Dear parents and carers of children in Blackbirds,

 

It has been a lovely term so far in Blackbirds. The warmer weather has encouraged longer periods of imaginative play in the garden. It is wonderful to see the children collaborating and sharing play ideas including ice cream shops, dinosaur-chase, and a 'tractor' being built with the large loose parts. We have really been enjoying the shade provided by the new roof on the sandpit. It makes the area feel enclosed and cosy. 

 

We have been exploring different ways to make art using paint. Lots of the children have enjoyed the sensory experience of painting with their hands and feet. From stamping and pressing, to swirling and dabbing, we have really enjoyed experimenting with different textures and techniques.

 

Our Blackbirds are really starting to embrace the longer forest sessions. We are now taking packed lunches with us, giving us more time to explore and play. Riding in the minibus always feels special, and there has been lots of excited chatter on the journey about what we might see in the forest. On our last outing, some of the Blackbirds were expecting to see a wolf and some baby foxes. Part of the beauty of our forest sessions is the open-ended opportunities available to the children. Recent highlights include finding charcoal to make marks with, playing the three little pigs, and balancing on a bouncy log.

 

 

Some of our Blackbirds have shown a real interest in growing plants. This term we have grown lettuce from seed. The children have been involved in the whole process, from planting the seeds and watering them regularly, to snipping the lettuce leaves with scissors and tasting them. We have also planted cress seeds, making predictions about what might happen. One of the children said, "they will grow tall". We are continuing to do food exploration sessions, cutting mashing, spreading and tasting various foods. Some of the children have continued this interest in tea club, where they recently made basil pesto from scratch. 

 

Our visits to Bristol Old Vic, with a small group of children, have continued to be fun-filled and playful. For the past two weeks we have been joined by Raf, who has been playing the piano and singing to the children about what they are doing. One of our Blackbirds realised with delight that she could make Raf start, and stop, playing the piano by shaking an egg shaker at him. Our Blackbirds are now really confident in the space at Bristol Old Vic. They enjoy shouting "hello" from the balconies on the higher floors. The children are developing nurturing relationships with the staff at the Old Vic who play with us, join us for a packed lunch in the cafe, and help us to walk back to nursery afterwards.

 

Best wishes from Alex, Deputy Room Lead, Joseph, Blackbirds Room Lead, and the whole team, Danielle, Naomi, Laurie, Antonia, Natasha, Maddy, Zoe, Helen, Gemma and Lou.

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Big Brush Club are hosting several live oral health improvement webinars for parents/guardians. These sessions will provide valuable information on how to support children aged 0-11 years to have the best oral health start.

During each session there will be two dental care professionals presenting and on hand to answer any questions you might have throughout the webinar.

We do not require any cameras or microphones to be used, however there will be a chat box to ask any questions you might have throughout.

Parent/Guardian Oral health improvement webinars:

 

Tuesday 3rd June 2025 at 6pm – Parent/Guardian Register now

 

 

Outstanding Payments:  As we approach our final term, please can you ensure any outstanding lunch/day care balances are cleared.  You can now pay by card at reception, along with cash or alternatively by BACS online.

Health and Safety: A polite reminder to please fold down your buggies or take them away if possible. We need to keep the main entrance walkway clear at all times as it is our main fire exit.  We also need to ensure the walkway is clear to allow for disabled access and deliveries.

If you come to nursery by bike, please can we ask that you dismount outside of the nursery before entering the premises and ensuring that the bikes/trailers are securely placed as there have been occasions where bikes have toppled over. This is to allow a steady flow of parents/carers and children arriving/leaving the building.  

Reminders:

I would like to give you some important information reminders

• Please ensure you bring a named bag in with multiple spare changes of clothes as well as shoes, sun hats and suncream If your child is in nappies, please remember to pack spares
• Please provide water in your child’s named water bottle – no squash!
• Mobile phones are not to be used once you have gone through reception into the Seagulls or Blackbirds rooms.
• 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 Friday 23^rd May and reopen on Monday 2^nd June. Nursery will be closed to all children during this time.
• INSET Day – Wednesday 11^th June.  Closed for staff training

 

For May half term ideas – please visit: May Half Term Events in Bristol - VisitBristol.co.uk

Warm wishes,

 

Head Teacher