Animal time
31 Jan 12
The children at Holly Bank had a special visit from Zoo Lab last week. The Rangers brought along a very interesting collection of animals for the children to examine, from giant snails, to rats and snakes! The children took it in turns to hold and stroke the animals while learning about the way they move, the textures of their skin and their natural habitats.
Manager Karen
Kong Xi Fai Choy
24 Jan 12
The children, parents and staff came together to celebrate Chinese New Year at Oakwood's latest Stay and Play. Everyone got the change to eat nooddles with chopsticks which they thoroughly enjoyed! They made lanterns and New Years cards and the children danced in the dragon they had made. Staff member Hayley came dressed in traditional Chinese dress and Gwynne who is from Singapore brought in a beautiful silk
The Horse Chestnut Project
17 Jan 12
Oakwood House Forest School will be launching a new project this year, an outdoor learning eco hut within the nursery grounds 'Project Horse Chestnut'
Samantha Richmond the manager at Oakwood explains " We have always wanted to set up an outdoor eco hut for the children so they can experience a new learning environment. Recently we had to say goodbye to one of our oldest trees, a beautiful
Frosty Day
17 Jan 12
The toddlers at Portland House have been exploring the frosty weather in the nursery garden. Their favourite part of the day was holding icicles in their hands and watching them melt.
Children prefer lots of colours and choices on their plates.
10 Jan 12
A study conducted by London Metropolitan University and Corell University in New York, found that children preferred more items and colours in their plates, while adults tended to like just three items with three colours.
Scientists found youngsters were more willing to clear their plate when there was more colour and choice than adults would typically choose.
Ideally, parents should place seven different items
Double celebration Ofsted ‘Outstanding’
09 Jan 12
Clare_Bootland_Assistant_team_Leader_(L)1_250_250_c1.jpg)
Portland House, Lindley and Harlequin Nursery, Edgerton are celebrating Ofsted grading’s of “Outstanding” Both nurseries from the Portland Nurseries group were inspected shortly before Christmas and found to be “Outstanding” in every aspect of their provision.
Outstanding is the highest judgment that can be made by an Ofsted inspector and is given only when there is exceptional childcare provision that
Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ for Harlequin
04 Jan 12
_Deputy_Lousie_Marshall_(R)_250_250_c1.jpg)
We are delighted to announce that Harlequin Nursery, Edgerton have been awarded “Outstanding” in their latest Ofsted inspection. Outstanding is the highest judgment that can be made by an Ofsted inspector and is given only when there is exceptional childcare provision that greatly exceeds national standards. Harlequin is the second nursery in the Portland Nurseries group to achieve Outstanding in the last two months.
Harlequin
Harlequin Festive Stay and Play
23 Dec 11
We had a fantastic Stay and Play yesterday evening at Harlequin. Children and parent's made magic Reindeer dust to sprinkle outside on Christmas Eve. There was snow and ice play and pine cone printing too. The parents were also treated to a special carol concert by the children (which made at least two people cry!)
Thank you to everyone who came along and for all your
Crafty Christmas
23 Dec 11
Parents and children got crafty at Portland's latest Stay and Play. Kirsty and her Daddy coloured Rudolph in and Anastasio and his mummy painted a Christmas tree together. Thank you to all the parents who have supported our Stay and Play's over the year. We hope to see you all next year.
Stay and Play Dates 2012
Themes
• January Festival
Holly Bank Christmas Stay and Play
21 Dec 11
The Bluebells had their Christmas Stay and Play on Tuesday afternoon at Holly Bank. Children and parents made snow flakes and baubles, festive shapes out of Plasticine and sang their favourite Christmas songs and carols. We hope to see you all next year. Thank you to all the parents for coming along throughout the year.
Stay and Play Dates 2012
9th Jan - Bubbles - Babies,