There is defiantly a look…. a look that many parents have when the words potty training are mentioned for the first time. It is a mixture of confusion, fear and of guilt for having not done it already.
Read moreChild led play
For two weeks now on forest school we have been exploring the mud kitchen in the lower paddock. When we arrived the children got stuck in straight away with no holding back. In the kitchen we have the usual pots, pans and utensils for the children to play with.
Read moreGrowing up in the Hive...
Over the past few years I've seen many babies grow up and develop into the cheeky little toddlers they are today... Whether they are now in the Burrow or Den, or maybe even school! (Yes I've been here a while!)
Read moreMuahaha-ha-halloween week!
We've been celebrating Halloween in the Burrow and here's a little of what we have been up to.The week before last in our tough tray, we have been exploring lots of different natural objects, but we also had a little taste of Halloween.
Read moreThe adventures of under the arch!
So a new term normally means new toys, and that means new imagination, new adventures and more fun. Burrow and Den parents, I expect you've noticed we've had a little move around and there's some new bits and bobs about.
Read moreGloopy fun
Anyone who knows me well enough will know that i'm really not a fan of 'messy play'. I know this may come as a shock due to me being the forest school leader and having to deal with a lot of mud!
Read moreTransitions
The Hive (children under two) and the Burrow (children two to three) have been working hard to improve transition for the children and their families between the two rooms.
Read moreBridget's visit
Another open mic session from one of the Burrow's (now Den's) lovely mums, listening and looking at a guitar. Thank you so much for the wheelbarrow revamp too!
Read moreGross and fine motor skills in the Burrow
Over the past two weeks in the Burrow, the children have been using their gross and fine motor skills within their play. For those of you that are unfamiliar with the term gross and fine motor skills, here’s what it means:
Read moreI come to nursery to see my friends
The Burrow is such a lovely room in the way of relationships as the children are at the right age to start building friendships and understanding those around them.
Read moreFrom The Hive to The Burrow and from the Burrow to the Den
It’s that time of year again when we say hello to our new children and goodbye to our older children as we move into new rooms. Don’t panic yet, the official moving date won’t be until September
Read moreWhat we've been up to in The Burrow in June
June was all about Messy play – foam, paint, glitter, Play dough – different colours and smells – using role play kitchen, pans & paper cases, Painting – on fabric, corrugated card sheets, bubble wrap, large egg trays, paper plates, and Printing with paint and sink plungers.
Read moreThe Free Rangers Mini 3 Peaks Challenge
You may have noticed recently some of your Free Rangers staff tackled the 3 Peaks Challenge, attempting to climb Ben Nevis, Scafell Pike and Snowdon in under 24hrs. Whilst this challenge fell at the feet of an intrepid few nursery staff, we wanted to extend the challenge to our Free Range kids as well, and set about challenging them to their own sponsored mini 3 Peaks.
Read moreMay update from the Burrow
We have been busy in the Burrow this month. The children have been enjoying the following:
Read moreSleeping bunnies
In the Burrow, the sleep routine begins with the early morning conversations between parents and staff about any changes in home sleep patterns - has the child slept well or woken early or is the child may be growing out of an afternoon nap?
Read moreUnder the Arch!
As many of you know, there is an arch way at Free Rangers that is just through the main gates, before you get to the Burrow. Most parents would walk under the arch every day to get to the Burrow and Den rooms.
Read moreI love it as much as the children, maybe even more!!
So, anyone who knows me, knows that I am known as the “messy one” in The Burrow. Often on show arounds I hear Jess tell the parents “This is Nic, she’s the messy one in the Burrow, the one who gets all the paint out, all the glitter out, all the shaving foam and so on”.
Read moreGoing out in all weathers
Something I have recently over-heard or been asked is “are you staying in because it’s raining?” I thought I would write in a blog why we go outside in ALL weathers and the benefits we see in the children.
Read moreEarly Years Schemas
I recently went on an evening course called ‘Advanced Schemas’ led by Sonia Mainstone-Cotton which aimed to help practitioners gain a more in-depth understanding about schemas and how they can help us to understand children’s behaviour and interests.
Read moreApril in the Burrow...
I bought a new story - 'The Very busy Spider' by Eric Carle. We're reading this daily and looking at the different animals that visit the spider.
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