Investigation Hub and Discovery Hub at Deckham

Outside this week, the children have enjoyed using various tools and containers to explore compost, linked to their interest in digging. They have also been planting sunflower seeds. These looked different in size and colour to the cress seeds and beans we planted last week. We wonder how tall our sunflowers will grow! 

We have had coloured water, petals from the cherry blossom tree, and flowers in our outdoor water tray this week. The children have used the materials to make “soup” and “milkshake”, amongst other imaginative ideas. 

On Tuesday afternoon, some of the children enjoyed another session of yoga. This week the theme was ‘disco’, and the children enjoyed moving with pom-poms. Some of the dance moves they did with their pom-poms focused upon crossing the midline of their bodies with their arms. As the children develop this ability using large movements in their early years, it builds foundations for later learning, for example for writing as they develop the ability to move a pen from left to right. They learned some new yoga poses and balances, and had lots of fun! 

Our newest children are settling so well into nursery, having more visits this week without their parents – we are very proud of you all, well done! 

In the Investigation Hub, the children have continued to enjoy and develop their understanding of the story ‘Jack and the Beanstalk’, including using construction materials to create a castle, and drawing pictures of the giant, thinking about the different features to add. 

The children had so much fun participating in our ‘Jelly Beans’ physical activity this week. They ran on the spot like ‘runner beans’; they stretched out wide like ‘broad beans’ and they wobbled like ‘Jelly Beans’! The different movements kept them engaged and helped develop their coordination, balance and listening skills. 

Investigation Hub story of the week: Jack and the Beanstalk 

Discovery Hub story of the week: Five Little Ducks 

Song of the week: Ten Green Bottles 

Sign of the week: Grow

Sensory Hub

This week in the Sensory Hub, the children have shown a great interest in water play. They have enjoyed splashing, filling, emptying and squeezing the water out of sponges. 

The children have shown enjoyment in a range of other activities throughout the week, including colour mixing exploration and mark making, using a variety of materials. The children have also had a great time running, climbing and exploring the garden.

Parents as Partners

As part of our ongoing focus on keeping all children safe, we kindly ask that at drop-off you take your child to their carpet area and hand them over to a member of staff. At collection time, please also come to the carpet area, where a member of staff will hand your child over to you.

While in nursery, we ask that you keep hold of your child’s hand at all times, particularly when leaving, as it is a very busy environment at the moment with lots of new faces. These measures really help us to ensure everyone’s safety.

In addition to this, if you are using the Family Hub during the day, please remember that children remain the responsibility of their parent/carer. The centre staff kindly ask that you supervise your child closely and keep them nearby at all times, as this is a busy space with lots of people coming and going.

Finally, just a reminder that nursery will be closed on Monday due to the bank holiday. We’ll see you on Tuesday morning!

Have a wonderful bank holiday weekend.