HOLLY BANK NEWSLETTER SUMMER TERM 2026

As summer approaches, we would like to thank you for your continued support and involvement in nursery life. It has been a wonderful term filled with exploration, discovery, and plenty of outdoor learning experiences.

Growing Through Nature

At nursery, we believe some of the most meaningful learning happens outdoors. This term, the children have spent lots of time connecting with nature through digging in the garden, searching for minibeasts, planting and caring for flowers, and enjoying imaginative outdoor play.

We are also delighted to share some exciting new additions to our outdoor spaces:

• Garden Reading Nook (Pre-School Garden)
  A calm, cosy space where children can enjoy stories surrounded by nature. This area encourages a love of books, imagination, and peaceful reflection outdoors. 
• Water Pump Station
  A firm favourite with the children! Through filling, pouring, and transporting water, children are developing early scientific thinking, problem-solving skills, and teamwork. 

Physical Development

Physical development continues to be a key focus across the nursery. Children have been building strength, coordination, and confidence through climbing, running, balancing, digging, and exploring our outdoor environments.

Our enhanced spaces allow children to challenge themselves safely while developing important lifelong skills.

Diary Dates

Over the coming term we have a couple of closures approaching, please take note of these days in case your child is due to attend

Monday 31st August –Summer Bank Holiday

Wednesday 14th October 2026 – Staff Training Day 

Staff Training Day - Wednesday 14th October 2026

The nursery will be closed for a Staff Training Day. These dedicated training opportunities are vital in ensuring all staff across the Portland Nurseries Group remain up to date with current practice, developments and changes within the Early Years sector. This enables us to continue providing the highest quality care and education for all children attending our nurseries

Last Day of Term - Friday 17th July 2026

The last day of the summer term for all term-time children.

Stay and Play Events

• Beach Party Stay and Play: Friday 28th August (10:30–12:00pm) 

Pre-School Graduation Picnic- For 2026 school leavers

• Monday 13th July (2:30–4:30pm) 

Working Together

Thank you to all families who have joined us for Stay and Play sessions and events this year. Your involvement makes a real difference to your child’s learning. We warmly encourage you to attend whenever possible, as these sessions help strengthen the partnership between home and nursery. If you have any skills, hobbies, or interests you would like to share with the children, please speak to a member of staff—we would love to welcome you in.

Family Photographs

We are updating our family displays and would love your support. Family photos help children feel secure, supported, and connected to home during their day at nursery. They also help children talk about the important people in their lives and build a strong sense of belonging.

Please send in a recent family photo (printed or emailed). This can include parents, carers, siblings, grandparents, pets, or anyone important to your child.

Celebrating Our Children

We are incredibly proud of all the children and the progress they have made this year. Every child has grown in confidence, independence, communication, and friendships.

We are especially proud of our preschool children as they prepare for their transition to school, and we look forward to celebrating this important milestone together.

Learning focus at the moment

Preschool

School Readiness, Independence & Confidence

This term is an exciting step in your child’s nursery journey as we gently focus on school readiness skills, helping children feel confident, independent, and prepared for their next stage.

We are supporting children to:

• Follow simple instructions and daily routines 
• Listen and join in group times 
• Build attention and concentration skills 
• Feel confident trying new experiences 

We are also encouraging greater independence, including:

• Dressing and undressing (coats, shoes, zips) 
• Looking after personal belongings 
• Using the toilet independently 
• Handwashing and self-care routines 
• Tidying up after activities 

These skills help children feel proud, capable, and ready for school life.

Relationships, Belonging & Social Skills

We are also focusing on helping children build strong relationships and a sense of belonging. We support children to:

• Play cooperatively with others 
• Share, take turns, and listen to friends 
• Build friendships and social confidence 
• Express their feelings using words 
• Follow simple rules and routines 

Children are also encouraged to make choices and take responsibility, such as:

• Choosing activities and resources 
• Helping with small classroom jobs 
• Making decisions during play 
• Solving simple problems with support 

Learning Through Play

All learning continues through fun, play-based experiences such as:

• Role play and imaginative games 
• Outdoor learning and group activities 
• Stories, songs, and circle time 
• Creative arts and construction 
• Small group and independent tasks 

Supporting Learning at Home

You can help support school readiness by:

• Encouraging your child to dress themselves 
• Practising sharing and turn-taking 
• Talking about feelings and friendships 
• Encouraging independence in daily routines 
• Reading stories together and asking questions 

We are looking forward to a fun and meaningful term where children grow in confidence, independence, and social skills.

Toddlers 

This term, our toddlers will explore a range of exciting, hands-on experiences that encourage curiosity, communication, and confidence through play.

Learning will include:

• Growing plants and caring for nature 
• Exploring minibeasts and outdoor discoveries 
• Learning about summer weather and seasonal change 
• Transport and travel experiences (please share holiday photos of transport journeys if you can!) 
• Healthy Me – focusing on food, hygiene, exercise, and self-care, including support with toilet training readiness 

We are also excited to share new resources in the room:

• Car ramps and large building blocks supporting construction, movement, and problem-solving 
• Potion Making Station in the Willow Garden, encouraging imaginative play, creativity, and early scientific thinking 

Babies

Our babies will continue to explore the world through sensory-rich experiences.

Activities include:

• Sensory play with different textures, sounds, and materials 
• Sandy footprints and early mark-making 
• Picnic-themed play to support social interaction and communication 

We are also excited about our new xylophone, which is supporting babies’ musical exploration, listening skills, and coordination.

Safegaurding

Mobile Phones

Please can I remind parents that the use of mobile phones on nursery premises is strictly prohibited, you must not take any photographs or videos at nursery or at any nursery events. Using your mobile phone breaks the statutory welfare requirements and is also a breach of safeguarding policies to which we must adhere.

Car Seats 

The safety and wellbeing of every child in our care is our highest priority. We would like to remind all families of the legal and safety requirements regarding the use of appropriate car seats when transporting children to and from nursery.

All children must be secured in a suitable, properly fitted car seat that meets current safety regulations. This is not only a legal requirement, but a critical measure to protect children from serious injury in the event of an accident.

Please be advised that if a staff member observes a child arriving at or leaving the nursery without being secured in an appropriate car seat, this will be reported in line with safeguarding procedures. In such circumstances, we will not release the child until a suitable car seat is provided to ensure their safe journey.

We understand that situations can occasionally arise unexpectedly; however, children’s safety cannot be compromised. We appreciate your cooperation in helping us maintain a safe environment for all children.

Further Information

Summer Reminders

Please help us keep children safe and comfortable in warm weather:

• Apply sun cream before nursery (if possible) 
• Provide a named sun hat daily 
• Dress children in light, breathable clothing 
• Avoid Crocs, as they can increase the risk of slips and falls during active play 

Thank You

Thank you for your continued support and generosity with donations. These resources greatly enrich the children’s learning experiences.

We are always grateful for donations such as wooden toys, dressing-up clothes, hats, kitchen roll tubes, shells, plants, and natural materials.

Looking Ahead

Summer is a wonderful time for exploring the outdoors, making memories, and learning through real-life experiences. We would love to see your adventures shared on ParentZone.

We also have home learning bags available, including:

• Potty training 
• Oral health 
• Feelings and emotions (The Colour Monster) 

We wish all our families a wonderful summer and look forward to seeing you at upcoming events.