We Are Learning… To Settle, Build Relationships and find out about the people in our Key Group
We have been busy settling in to Owl Class, finding out which groups we are in, learning each others’ names and remembering where we meet. It has been amazing to see how well the children are settling, exploring our learning environments and finding out where everything belongs.
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?
Purple, green or blue?
We will be creating family boards and the children will enjoy sharing their family photos and talking about them. It would be lovely if you could send us a family photo. Please email one to speedwell.n@bristol-schools.uk
We Are Learning… To Notice and Talk about things that we observe 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 in nursery and waterproof trousers will be very useful on rainy days.
Please name all items. Thank you.
We Are Learning… To Listen to and Join in with Stories, Rhymes and Poems
At the start of term we are revisiting traditional and sometimes familiar nursery rhymes using books, puppets and props.
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 (see below) and props.
A Few Things to Remember…
- Your child needs bag with a change of clothes (including socks) in nursery every day– just in case.
- All possessions should be clearly named, especially clothes, shoes and lunch boxes.
- A voluntary contribution of £1.50 per week, to cover the cost of ingredients for food activities, resources and visiting entertainers
- A box of tissues each term
- Please return any borrowed nursery clothes as soon as possible so that we can use them again.
Starting School in September 2025
Don’t forget that children who were born between 1 September 2021 and 31 August 2022 will be starting school (reception) in September 2026.
Applications must be made before 15 January 2026. Now is a good time to visit schools, and many will have events and open evenings.
Check on their websites for a handy guide and useful links for a positive transition to school, visit www.bristolearlyyears.org.uk/transition/
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)
- Term 6 – Wednesday 1st July – Whole Day