We Are Learning… To Settle, Build Relationships and Find out how to Learn in a Group
We have been busy re-settling returning children as well as welcoming new children and their families. We have been finding out which groups we are in and where we meet. We are using visual registers, songs and games to learn the names of the children and adults in our key group. Which group is your child in? Yellow or green?
We are creating family boards and the children have enjoyed sharing their family photos and talking about them. If you haven’t yet supplied a family photo, please email one to speedwell.n@bristol-schools.uk
It has been amazing to see how well the children are settling, exploring our learning environments and finding out where everything belongs.
We Are Learning… To Listen to and Join in with Stories, Rhymes and Poems
We are revisiting some traditional nursery rhymes and songs using books, puppets and props. We are focusing on Head shoulders, knees and toes, If you’re happy and you know it, The Wheels on the bus, Old McDonald and 3 Little Speckled Frogs. If you need to know the tune or the song, please ask your keyperson and they will happily sing it to you.
Our core book this term focus on a sense of belonging, and where to find things in the environment. We have a daily story time and the children will be learning to retell the stories using props.
We Are Learning… To Notice an Talk about Things in the Natural World
The children have been exploring the garden and noticing seasonal changes as autumn arrives.
Don’t forget, the children will be outdoors in all weathers and need a warm coat everyday throughout autumn and winter. Welly boots can be left on their outside peg and waterproof trousers will be very useful on rainy days.
Please name all items. Thank you.
We Are Learning… To Enjoy a Range of Books, Both Fiction and Non-Fiction
We know how much children enjoy a story, particularly at bedtime, and how important it is for their language development and love of reading. To support this, we have given each child a book bag and the opportunity to borrow books every Wednesday to share at home.
Please remember to return the book, in the named book bag, each Wednesday ready to swap it for a new one. We would also really love your feedback on which stories the children enjoy.
Find out more about sharing stories and supporting your child’s reading at www.wordsforlife.org.uk.
Getting Ready for Toilet Training
Are you planning on potty training your child soon, or have you already started your journey? Please come and talk to your child’s key person and we can work together to support this.
The ERIC website’s Potty training section has lots of helpful tips. Why not sign up for their Toilet Train campaign to support you with getting your child toilet-ready.
Things to Remember to bring to Nursery
Daily
- A complete change of clothes, including socks
- Fruit, vegetables or plain breadsticks, to share at snack time
- Wellington boots (to be left at nursery)
- A suitable coat and waterproof trousers
- A water bottle (no juice or squash please)
- Nappies and wipes (if your child uses them)
Please name ALL your child’s belongings.
Weekly
- Bring in your book bag every Wednesday and choose a new book to share at home
- A voluntary contribution of £1 per week, to cover the cost of ingredients for food activities, treats and visiting artists
Termly
- A box of tissues
Please remember to call the office if your child is sick or absent from nursery on 0117 9030405.
Important Dates for Your Diary
Term 1: 2nd September 2025 to 24th October 2025 (Please note that there will be staggered start dates and times for all returning and new children due to home visits and settling in sessions.)
Term 2: 3rd November 2025 to 19th December 2025
Term 3: 5th January 2026 to 13th February 2026
Term 4: 23rd February 2026 – 2nd April 2026
Term 5: 20th April 2026 to 22nd May 2026
Term 6: 1st June 2026 to 22nd July 2026
INSET Days 2025 – 2026
Nursery will be closed for INSET (In-Service Education and Training) sessions on the following days.
- Term 1 – Wednesday 10th September – Whole day
- Term 2 – Wednesday 26th November – Whole day
- Term 3 – Wednesday 21st January – Afternoon (11.30am—3.30pm)
- Term 4 – Wednesday 4th March—Morning (8.30am – 12.30pm)
- Term 5 – Wednesday 13th May – Afternoon (11.30am—3.30pm)
- Term 6 – Wednesday 10th June – Morning (8.30am – 12.30pm)