We Are Learning… To Settle, Build Relationships and find out the People in our Key Group
We have been busy re-settling returning children and those moving up from Willow room, 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, green, or blue?
We are creating family boards and the children will enjoy sharing their family photos and talking about them. If you haven’t yet supplied a family photo, or you’d like to send a new one, please email one to littlehayesn@bristol-schools.uk
It is amazing to see how well the children are settling, exploring our learning environments and finding out where everything belongs.
We Are Learning… To Notice and Talk about things we Observe in the Natural World
The children will be exploring the garden and noticing seasonal changes as autumn arrives.
Don’t forget, the children go 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 Listen and Join in with Stories, Rhymes and Poems
We are revisiting some traditional nursery rhymes using books, puppets and props, as well as learning some new ones.
Our core books this term focus on personal, social and emotional development (PSED) and the topics of feelings, separation, making friends and starting school. We have a daily story time and the children will be learning to retell some of the stories using story maps and props.
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 will make sure each child has a book bag and the opportunity to borrow books every Wednesday to share at home. Please let us know if your child doesn’t have a book bag.
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.
Starting School in September 2027
If your child was born between 1 September 2022 and 31 August 2023 they will be starting school (reception) in September 2027. You need to apply for a reception school place by 15 January 2027. Apply online at www.bristol.gov.uk/residents/schools-learning-and-early-years/school-admissions/primary-admissions/primary-apply
Now is a good time to visit schools before you make your choices. Many will have events and open evenings and details should be advertised on their websites.
Things to Remember to bring to Nursery
Daily:
- Snack time donations e.g. fresh fruit and vegetables (not dried fruit), plain, unsalted crackers, breadsticks, or unsalted rice or corn cakes, bread products (toast, crumpets, bagels), plain cream cheese or plain houmous
- A complete change of clothes, including socks
- A pair of wellington boots (these can be left at nursery)
- A warm coat and waterproof trousers
- A water bottle (no juice or squash please)
- Nappies and wipes (if your child uses them)
All possessions should be clearly named, especially clothes, shoes and lunch boxes.
A voluntary contribution of £1.00 per week, to cover the cost of ingredients for food activities, resources, music sessions and visiting specialists. We also greatly appreciate donations of nappy bags and boxes of tissues.
Independence
To help your child to be independent at nursery they should wear clothes and footwear that they can take off and put on themselves e.g. Velcro shoes and elastic trousers.
Please send them in clothes that you don’t mind getting dirty as we love to get messy at nursery!
Illness and absence
Please remember to call the office if your child is sick or absent from nursery on 0117 9030405. If your child has had diarrhoea or vomiting please ensure that they are free from symptoms for 48 hours before returning to nursery.
Dates for Your Diary
Term Dates 26-27
Term 1 – Thursday 3rd September 2026 to Friday 23rd October 2026
Term 2 – Monday 2nd November 2026 to Friday 18th December 2026
Term 3 – Monday 4th January 2027 to Friday 12th February 2027
Term 4 – Monday 22nd February 2027 to Thursday 25th March 2027
Term 5 – Monday 12th April 2027 to Friday 28th May 2027
Term 6 – Monday 7th June 2027 to Friday 23rd July 2027
INSET Days
Nursery will be closed for staff training (Inset) sessions on the following days.
Term 1 – Wednesday 14th October 2026 – Closed Whole Day
Term 2 – Wednesday 2nd December 2026 – Closed Whole Day
Term 3 – Wednesday 27th January 2027 – Closed Whole Day
Term 5 – Wednesday 19th May 2027 – Closed Half Day AM (8.30-11.30)
Term 6 – Wednesday 9th June 2027 – Closed Half Day PM (12.30-4.30)
Term 7 – Wednesday 7th July 2027 – Closed Whole Day