Seagulls Term 4 Newsletter

Dear Seagulls parents and carers,
This term has been a busy time in Seagulls. The children returned after the break with confidence and plenty of ideas and interests they wanted to explore! The team have been working hard to meet the varying needs of all of the children – there are those who need a bit more of a challenge or who might like to explore a specific interest in more depth, children who want to explore everything, and others who may need support in developing life-long skills such as using the toilet, problem solving in social interactions, understanding their own (and others) emotions, or a physical skill such as developing their sense of balance or how to use scissors safely.
In the Seagulls room, the team work together to create displays, specific set ups of resources, or provocations which we think of as a starting point or an ‘invitation’ for children to explore. At the start of the term, we displayed photos of Lunar New Year celebrations – the adults then waited to see how the children reacted. Some children who had celebrated the Lunar New Year with their families were excited to share their own experiences, telling their friends excitedly about what they’d been up to, creating stick puppets and drawings.
Many children were fascinated with photos of a dragon dance, wanting to make dragons – we decided to work on one large dragon head together, building it by taping together cardboard boxes and layering papier mache. Great fun! In the eyes of an adult, the ‘Seagulls Dragon’ may not appear very traditional or even that obviously dragon-like in its appearance – pink and orange, missing some teeth, a very short tail, and questionable eyes... but to the children who created the dragon, it meant the world. The focus, effort, and time the children put into the project can only be described as impressive!

Other themes and interests this term have included painting, block play – both big and small, babies, chasing and catching games (most often getting ‘baddies’), Ramadan, and decorating for the Eid party! We’ve also been keeping a close eye on things changing in the garden too – as the weather has warmed up there’s been more birds and insects in the garden. A pair of wood pigeons have been returning to one of our trees, we hope they decide to nest there!
The Rainbow Room and library have been used by a wider range of children this term too. In the afternoons, we’ve noticed some children seeking a quieter space after lunch during the busiest time in the garden. Our SEND support team are incredibly adaptable and creative in their approach, keeping inclusion at the heart of each decision they make and working in collaboration with Key People. We are very fortunate to have such a dedicated team.
Our Key Groups have been enjoying slightly longer forest trips this term, taking a packed lunch to eat. Some groups have had the opportunity to visit Watercress Farm if they’d not been last term, getting to enjoy pancakes cooked over a campfire. What a treat! We’d love to do longer forest trips next term as the weather continues to warm up, but we do rely on volunteers. If you’re able to help on any forest trips (it doesn’t have to be with your child’s group), please let the office team know.
The Seagulls 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