NEWS

A big part of our ethos here at St. Michael's is well being and mindfulness. From the babies right through to kindergarten, the children enjoy a wide range of experiences to support their curiosity, awe, wonder, social and emotional development. Treasure baskets, a variety of instrumental music, puppets, gardening, snipping herbs, talking about what we love about our life, making calming down jars, building a bug hotel, snacks in the garden and playing with clay are all thing

It is National Apprenticeship Week and as always, it’s a moment for us to celebrate and highlight our wonderful apprentices. Apprenticeships are an ideal way to study while earning a wage and also having day to day advice and learning from our qualified and experienced staff.  Nursery Manager Sarah Sexon is proud to offer apprenticeships and has seen many stay in our team who have grown into new and exciting roles from accounts, to team leaders to SEN champions and key worke

We recently blogged about the importance of keeping the Christmas spirit going through into January and we have been looking at plans for the year ahead.  The Ladybirds and Butterflies are crafting towards a new display board for the ‘New Year’. There has been much chatter and excitement with the lead up to the RSPB Big Garden Bird Watch next week.  Our 0-2 years group really enjoy their elivated position overlooking our large garden and enjoy bird watching. By late afternoo

Vegetable curry was the dish of the day during Hedgehogs cookery session this week. For many children starting in Dragonflies this year, this was their very first cookery session with Emma Hedge. They began looking at the vegetables and noticing the size, weight, colour and texture. They named the ingredients; carrots, sweet potato, peppers, leeks and broccoli. Then under adult guidance they used the child safety knives to chop the vegetables safely. Emma noted that they

We love playing outside in all weathers throughout winter! Puddle jumping, noticing the patterns of the frost and feeling the ice. However, there are those days, (particularly yellow weather warning days), where we make gigantic obstacle courses inside, ramps for the toy cars, cones, slide and even the little scuttle bikes. Great fun! Following on the obstacle theme, the children have been making their own ramps and enjoying water play outside in the garden. They have been

WHY? Are you still hearing the song ‘Jingle Bells’ on the journey home? Does your child still hum away to the tune of ‘Christmas Turkey’? Yep, so are we.  Our display boards are still adorned with Christmas cheer.  Christmas themed books are still in the bookcase.  Christmas cards, envelopes and glue are still available in the art room. Children have returned to nursery this week excited to see their friends and the team. As early years practitioners, we recognise that this i

Collaborative group art has been popular with the children decorating 'Elfie' and the 'Gingerbread Man'. They have been enjoying dancing, party games and playing with the colourful parachute. In Forest School, the children have been making wooden baubles using the hand drill. We had a wonderful time at Petroc visiting the 'North Pole' and even met Santa!

Dancing, decorating the Christmas tree, stories, twinkling lights and making (eco-friendly & wildlife safe) reindeer food are just some of the exciting things that Dragonflies have been enjoying.

Father Christmas visited on Tuesday much to the delight of the children and the team. Children have been singing, dancing, enjoying stories and songs. There has been much to explore on the sensory table and of course lots of colourful art work too. We wish you all a very Happy Christmas from the 0-2 team!

We've had a fun morning making Christmas hats and decorating Christmas cookies. Before we knew it, sleigh bells were heard on the roof and it wasn't long before children were giggling in delight and belting out the festive tunes for Father Christmas to hear. Ho! Ho! Ho! He made his way around all the playrooms and gave out presents with plenty of Christmas cheer! Thank you to Liz for cooking the most delicious Christmas lunch for the children and the team to enjoy.