cold to touch

· is extremely agitated or confused or is very lethargic (difficult to wake)

Ring you GP surgery or contact 111 if your child

· Has laboured/rapid breathing or they are working harder to breathe (drawing in of the muscles below their ribs, between their ribs or at the neck)

· Seems dehydrated (sunken eyes, drowsy, not passed urine for 12 hours)

· Is drowsy or irritable especially if they remain this way despite their fever coming down

· Continues to have a fever of 38.0 or above for more than 5 days

· Is getting worse or you are worried

If none of the above features are present, make sure that your child stays well hydrated by offering them lots of fluids – you may need to give this little and often via syringe. Closely monitor them for any signs of deterioration by looking out for any red or amber features.

For more advice and guidance, visit NHS Health Together www.what0-18.nhs.uk

Reminder:

Please remember to bring in coats, wellies, hats, gloves and puddle suits to ensure your child has everything they need for the colder weather. Although we have spares, we can’t guarantee we have enough for everyone and in the correct size.

Food bank

Thank you to all those that kindly donated money and food to the Food bank last week. We support the Food bank throughout the year and are able to provide families with vouchers to access this support if they need them. Coming up to Christmas we understand the financial pressures families may be experiencing so, as always, please let us know if you would benefit from a food bank voucher and we can issue this for you. Thank you again to those that donated.

Dates for the diary:

Nativity - 6th December - A reminder that the pre-school nativity for school leavers is on the 6th December

Christmas Jumper Day - 7th December - Get those Christmas jumpers ready as it is Christmas jumper day on the 7th, we can’t wait to see all the festive jumpers to really start the Christmas spirit

Christmas Dinner - 12th December - Our lovely chef Caroline will be cooking Christmas dinner for all children and staff on the 12th

Christmas Party and Special Visitor - 15th December - This is an open event to all of our Shirehampton Snapdragons Nursery families. We will have some yummy food, games and activities for everyone to enjoy. This will start at 4:30pm and will finish at 5:30/5:45pm. Please let us know if you can attend so we know numbers for our chef.

Christmas Closure - 25th December-1st January - Our last day this year will be Friday 22nd December, we will then be closed for Christmas, opening again on Tuesday 2nd January

November Newsletter