Head of School's message
This week has certainly brought some summer sunshine, along with very high temperatures. The wellbeing of our children and staff has remained our priority, and I have been incredibly proud of how everyone has adapted to ensure children could continue to learn, play and thrive safely.
Our curriculum has responded to the weather in meaningful ways. Children have enjoyed a range of water-based activities, explored floating, pouring and transporting water, and engaged in sensory play designed to keep them cool while supporting their learning and development. Story times have moved into shady outdoor spaces, allowing children to enjoy books and conversations in the fresh air while avoiding the strongest sun.
The hot weather has also provided valuable opportunities to teach children about keeping themselves safe. We have talked about wearing hats, seeking shade, applying sun cream and drinking plenty of water. These everyday experiences help children develop an understanding of how to care for their bodies and make healthy choices.
We are fortunate to have air conditioning in our classrooms, providing a cool and comfortable environment when temperatures become particularly high. This has enabled children to rest, regulate and continue their learning throughout the day.
Finally, I would like to thank our dedicated staff team for their resilience, flexibility and unwavering commitment during this exceptionally warm week. Caring for young children in such conditions requires additional planning, energy and vigilance, and our team has risen to the challenge with professionalism and good humour. Their efforts ensure that Heath Lane remains a safe, nurturing and enjoyable place for every child.
As we move further into the summer term, we hope to enjoy more sunshine while continuing to make the most of the rich learning opportunities that the season provides.
Dates coming up:
There will be no catch up calls for the next two weeks due to end of year assessments.
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 (more information to follow next week)
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.
Any adhoc Wraparound care bookings for July will need to be made before 30th June in order for all invoices to be issued and paid before the end of the Summer Term.
Join our nursery's social media pages to stay connected.
Book & Rhyme of the week
The next Structured Stories Book is 'Somebody Swallowed Stanley' by Sarah Roberts.
Next week the story will move into the imitation phase of Structured Stories, 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.
Our key vocabulary of the text is "swept", "tentacles", "jellyfish", "tugged", "creature", "ocean".
Please see below link to story;
The children have been continuing to practice their groups chosen rhyme, ready for their performance at the Leaver Picnic.
Language of the week
We are lucky to have a rich and diverse community with lots of different languages. Do you speak Dari/Farsi or Italian? Are you available next week on a Wednesday or Thursday? If your answer is YES, then we'd be delighted to have you reading a story in your home language to the children! They love a Secret Storyteller! We are flexible with the timing so please speak to us if you can come in another day/time.
Please look out for our next week's languages in the newsletter, it might be your home language next!
Learning at home
Hot Weather Fun!
This weekend, why not enjoy some water play at home?
Provide your child with a bowl, bucket, or tray of water and a selection of household items such as cups, spoons, funnels, or small containers.
Encourage them to pour, scoop, fill, and empty the water while talking about what they notice.
You could ask questions such as:
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Which container holds the most water?
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What happens when you pour the water slowly or quickly?
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Can you make the water move in different ways?
This activity helps to develop children's communication and language skills, early mathematical understanding, and fine motor control, while keeping cool in the warm weather!
Healthy me, Healthy world
Are you offside or onside? The “We Won, I Lost” campaign from the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline highlights the lasting impact of coercive and controlling behaviour, reminding us that abuse is not always physical and that its effects can continue long after a relationship has ended. It reinforces the importance of recognising the less visible signs of domestic abuse, listening to individuals without judgement and ensuring that children and families have access to timely support.
At Heath Lane, we remain committed to creating a culture where concerns are taken seriously, early help is sought when needed and safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility.
Support is available through the Hertfordshire Domestic Abuse Helpline on 0808 808 8088, which offers free, confidential and anonymous support for anyone affected by domestic abuse, including family members, friends and professionals.
The helpline is available Monday to Friday, 9am–9pm, and weekends and bank holidays, 9am–4pm. Further information, advice and resources can be accessed at www.hertsdomesticabusehelpline.org. In an emergency, or if someone is at immediate risk of harm, always call 999.
Success story of the week
What a scorcher of a week it has been! We are incredibly proud of how well the children have coped with the hot weather.
Throughout the week, the children have enjoyed a variety of water play activities, spent time relaxing in the shade of our meadow, and regularly visited our hydration stations to help keep cool and stay hydrated. They have also loved cooling off with gentle sprays from the hose, enjoying refreshing ice lollies, and spending time in our air-conditioned classroom when needed.
It has been wonderful to see the children continuing to learn, play, and have fun while staying safe and comfortable in the warm weather. Thank you to our families for supporting us by sending children in with sun hats and applying sun cream before they attend.
All absences must be reported to the school either by leaving an absence 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.
