Hello from the Seagulls team! We came back after the Easter break with many parents having confirmation of what school their child would be moving on to in September. Teachers from local primary schools have already started to make their transition visits to Redcliffe and this will continue into Term 6, along with other arrangements that support this important transition. The thought of starting at primary school can be one of anticipation and excitement for the future, tinged with the realization that we are in that stage of the year, where change will come to all our leavers. In Seagulls, we are dedicated to making this time as special as we can for all the children, including obviously those who will be returning next year!

 

Something new and perhaps surprising that greeted us at the start of term 5 was the amazing shingle roof that now sits over our sand area. This came from the idea to offer the children protection from the elements but do it in a way that would enhance the garden’s connection to the wider outdoors and nature, continuing the evolution of our vital outdoor space. It has had an immediate impact, drawing the children into the sand area and making it more comfortable in the many sunny days that we have had over the past few weeks. Combined with the awnings that were installed earlier, it will have a huge impact on the flexibility of the outside area over the course of the calendar year. The universal appeal of the sand brings together the 2’s, 3’s and 4’s in a beautiful way! Thinking sustainably, the guttering from the new sand pit roof is connected to one of the two water butts in the garden. Together with sand and earth, or in our case, a combination of the two as sand is so very transportable, water is loved by all young children, though possibly some even more than others! Having regular and ready access to water in the garden this term has generated sustained creative play in the sand and outdoor kitchen area, where the second water butt is located. Continuing with the outside, planting seeds in pots with the children has continued in the group spaces and the courtyard garden. Maddy, our gardening lead, has put together a one-stop potting trolly to make this easy and practical for the key people to do with their groups. Yellow group has already been harvesting some of the cress that they planted! We have also been privileged to have a newt and tadpoles from Billy’s mum’s pond for the children to investigate!

 

The children and staff have been benefitting significantly from Laura’s work on re-organising our forest programme, crucially expanding our pool of mini-bus drivers. This has enabled the whole day trips that we are now making. Accompanied by warmer days, progressing to the longer trips has helped the children to learn to wallow more in the forest environment. Also, taking a pack lunch to the forest is a marvellous thing! Thanks to Leigh Court agreeing to us parking in their car park on an ad hoc basis, one or two of the groups have recently been to Paradise Bottom, an area of Leigh Woods that provides something unique and special.

 

The team continually reflects on the nature of the children’s play and exploration in Seagulls and how we might adapt the provision accordingly. An example of this has been changes made to the inside ‘home area’ to create a more flexible, light touch space that is responsive to how they have been choosing to use it. This has seen the traditional kitchen play cabinets make way to raise the possibilities of the large blocks, which sit adjacent. Along with the introduction of a stall style counter, the children have been busy re-inventing this space.

 

Our T-club sits in its very own space at the end of the day. For those children who attend it, it represents something that is distinct to the main provision. It is run by highly dedicated staff from across the setting who have made it essentially a safe and nurturing environment for children to be part of. From this, the children feel a T-club identity that has grown and grown. Having re-located to the Rainbow room at the beginning of the year, affording it its own dedicated space and resources, the children are now also having their tea there, as opposed to the kitchen. This has made a significant difference to the quality of the transitions for the children. Carys has also re-invigorated the possibilities for children to be involved in preparing their tea, such as making pesto and toppings for pizzas. __________________________________________________________________________________ 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 ______________________________________________________________________________________ Join Our Nursery Music Activity! Dear Parents and carers, At our nursery, we love introducing children to music and sparking their curiosity about musical instruments. That’s why we are looking for parents or family members who play an instrument and would be willing to collaborate in a short musical activity. You would come in for a brief session to explain how it works, and, if you’d like, play a short piece for the children. You don’t need to be a professional, just enthusiastic about sharing music with them! If you’re interested in participating or would like more information, please get in touch by replying to this email or speaking with a member of our nursery team. We would love to have you join us in creating a magical musical moment for the children!

 

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 23rd May and reopen on Monday 2 nd June. Nursery will be closed to all children during this time. •INSET Day – Wednesday 11th 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