Blackbirds Term 4 Newsletter
Dear Blackbirds parents and carers,
We have had some wonderful cultural celebrations with the children this term. We celebrated Lunar new year; reading books, watching lion dances and using the lion puppet during circle time. We decorated the Blackbirds room for Lunar New Year. One of the children noticed the lanterns and asked his Mum if they could decorate their house with lanterns too! Many of our children and staff have observed Ramadan and celebrated Eid this term. In Blackbirds we made a crescent moon to mark Ramadan. The children had lots of fun collaging the moon and it is now hanging up in Blackbirds. We are learning a new song called "magical moon", which uses makaton signs and links to the lunar festivals we have been celebrating. Here is a link to the song on You Tube Magical Moon with makaton
Lots of our Blackbirds have been talking about spring time, seeing blossom on the trees and flowers growing. The children have been planting and watering wild flower seeds in the garden. We are looking forward to seeing where they come up.
The Blackbirds environment has been a big focus for the team this term. The sensory room has been redecorated, with wooden panelling and soft lighting, to create a calming, relaxing space for quiet play and rest. We want the Blackbirds space to be as welcoming and homely as possible, adapting to the needs of the children throughout the year. We have added beanbags and more cushions to make a cosy reading area in the main room. One of children said “it looks different, it looks like there is more space and it is cosy”.
Our trips to the forest are now getting longer, and children who normally have hot lunches will be provided with a packed lunch to eat during their forest trips. On our most recent trip to the forest, the children happily sang “the wheels on the bus” for the whole journey on the minibus. Lots of fun was had in the forest climbing in trees, exploring dens and balancing on logs.
The Blackbirds Team wishes you a happy Easter break.
Eid celebration - Thank you to everyone who joined us for the Eid Celebration on Wednesday 25th March – It was lovely to see so many families come together. Thank you to everyone who donated food and volunteered their time to help out on the day.
Easter Holiday Club – We have a few spaces remaining for 3 year olds. If you would like to book a place, please use the following link: Redcliffe Nursery School - Holiday Club
Primary School offer day is Thursday 16th April – If you submitted an on-time application for your child to start primary school in September 2026, offers will be sent out on Thursday 16th April. Please let your child’s Key Person know which school your child has been allocated so we can start to plan their transitions.
Hours - If your child is due to return to the nursery school in September and you would like change or increase their hours, please speak with Shirley who will be happy to answer any questions you may have. Wrap around care (breakfast/tea club) is filling up fast, so please let us know if this is something you would like to sign up to.
We are going cashless! As of the 1st April 2026, we will be a cashless nursery school. Please can we ask that any payments are made online via bacs or by card at reception.
Screen time guidance for under 5s
Juggling family life and raising children in a digital world can be challenging. Find out more about how to support healthy screen habits for children under 5.
Some of the key recommendations include:
- Avoid screen time for under 2s and for 2-5 years, try to keep it to no more than an hour a day.
- Choose slow-paced, predictable content as this is better for young brains. Fast-paced, over-stimulating social media-style videos may affect how young children learn to concentrate, so it’s best to avoid them.
- Avoid young children using screens alone as it reduces opportunities for social time and active play. Try watching and discussing content together with your child as it supports their development and helps you protect them from harmful content.
- Swap out screens at bedtime or mealtimes for reading stories or playing simple games.
- Children copy everything you do – their brains are like sponges. Be mindful of how often you use screens around your child.
https://beststartinlife.gov.uk/screen-time-under-5s/
Reminders:
I would like to give you some important information reminders
- Please ensure you bring a bag in with multiple spare changes of clothes, including socks. As the weather improves, please provide a sunhat and sun cream for your child.
- Please provide water in your child’s water bottle – no squash
- Mobile phones are not to be used once you have gone through reception into the Seagulls or Blackbirds rooms.
- Please can you fold down your buggies or take them away if possible. We need to keep the main entrance walkway clear at all times as this is a fire exit.
- Parking - please note that the car park is for the residents and a tow scheme is in place. We recommend using the on road pay and display bays for free 30 minutes to drop off and collect your children.
- Please check Facebook, Instagram and the website regularly. We are aiming to post photos (non-identifiable) of what the children have been enjoying each week.
Dates for your Diary:
- We will finish for the Half Term break on Thursday 2nd April and return on Monday 20th April. Nursery will be closed to all children during this time.
- Wednesday 10th June – INSET Day Nursery will be closed to all children
Warm wishes,
Head Teacher