A continuous provision, or environment that is familiar to children is an important feature or a high quality nursery setting.  It allows children to explore their surroundings with greater depth and skill development.  However, it is important for nursery staff to observe and reflect on the provision and enhance, develop or take away resources to support progress in learning at a time that is right, or when interest or curiosity presents.

There have been a couple of new additions to the nursery environment this week.  We have introduced a smaller darker tent, so children can explore light and dark.  We have also introduced some textured mark making resources in a tuff tray with shaving foam and writing implements.  The shaving foam has an interesting texture which allows children to be interested in the sensory aspects of touching and playing with it.  It also is easily manipulated allow marks to be make with a brush or finger.

We have welcomed our student into our setting this week, she will be joining us on Fridays and Mondays.

A pop up ambulance has been added to our environment too.  This is supplementing the doctor’s role play area.  Children have been speaking about being a paramedic and also caring for others as they are brought to the doctor’s in the ambulance.

After the sad news of the Queen passing this week, we have also introduced some red, white and blue playdough to our playdough area.  This has sparked conversation about colours, the Union Jack flag, the Queen and the new King.

We have made dairy free scones this week in baking with Emma.  They were delicious and of course everyone could have a try of the same recipe.

We have noticed how much colder the weather has been.  This has led us to speak about changes in the seasons and we have been looking for signs of changes in the natural environment on our community walks.

We have also been spotting shapes and numbers in the signs around our community.  We have linked this learning to shape and pattern, noticing the shapes inside and outside whilst in the setting and on the website “Topmarks” .  There are lots of super interactive games to discover for Early Years there.  Early Years – Topmarks Search

All of our usual activities in our discovery, creative, social and outdoor zones have been engaged with this week by all of our children as we play and learn together.  We solve problems, speak, sing, rhyme and communicate.  We notice things and speak bout what we notice and experience.  We work together and we have fun!

Please be reminded that we are closed on Monday 19th September.  Have a lovely weekend everyone!