Head of School's Message
As we approach the end of another fantastic half term, I want to take a moment to celebrate all that our nursery children have achieved. It’s been wonderful to see them grow in confidence, build respectful relationships, and feel safe and supported in their learning environment — our values that remain at the heart of all we do.
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From exploring the classic story “We’re Going on a Bear Hunt” to creating and navigating their own art-inspired obstacle courses, the children have shown incredible imagination, creativity, and teamwork. This half term, we’ve also spent time developing our outdoor learning areas, particularly the meadow and mound, where the children have enjoyed connecting with nature, investigating minibeasts, and building confidence in outdoor play. It’s been a pleasure to watch them thrive in such rich and stimulating environments.
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Looking ahead, we’re excited to launch “Wheels Week” next half term, where children will have the opportunity to explore movement and transport in fun and active ways using bikes, scooters, and even a wheelchair — all while learning about safety and cooperation. We’ll also be gently preparing our older nursery children for the transition to primary school, helping them build the independence, resilience, and confidence they need for this important step.
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Thank you for your continued support, and we wish all our families a restful and happy half term break.
Dates coming up:
May Half Term - Monday 26th May to Friday 30th May - Nursery is closed.
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We look forward to welcoming the children back to Nursery on Monday 2nd June.
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FUDGE Day and Ark Farm Visit - coming next half term.
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Reminders:
One of our children, Oliver has been inspired by his daddy with his runs and medals and so has decided to take part in The Hospice of St Francis 5k Bubble Rush run. Please see below his fundraising page;
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Katie Knight is fundraising for Hospice Of St Francis (Berkhamsted)
Book & Rhyme of the week
Our Talk for Writing Book is "Handa's Surprise" by Eileen Browne.
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​After May Half Term the story will move into the imitation phase of the EYFS Talk For Writing programme, where children will focus on the story structure identifying the beginning, middle and end. This will involve activities such as retelling the story with actions, creating story maps and performing the text aloud. This phase is to provide a solid foundation through understanding and practising the language patterns and structure of the text.
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Our key vocabulary of the text is "Delicious", "Ripe", "Surprise", "Village", "Wonder" and "Tangy". Please see below link to the story;
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Handa's Surprise By Eileen Browne
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​Our Rhyme of the Week for next week is: "This little Piggy".
In these sessions the children are also learning the Makaton signs to the lyrics.
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Language of the week
We are lucky to have a rich and diverse community with lots of different languages. Our language of the week is Shona, which is spoken by one of our pupils Zaynah and her family. Please find below links of how to say "Hello" and "Goodbye" in Shona. Please practise with your child at home.
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How to say Hello in Shona | Speak Shona Podcast Episode 1
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Learning At Home
Over the half-term break, why don't you try making a beautiful flower mandala with your child?
Head outside to collect natural materials like petals, leaves, twigs, flowers and stones. Then arrange them in circular pattern to create your very own artwork.
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We would love to see what you make - feel free to send us photos of your child's flower mandala art so we can share and celebrate their creativity after the break!
Success Story of the Week
As part of the Talk for Writing text of "Handa's Surprise" the children have had the opportunity to try lots of different fruits. Exploring the different textures and tastes.
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The exotic fruits they have experienced include guava, pineapple, passion fruit, mango, with banana and oranges too.
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Some of the children have even made a fruit salad practising their chopping and cutting skills.
