Al Fresco Sleeping at the Nursery
Al fresco sleeping for children is NOT a new concept, and has been advocated by several Early Years pioneers and theorists throughout history.
One of its earliest advocated was Friedrich Frobel, the German educator who founded the first kindergarten in the 19th century. He believed that children should spend as much time as possible outdoors and that sleeping outside was particularly beneficial for their health and well-being.
He designed special outdoor sleeping arrangements for his kindergarten children, which included beds made of straw and covered by a canopy to protect them from the elements.
Another pioneer was Maria Montessori who believed that children should have access to nature and the outdoors, and that sleeping outside could help to promote their physical and mental health. She designed special sleeping arrangements for her students, which included outside cots.
In more recent times, Scandinavian countries have been at the forefront. In Norway and Sweden, it is common for young children to nap outside in all seasons, even in cold and snowy weather. It is believed to have numerous benefits, including improved sleep quality, better immune function and increased exposure to nature.
While there may be some concerns around safety and comfort, many educators and parents believe that the benefits by far outweigh the disadvantages. We take into account the weather conditions, the availability of safe and appropriate outdoor sleeping arrangements and the level of supervision and support. It is important to ensure that children are not exposed to extreme conditions, which may include providing appropriate UVA shelter, clothing and bedding.
A full risk assessment has been completed before we started this venture. If you have any concerns, please feel free to speak to a member of staff.
Fathers’ Day Forest School
We had a special Fathers’ Day Forest School at the nursery to allow the children to show their skills that they had learned whilst at Forest School.
We had lots of visitors and the children couldn’t wait to get started. We commenced the session by singing our Forest School Song, and then went over the Forest school rules to make sure we all stayed safe.
We set out a variety of different Forest School activities with the father and grandfathers all taking part. We had a frozen leaf activity, with the children using a hammer to smash up the ice to see what leaves we could find inside. This involved good hand-eye co-ordination and good listening to ensue that nobody's fingers got hurt.
We had leaf printing, which was a huge success, printing the leaves onto our giant paint pad. The branch-cutting activity, using the giant cutters, showed how skilled and aware the children have become in using tools.
We then had a snack and a cold drink and then we explored the vegetable garden, and it was explained how the children participate in watering, keeping the garden clean and watching the vegetables grow.
To finish, we explored the obstacle course and had some free play time.
A big thank you to all the dads and grandparents for coming and we hope you enjoyed the Forest School.
Sponsored walk for the Crackerjacks Children’ Trust
RThe Nursery raised almost £2,000 in a sponsored walk for the Crackerjacks Children’ Trust. The funds will go to provide vital specialised equipment for disabled children. Well done everybody!
New Galleon
A new addition to our outdoor resources is our magnificent new galleon. The children are totally fascinated by it, and we look forward to seeing many generations of pirates enjoying hours and hours of fun sailing the Spanish Main, here in Maesbury.
New Allotment
New Obstacle Course
New Obstacle Course
Our latest venture.. Our little allotments for the children to grow their own vegetables. Last week the children planted beans, potatoes, carrots and beetroot. This week they have added radish and lettuce. We have also had some donations of tomato and cucumber plants which we are so grateful for.
New Obstacle Course
New Obstacle Course
New Obstacle Course
All has been revealed and we can't wait to show you all. Our new and exciting obstacle course on the main field. Hearing the excitement in the children as they peek through has been wonderful.
Children's mental health awareness week
1st - 7th February
Its important more than ever to appreciate the difficulties our children are facing in these very difficult times and to realise just how wonderful they are all coping.. our little hero's.
This week we are honouring this by reading lots of stories such as ' guess how much I love you ' 'Elmer ' stories about friendship and our feeling's, with lots of different picture cards to show different emotions.
During circle time we are talking to the children about what makes us happy, sad and worried. We will be explaining that sometimes its ok to feel sad, or a little bit differently.
On our writing table we have the mirrors out for the children to draw different facial expression. Or to make a picture for someone special, and pictures to go home to someone important to them.
We will be doing lots of music and movement, as what better way to make us feel happy by singing and dancing.
Nursery Rhyme week
16th - 20th November
This is a very exciting week in the nursery as it's dedicated to "Nursery Rhymes" themed crafts and activities.
Remember fancy dress on Wednesday if you would like to join in
Remembrance Weekend
The Tiger who came to tea
This weekend is remembrance day, at nursery we will be making poppies as our way of showing our respects.
We will also be collecting any donations if you would like to contribute.
Lets not forget
The Tiger who came to tea
The Tiger who came to tea
The Tiger visited nursery today and had afternoon tea with us all in the garden!
Toddler room are exploring the story and making their own colourful masks on the creative area and on the mark making tables are creating their own 'invitations'. They have made a post box using red paint and junk modelling too!
Brilliant job ladies, the children were mesmerised
SUMMER HOLIDAY KIDS CLUB!!
Fun filled and action packed childcare during the summer holidays for children aged 5-11.
There are half and full day options where you can decide to bring a packed lunch or we can provide nutritious delicious meals.
We are Ofsted registered and our dedicated staff offer the highest standard of care possible encouraging the children to grow, thrive and most importantly - have a great time!
Sports Relief
Getting ready for Sports Relief on Friday!!
Sponsored crawls and walks plus our own guessing game involving children and staff!
Dress up sporty and enjoy our own Unicorn Nursery Sports Relief! Medals to win, Fun to be had... A difference can be made! 🏃♀️🏅
Update
🌟🌟 A massive 'Well Done' to all the children, parents and staff that took part in our charity event for SPORTS RELIEF today! 👏 We raised a great amount and it's looking above the £100 mark at the moment.... So a BIG THANK YOU to everybody that sponsored and helped out!! 🌟 🌟
Forest School now open
Forest School now open
Forest School now open
We are delighted to announce that our Forest School is now up and running.
A one and a half acre site, our own Forest School is full of incredible teaching resources, all based in the former Maesbury Primary School.
Run by teachers, so that your child is educated, not just managed
Bug House
Forest School now open
Forest School now open
Exciting news at Unicorn Nursery Maesbury. Our bug houses have been built in the forest school using recycled items donated by the local community
Our children love learning about nature.
Morrison's Donation
Forest School now open
Morrison's Donation
Thank you to Morrison's in Oswestry for their kind donations of plants and soft fruit shrubs. All have now been planted and will be watered when the children arrive back from their summer holidays.
The children will love watching them grow