Head of School's message
On Thursday, our nursery felt unusually quiet as many of our oldest children spent the day visiting their new Reception classes. It was a special milestone, and seeing them so excited (and a little nervous!) made us realise just how much they have grown. At the same time, our youngest children suddenly seemed very grown up as they confidently explored the nursery with more space to themselves.
Starting school is a huge transition for children and families. It brings excitement, curiosity and sometimes a few worries too and all of these feelings are perfectly normal. One of the best ways to help children prepare is by sharing stories together. Reading books about starting school can help children talk about their feelings, understand what to expect and build confidence. BookTrust suggests listening to your child, talking positively about school, involving them in getting ready and working closely with your child's new school to support a smooth transition.
If you're looking for books to read over the summer, we particularly recommend The Hug Button by Naomi Jones, a lovely story offering reassurance when saying goodbye; Ruby's Worry by Tom Percival, which gently explores feelings of anxiety and reminds children that sharing worries can make them feel much smaller; and Keep Smiling by Dame Floella Benjamin, a heartwarming story celebrating positivity, resilience and kindness, encouraging children to face new experiences with confidence and optimism.
To all of our families whose children are moving on to Reception this September, we are incredibly proud of how far they have come. We know they will continue to shine in their new schools, and we wish them every success as they begin their next exciting adventure
Dates coming up:
Catch up calls will resume next week.
Friday 17th July - The VOJO Soft Play Bus will be visiting the nursery for children attending on the day.
Monday 20th July - Family Picnic 12pm to 1:30pm, all welcome (please ensure that you complete and submit the online form)
Thursday 23rd July - 1pm finish for the Summer Holidays.
Friday 24th July to Tuesday 1st September (Nursery Closed) - Summer Holidays.
Reminders:
A number of parents have approached us to ask what gifts they can buy as end of term gifts for staff.
For those children and families leaving us the best gift you have given us is allowing us to be part of your child’s journey and helping them grow ready for their next chapter. We in no way expect nor request gifts. A card with a message is the most wonderful thing any of us can receive.
However, if this is your preference, we ask that gifts are purchased for the nursery and not for individuals, this could include pens, craft materials, pipe cleaners, pom poms, lolly sticks, glue, poster paint, coloured card, tissue paper etc. Such gifts then will benefit the next children who undertake adventures with us here.
If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to get in touch.
Now that the weather is getting warmer - it is imperative that every child has sun lotion applied before their session. They must also have a summer hat (labelled with their name) with them every day - even if the day starts a little cloudy. Please refer to the recently emailed Sun Safety procedure for further guidance.
We’d be grateful for any outgrown, spare summer hats you can donate to help keep all children cool and protected during outdoor play.
Join our nursery's social media pages to stay connected.
Book & Rhyme of the week
Over the next two weeks, during Structured Storytelling, we will be moving away from our usual three-week story-learning cycle as we focus on poetry.
We will be using the book 'A Great Big Cuddle: Poems for the Very Young' by Michael Rosen. Our key vocabulary of the text is: "author", "poet", "rhyme", "poem", "illustration", and "illustrator".
Over the two weeks, each group of children will learn a poem from the book with the intention of performing it for parents at our end-of-year picnic.
Please see below link to story;
A Great Big Cuddle | POEM | | Compilation | Kids' Poems and Stories With Michael Rosen
The children have been continuing to practice their groups chosen poem, ready for their performance at the Leaver Picnic.
Secret Storyteller
Do you love reading stories and making surprises?
If the answer is yes, then here is your chance to become a Secret Storyteller!
Imagine the look of pure joy and pride on your child's face when you walk through the door as our secret guest. You can read a short book or tell a quick story in your home language, or in English.
How it works:
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📝 Sign up: Add your name to the list(s) located in the foyer and by the nursery entrance, and pick the time slot that suits you best.
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📖 Relax: We will do the rest! We can even help you find the perfect book.
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🤫 Shhh: Keep it a total secret so we don't ruin the surprise for the children!
No experience needed—just bring your voice, a smile, and a story.
Learning at home
With the warm weather here, why not make some delicious and healthy fruit ice lollies together?
You will need:
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1 banana
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A handful of strawberries
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A handful of blueberries or raspberries
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1 kiwi (optional)
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150ml natural yoghurt (or dairy-free alternative)
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A splash of apple or orange juice (optional)
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Ice lolly moulds or small cups and lolly sticks
What to do:
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Wash all the fruit together.
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Chop the fruit into small pieces (grown-ups can help with this).
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Add the fruit to a blender with the yoghurt and blend until smooth. If needed, add a small splash of juice.
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Pour the mixture into the lolly moulds or cups.
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Place a lolly stick into each one.
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Freeze for at least 4–6 hours or overnight.
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Enjoy your healthy homemade ice lollies!
Talk together:
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Which fruit is your favourite?
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What colours can you see?
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How does the fruit smell and taste?
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What happens to the mixture when it freezes?
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Which fruit would you like to try next time?
Healthy me, Healthy world
As we head towards the end of another busy school year, it's important to remember that looking after ourselves is just as important as looking after others. Transitioning to a new class or school, end-of-year events and the recent hot weather can leave both children and adults feeling tired and overwhelmed.
Simple ways to support your family's wellbeing include:
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Keeping hydrated, especially in warm weather.
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Maintaining regular routines where possible.
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Spending time outdoors in the cooler parts of the day.
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Talking about feelings and listening to any worries about starting school.
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Making time to rest, recharge and enjoy being together.
If you would like further ideas to support your own wellbeing or your child's mental health, the NHS Every Mind Matters website offers practical advice, self-care tips, and free resources for the whole family, including guidance on managing stress, coping with change, and supporting children's mental health.
Useful links:
Success story of the week
What a scorcher it has been this week! As the temperatures have risen, the children have been thinking creatively about how to stay cool while continuing to enjoy the outdoors.
Using their own ideas, the children suggested making a shaded shelter in the bottom garden. With support from the adults, they used large tarpaulin sheets and rope to construct a wonderful canopy beneath the trees.
The finished shelter became the perfect place to relax, share stories, sing songs, and enjoy time together in the cool shade.
We are so proud of the children's imaginative thinking, teamwork, and resilience. What a fantastic way to make the most of the sunny weather!
All absences must be reported daily either by leaving an absence voice message or emailing admin@heathlane.herts.sch.uk.
We politely ask that if you plan to take your child out during school time, you notify the Nursery office. For appointments, we ask where possible that these are not during the school day. If this is not avoidable, please kindly share the relevant information for this appointment in order for us to be able to authorise this.
Regular attendance at Nursery is very important, as it helps children build the foundational knowledge and skills they will need as they move through school. Establishing good attendance habits now supports a smoother transition into primary school and helps ensure children develop positive routines that will benefit them throughout their educational journey. Thank you for your continued support in helping your child attend regularly and on time.
