Fabulous New Ofsted Report for Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Fabulous New Ofsted Report for Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Fabulous New Ofsted Report for Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley
A fabulous new Ofsted report is out for Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley. Published on 30 September 2025, it follows an inspection earlier that month. Parents and local families will be delighted to learn that, once again, Little Acorns Nursery was rated as ‘Good’ across all categories. That’s a high rating for overall effectiveness, the quality of education, the behaviour and attitudes of those attending, the personal development of staff, and the quality of leadership and management at the setting. A clean sweep! It’s news that will instil confidence in families that are considering enrolling a child at the nursery, and a clear demonstration that little ones who attend will benefit enormously — and be kept safe.

“What is it like to attend this early years setting?”

“The provision is good” — Ofsted.

  • Ofsted's latest report (Sept 2025) rates Little Acorns Nursery 'Good' in every category.Overall effectiveness: Good
  • The quality of education: Good
  • Behaviour and attitudes: Good
  • Personal development: Good
  • Leadership and management: Good

Let’s take a look at some of the positive findings and encouraging comments from the Ofsted Inspector who prepared this latest report.

  • Children Feel Happy, Settled,
    Safe & Secure at the Nursery

    The Ofsted Inspector could clearly see that children at Little Acorns are happy and feel at home at the nursery:

    “Children are happy and settled at the nursery… Staff help children to learn important language, such as to describe their feelings. This helps children to feel safe and secure at the nursery.” — Ofsted.

    She later also remarked that staff “are responsive to children’s needs, feelings and moods” and “encourage children to express and say what they feel,” later concluding in the report that “Children’s well-being is supported effectively.”

  • A Positive Attitude to Learning

    As the Ofsted Inspector said in her report, “Children make good progress in their learning of the nursery’s curriculum”, and she recognised the positive approach to children’s learning at the setting:

    “Leaders are ambitious for children’s learning and development. They are clear about the knowledge that they want children to learn and why.” — Ofsted.

    And, with that in mind, it was clear to the Inspector that children’s learning and development are nurtured well by thoughtful and attentive staff:

    “Staff know the children well. They provide meaningful learning opportunities that build on children’s interests effectively… Children demonstrate a positive attitude to their learning.” — Ofsted.

  • Children’s Personal Development is Promoted Well

    Ofsted’s report also points out that children’s personal development is nurtured very effectively, resulting in them becoming independent and “confident in their own abilities.”

    “Leaders make certain that staff promote children’s personal development well. Children benefit from the many opportunities that staff provide to help them to become independent.” — Ofsted.

  • Help Making Friends

    The Ofsted Inspector also recognised the nursery’s positive role in helping babies and children socialise and make friends:

    “They develop important knowledge about how to make friends because of staff’s skilful help. Babies show curiosity and are inquisitive about others. Older children are confident when meeting new people.” — Ofsted.

  • Help Developing Physical Skills

    The way the nursery and its practitioners help children develop physical skills was also picked up in the latest Ofsted report. The Inspector sang the praises of the ‘thoughtful’ early years practitioners and the appropriateness of equipment:

    “The nursery provides plenty of opportunities for children to develop essential physical skills. For example, staff working with babies provide climbing equipment, such as low-level steps, for babies to explore how they can move their bodies. Staff working with older children provide them with access to large equipment, such as the outdoor slide and wheeled ride-on toys. Children delight in testing out how strong they have become because of the thoughtful help of the nursery.” — Ofsted.

  • Strong Safeguarding at the Nursery

    Ofsted’s inspector applauded the nursery’s “effective” safeguarding arrangements:

    “There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children’s interests first.” — Ofsted.

    She also recognised recent safeguarding enhancements. With regard to possible allergens, for example, she remarked:

    “The provider ensures that known allergies for children are identified, understood and managed well… It is now a nut-free nursery. Staff have attended relevant training and leaders have strengthened risk assessments.” — Ofsted.

    And, with regard to security, she noted the excellent measures in place:

    “The provider ensures that the premises are safe and secure […] additional locks and entrance bells have been added to the nursery’s external gate. Staff understand their responsibility to ensure that external doors are locked and that they adhere to the nursery’s risk assessments. Leaders ensure that children are adequately supervised. This ensures the safety of children.” — Ofsted.

  • Staff Recognised

    Another key area that Ofsted inspectors look at is staffing. For example, are staff happy, are they adequately supervised and managed by leaders, and are they given the opportunity to grow? Well, as the ‘Good’ ratings for ‘Personal Development’ and ‘Leadership & Management’ in this latest report testify, it was a resounding ‘yes’ on all counts. The Inspector recognised that the leaders ‘ensure the smooth running of the nursery’ and support the work of staff. She went on to report:

    “leaders ensure that supervisions for staff are effective and include opportunities to discuss individual staff’s training and development needs. Staff receive effective coaching from leaders that improves the quality of education that children receive.” — Ofsted.

Click here to view/download the September 2025 Ofsted Report for Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley.

Little Acorns Nursery: a High-Quality Childcare Service in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, ChorleyLittle Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.As the latest Ofsted report testifies, Little Acorns Nursery is a great choice if you’re looking for a high-quality childcare service in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley. We’re open virtually all year round, support funded childcare places for children aged 9 months to 4 years (inclusive), and give under-fives the best start in life. Contact us today to arrange a guided visit to the nursery, ask any questions, or enrol your child for a nursery place. We can’t wait to meet you!

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns is an award-winning nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley, Central Lancashire, and may also represent a convenient choice for families living nearby in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland, and Penwortham.

/by
How to Create a Fairy Garden for National Children’s Gardening Week
, , , , , , , ,

How to Create a Fairy Garden for National Children’s Gardening Week

How to Create a Fairy Garden for National Children’s Gardening Week

Today, we suggest a wonderful gardening-related activity that's perfect for young children.National Children’s Gardening Week arrives in late May and is the perfect time for young children to get involved in gardening activities. In celebration of the event, we describe a wonderful gardening-related activity that’s small-scale, easy, fun, and educational — perfect for little ones! The finished result is also rather magical and, once complete, lends itself to imaginative play. Today, we outline how children can make their own miniature fairy gardens. These are a great way to introduce little ones to creative gardening at a child-friendly scale. Under parent supervision* and largely using scavenged materials from outdoors, under-fives can let their imaginations run free and get creative! What’s more, the results are simply enchanting and will bring magic and a whole lot of delight to young children!

Take a look at some of the examples we show below and you’ll quickly see how enchanting the results can be. Shown are just a few of the many magical mini gardens that are possible using simple, natural, materials and a sprinkling of creativity. They are sure to inspire children to attempt their own fairy garden creations. Whether children call them fairy gardens, magical gardens, or mini gardens is up to them. Indeed, they may even think of them as mini kingdoms where imagined adventures are ready to unfold! This is a wonderful open-ended activity for kids that’s perfect for National Children’s Gardening Week. Enjoy!

When is National Children’s Gardening Week?

National Children's Gardening Week runs from the 24th of May to the 1st of June 2025.National Children’s Gardening Week begins on the 24th of May this year (2025) and runs until the 1st of June. The timing is no coincidence as it’s generally a warm week and therefore perfect for gardening and growing plants and flowers. What’s more, it also spans the half-term school holiday that most schools recognise in the last week of May.

The Aims of National Children’s Gardening Week

National Children’s Gardening Week is designed to inspire youngsters to get involved in gardening-related activities. It’s timed to arrive during a traditionally warm time of year when seeds, plants, and flowers grow fast. With such timing, they’ll see the fruits of their labour in a short space of time — sometimes literally! That’s great for little ones who may not have mastered the art of patience!

Gardening teaches children so much. Through gardening-related activities, they can spend time outdoors* in the fresh air and enjoy the many different benefits of spending time closer to nature. They’ll discover new skills and learn about living things, the world around them, and their place within it. Through such endeavours, they’ll better understand the circle of life and the need to care for living things. They’ll learn about taking responsibility, the importance of empathy, cause and effect, and so much more. It’ll also be fulfilling, enjoyable, and fabulous for their physical and mental well-being. Learn more about the benefits of spending time around nature for children here.

* (Appropriate adult supervision is essential for children, especially the youngest, when playing, exploring, and foraging outdoors. This includes the assessment and oversight of fairy garden assembly including age-appropriate component choices).

Fairy Garden Inspiration for Your Child

With that explained, let’s begin by showing 24 wonderful fairy garden examples to inspire you and your child. Click an image for a larger view and caption:

Child's fairy garden with moss, pebble path and feature rock covered in tin foil.
Child's fairy garden with moss, pebble path and feature rock covered in tin foil.
Fairy garden on rustic tray with moss, sedum plants, and feature rocks.
Fairy garden on rustic tray with moss, sedum plants, and feature rocks.
Child's fairy garden in a flowerpot with feature rock, seashells and growing plants.
Child's fairy garden in a flowerpot with feature rock, seashells and growing plants.
Another fairy garden in a flowerpot with growing pansies, feature rock, moss and stones.
Another fairy garden in a flowerpot with growing pansies, feature rock, moss and stones.
Flower pot mini garden with mosses, flower heads and lichen.
Flower pot mini garden with mosses, flower heads and lichen.
Mini fairy garden on a log with seashells, moss and growing flowers.
Mini fairy garden on a log with seashells, moss and growing flowers.
Mini fairy garden on a log with seashells, mossy outcrop and lichen.
Mini fairy garden on a log with seashells, mossy outcrop and lichen.
Fairy garden on a metal tray with seashells, feature rocks, fern and flower heads on mossy islands.
Fairy garden on a metal tray with seashells, feature rocks, fern and flower heads on mossy islands.
Fairy garden on a metal tray with seashells, feature rocks, flower heads and stick path.
Fairy garden on a metal tray with seashells, feature rocks, flower heads and stick path.
Fairy garden on a wooden tray with seashells, feature rocks, flower heads and plants.
Fairy garden on a wooden tray with seashells, feature rocks, flower heads and plants.
Mini garden with moss, seashells, feature rock and pebble stream.
Mini garden with moss, seashells, feature rock and pebble stream.
Fairy garden on a wooden tray with shells, feature rocks, flowers and fir tree foliage used to represent bushes or trees.
Fairy garden on a wooden tray with shells, feature rocks, flowers and fir tree foliage used to represent bushes or trees.
Fairy garden on a shallow tin box base with shells, feature rock, stream, and flowers.
Fairy garden on a shallow tin box base with shells, feature rock, stream, and flowers.
Fairy garden on a rock with pebble path and little house.
Fairy garden on a rock with pebble path and little house.
Fairy garden on a rock with pebble path, seashells and little house.
Fairy garden on a rock with pebble path, seashells and little house.
Child's simple fairy garden with rustic house, seashells, moss lawn and mini trees made of fir tree fronds.
Child's simple fairy garden with rustic house, seashells, moss lawn and mini trees made of fir tree fronds.
Simple fairy garden in wooden frame with moss for grass, toy house and pebbles.
Simple fairy garden in wooden frame with moss for grass, toy house and pebbles.
Advanced fairy garden design with mosses, toy house, imitation trees and a magical feel.
Advanced fairy garden design with mosses, toy house, imitation trees and a magical feel.
Fairy garden on a log slice with moss, pebbles, sticks and pretend trees.
Fairy garden on a log slice with moss, pebbles, sticks and pretend trees.
Fairy garden on a log slice with simple rustic house, moss, pebbles, sticks and pretend trees.
Fairy garden on a log slice with simple rustic house, moss, pebbles, sticks and pretend trees.
Very simple fairy garden design from above.
Very simple fairy garden design from above.
Beautiful fairy garden design with different mosses to denote bushes, sticks for trees and house focal point.
Beautiful fairy garden design with different mosses to denote bushes, sticks for trees and house focal point.
Lovely fairy garden denoting woodland scene with corrugated cardboard and stick houses, twig trees, sticks, pebbles, and moss.
Lovely fairy garden denoting woodland scene with corrugated cardboard and stick houses, twig trees, sticks, pebbles, and moss.
Wooden tray fairy garden with moss, simple rustic house and pebbles.
Wooden tray fairy garden with moss, simple rustic house and pebbles.

As you can see, each fairy garden is made almost entirely of natural materials that have been scavenged from the outdoors. Parents can help children find such things and, of course, supervision outdoors is paramount for young children. The types of materials that are perfect for making fairy gardens include:

  • Loose compost or sieved earth, which can be shaped to form the foundation of the fairy garden structure;
  • Different types of moss, some of which can be carefully laid onto the shaped earth or compost and used to represent grassy lawns and hills, while other types can represent bushes;
  • Small pebbles, which can represent footpaths, stepping stones, or even standing stones;
  • Medium-sized rustic rocks, which can be used to represent rocky outcrops, small cliffs, and focal points;
  • Small sticks and twigs, which can represent trees or be used for picket fencing boundaries or paths;
  • See shells, which are perfect for introducing a magical feel and can be used as attractive decorations;
  • Small pieces of driftwood from the beach, which can represent tree trunks and suchlike;
  • Tin foil to mould into miniature ponds, lakes or streams or to cover rocks that are used as magical features;
  • Small seedlings or picked flowers, which (under supervision) can be pushed into mossy mounds to add a bit of colour and beauty;
  • Small fir tree sprigs which, when placed vertically into mounded moss, will look like trees;
  • Plus other small props to add details that will appeal to a child, for example, a little wooden house that a child may already have in their toy collection. Other options are (when age-appropriate) miniature figures, small animal models, and so on. These are a great way to add characters to fairy gardens in readiness for the creation of stories and interesting adventure scenarios in the child’s play. They are the finishing touch that can bring the fairy garden to life!

How to Assemble a Child’s Fairy Garden

First, your child will need a small space in or on which to build the fairy garden. Although this could be a small, unused area in the garden, something more portable would be better so the fairy garden can be created somewhere convenient like on a garden table, on a raised flowerbed, in a potting shed, etc. A medium-sized flower pot filled three-quarters with soil, a shallow tin, a flat section of log, or a flat rock — as shown in many of the examples — would make perfect portable bases for mini gardens to sit on. A kitchen tray or seed tray could also be suitable as a base, particularly if the final creation will be housed indoors and children intend to water them to keep the moss and any plants alive.

TIP: Sometimes, it’s useful to get a head-start with the main base by choosing a log, flowerpot, or rock that already has some moss established. This saves time and also means the moss will hold more firmly from the outset. Be mindful not to harm any minibeasts living there though – teach kindness to little ones.

If starting from scratch, a little soil or compost needs to go on first to form the structural ‘landscape’ of the scene, shaped creatively to the child’s preference. Although a flat mini landscape will work, an undulating format will add extra interest to the final scene. For instance, children could shape this ‘foundational’ base to form a hillside, valley, or simple slope. Such things will eventually allow for intriguing details and picturesque focal points, particularly once covered in a thin layer of short moss to represent grass. Longer or more bulbous types of moss can be great for representing bushes, while fir tree sprigs make wonderful trees if stood on end and secured upright by pushing into the moss and underlying soil. A hillside with trees or bushes surrounding a miniature house will look fabulous as in some of the photo examples provided today. Lower levels may be perfect places to make ponds or streams. Once such foundations are in place, paths can be represented using carefully placed pebbles. For larger fairy gardens, children can consider introducing bigger components like standing stones, or rocks used to represent cliffs and rocky outcrops. Small seashells and even small flowers with stems pushed into the moss can be nice decorative touches to take creations to the next, beautiful level. Children can occasionally water the final creation to keep the moss moist, green, and alive.

The beauty of this activity is that children (and parents) can let their imaginations run riot! And, who knows; the activity could even lead to a life-long interest in model making and the creative arts! Children will love the finished result and can interact to create stories, different scenarios, and adventures using their wonderfully organic and magical scenes.

Support for the EYFS

Speaking of creative arts and crafts, this activity is also a great way to support the specific ‘Expressive Arts and Design’ area of focus within the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) curriculum. It’s indeed the perfect opportunity to spark children’s imaginations and creativity and perhaps even result in some role-playing.

Another area of the EYFS that’s supported by this activity is ‘Physical Development’ as children will need to be dextrous in order to carefully place items like moss and other components within their fairy gardens. It will require fine motor skills and good hand-eye coordination.

‘Understanding the World’ is another area of the EYFS that’ll be well-supported by this activity. Children will learn more about nature, the world around them and some of its flora and fauna. And, if they decide to try to keep their fairy gardens alive through watering and perhaps even selective plant-growing, it’ll teach them important lessons about responsibility and the care of living things.

Have a wonderful time with your fairy gardens! They’re great fun, rather magical for little ones, and superb settings to use as focal points for imaginative play!

Nursery Places Available in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.If you’d like your under-five child to get the best start in life in a first-class childcare setting near Chorley, consider a nursery place at Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods. Here, we understand just how important nature is to children and that’s one of the many reasons why Forest School was introduced to the setting. That’s along with a high-quality curriculum that brings out the best in every child, fabulous facilities indoors and out, and an enviable reputation for excellence. Ours is a home-from-home environment too, where children are part of the Little Acorns ‘family’ and first-class early years practitioners ensure they’re as school-ready as possible by the time they leave us. Free childcare hours are also available here for eligible babies and children aged from 9 months.

Contact Us Today

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

As a nursery based in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, we are also a suitable choice for families in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland and Penwortham.

/by
Children Get Ready for National Storytelling Week!
, , , , , ,

Children Get Ready for National Storytelling Week!

Children Get Ready for National Storytelling Week!

National Storytelling Week for 2025 begins on Saturday the 1st of February and ends on Sunday the 9th.With the start of the new year now behind us, it’s time for children to get ready to take part in National Storytelling Week. This year it begins on Saturday the 1st of February and ends on Sunday the 9th. It’s a wonderful initiative that brings children and families together to use their imaginations, get creative, and entertain one another. What better time of the year to do that than during mid-winter? National Storytelling Week is perfectly timed to be a fabulous antidote to cold, blustery, winter days and is a wonderful way for children to escape through the power of the mind.

National Storytelling Week

Saturday 1st to Sunday 9th February 2025

This year’s theme, as set by the National Literacy Trust, is Reimagine your world. It’s an open-ended theme that will allow children of all ages the freedom to create stories in an unconstrained way. With so many possibilities available to them, they can stretch their imaginations and get their creative juices flowing. They can choose to imagine anything from small, subtle changes to the world they live in, right through to worlds that are completely transformed from the reality that they’re familiar with. Imaginations can run riot and the possibilities are infinite!

Great Reasons for Children to Get Involved

Storytelling is hugely powerful and benefits children in a myriad of ways.Whether listening to another’s story or creating it themselves, storytelling is a fun activity for children and adults alike. In either case, imagination is a powerful thing that will allow children to immerse themselves in new worlds, new situations, and new adventures. What’s more, it can even allow them to temporarily become someone or something else. That’s hugely powerful!

Storytelling is incredibly beneficial to children:

  • Storytelling stretches children’s imaginations, allowing them to see new possibilities that might otherwise never have occurred to them.
  • It boosts children’s creativity and critical thinking skills.
  • It enhances literacy skills including speaking, listening, reading, and writing, including vocabulary.
  • Through all of the above, storytelling helps to improve children’s communication skills.
  • It teaches them about the world and helps them to make sense of it.
  • It encourages empathy by allowing them to step into the shoes of another person, animal, or thing.
  • Storytelling helps children relax, enjoy quality time, and escape from their usual life for a while — great if they’ve had a challenging day or week.
  • Storytelling is a wonderful vehicle via which children can express themselves, feel seen, and feel heard.
  • It is also a superb way for children to learn about topics they might otherwise have not experienced.
  • It opens their eyes to possible careers in the creative industries, for example, writing for fiction/non-fiction books, the media, journalism, copywriting, blogging, travel writing, etc.
  • Storytelling is free — and huge fun!

Such benefits will help children during childhood as well as when they’re older — potentially even enhancing their careers.

Starting Points & Storylines

With a theme as open-ended as reimagining their world, children have free reign to come up with all kinds of storylines and scenarios.With a theme as open-ended as reimagining their world, children have free reign to come up with all kinds of storylines and scenarios. When it comes to creating stories the world is, as they say, their oyster and it’s only limited by their imaginations. They could perhaps come up with some kind of fantasy with colourful landscapes, magic, and weird, wonderful creatures. Or perhaps the story revolves around a futuristic city where travel by hoverboard is the norm. Or maybe the storyline is something more simple and subtle that’s not so different to reality. It’s entirely their choice and, for supervising adults and parents, it’ll certainly be interesting to see what they create.

“The most extraordinary story can come from the most ordinary place: it just needs someone to find it.” — The Literacy Trust.

Tips for Storytelling Success

  • A well set up storytelling corner or nook will encourage children to regularly read, tell stories, get creative, and spend quality time.First-time storytellers may better grasp the idea if an adult/parent first tells a story as an example. This will help them see what’s possible — and indeed show that anything is possible.
  • New storytellers may also find it easier, initially, to base their story on an existing one that they’ve perhaps seen on TV or read about. Once they get the hang of it, they can adapt more and branch out into new, unique, stories created from scratch.
  • Encourage interaction. Creativity will be boundless, fun, and insightful if listening children can ask questions of the storyteller or even suggest plot twists and storylines.
  • Children can brainstorm ideas, whether individually, with parents/carers, or in friendship groups.
  • One child could start the story and the next child could add to it as a way of allowing the story to unfold in unexpected ways. In this way, the story could gradually build up through team effort.
  • Props really bring stories to life — for example hand puppets or using cuddly toys as placeholders for characters in the story. Children will love this!
  • Encourage the use of different voices and even accents for different characters in the story. This makes the story more realistic and immersive.
  • Different volumes and reading paces bring stories to life too. Examples include whispering to build suspense, speaking faster when the story gets more frantic, using a louder voice when a character needs to be more animated, altering one’s spoken cadence, and so on.
  • A scrapbook of storytelling ideas can be useful. Perhaps clip images from magazines or from print-outs to stick into the scrapbook as a possible reference to spark ideas. It’s a great way of getting children going on the storytelling path.
  • Set your child up a storytelling and reading corner somewhere in the home. This could be somewhere in a quiet corner, alcove, or nook, away from noisy areas or main thoroughfares. Children will also love it being inside something like a tent or teepee. And, when age/safety appropriate, it could include cushions, soft toys and blankets scattered around to make it cosy and even inspiring. A storytelling corner or nook will encourage children to regularly visit the area to read, tell stories, get creative, and spend quality time.

So families, grab this opportunity to bring some magic and creativity to the otherwise cold, wintery days that can otherwise feel so limiting for children. They will enjoy the escapism, the adventure, the possibilities and the entertainment that storytelling brings. And, when they have been active participants, they’ll feel empowered by the discovery of creative skills they may not have realised they even had. Storytelling is immersive and magical for both speaker and listener and is beneficial in so many ways. So, make the most of National Storytelling Week this year and get children involved. Watch as they realise the endless possibilities that await them. Then, if it’s successful as surely it will be, consider extending storytelling to the whole year!

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, ChorleyLittle Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.We love storytelling with the children at Little Acorns Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods! We know how valuable it is to their development, knowledge, and abilities, and how it boosts key EYFS areas of learning. Communication and language, literacy, expressive arts and design are just some examples of this. With that in mind, we ensure every child is nurtured, encouraged, and given every opportunity to garner a complete range of skills that will stand them in great stead as they grow older. And, when the time comes to leave us to begin school, they will have all the tools and abilities they’ll need to thrive independently and with confidence.

Get in touch today to request a guided tour of the nursery, ask any questions, or begin an application for a nursery place for your child at Little Acorns:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns is a perfect choice for those seeking high-quality nurseries and preschools in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley. We are also convenient for children living in nearby towns and villages. These include Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland, and Penwortham.

 

/by
Winter Nature Hunt — a Fun Activity for Children (with Free Reference Sheet)
, , , , , , , , , , , ,

Winter Nature Hunt — a Fun, Educational Activity for Children (Free Reference Sheet!)

Winter Nature Hunt — a Fun, Educational Activity for Children (with Free Reference Sheet!)

With the season of winter arriving in December, new opportunities for outdoor activities arise for children of all ages. And, as nature and outdoor play are so beneficial for children, we thought a winter nature hunt would be a great idea (cool even!). With that in mind, we’ve put together a free, downloadable, reference sheet of 20 things for children to look out for during this season. Despite the colder temperatures at this stage of the year, if children are wrapped up in warm clothes and suitably supervised by an adult, there is still lots for them to enjoy, discover, and learn from. That’s even more true for children still in their early years. Nature is a huge educator and is often stunningly beautiful too. A winter nature hunt is therefore a great excuse to get them outdoors, exploring, discovering, learning and simply having fun!

There’s So Much for Children to Discover in Winter

A winter nature hunt will open children’s eyes to some of the many fascinating things that the season brings. Through this activity, their attention will be drawn to magical things like leaf skeletons of different shapes and sizes, or beautifully organic lichen growing on twigs and branches. It will help educate them about the difference between evergreen firs, with pine needles that stay all year round, and deciduous trees that shed every leaf over winter. Adults can show children that every snowflake is unique — it will fascinate every child who manages to catch one and take a close look. Children can learn about wildlife too. For example, robins and blackbirds tend to stay resident over winter while other species migrate to warmer climes. Then, when a frosty morning arrives, parents or supervising adults can draw children’s attention to the astonishing beauty of frost covering a spider’s web. With some encouragement to get outdoors, children will be able to witness frost encrusting plants, trees and grass, or making organic patterns on windows or frozen puddles. Then, of course, when snow falls and settles, the fun will really begin!

Winter Nature Hunt — a Fun Activity for Children (with Free Reference Sheet)

Download our Free Winter Nature Hunt Reference Sheet

The preview image above shows what the free Winter Nature Hunt reference sheet looks like and the 20 suggested things for children to look out for. Click to download or view in high-resolution Acrobat Reader (∞) format. Print out at A4 or even A3 and children will be able to take the reference sheets out with them and tick off each item discovered. Not only will it be a fun adventure, but outdoor play is good for children and being close to nature benefits little ones in a huge variety of ways. Follow the bold links to learn more.

More Free Nature Activity Posters for Kids:

Our Winter Nature Hunt poster is just one of several nature-themed activity sheets that are free for families and children to download. Also available is a reference sheet for an autumn nature hunt and stunning posters that introduce children to butterflies, birds, mammals, and minibeasts. Children will love to display these in bedrooms or print them out and take them with them when on outdoor excursions. They’re all fun, attractive, adventurous, and educational!

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

High-quality Weekday Childcare for Under-5s in Central Lancashire

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.Today’s post and the free poster were brought to you by Little Acorns Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley. We’re a wonderful setting for babies and children under five, offering a first-class early years education and professional weekday childcare. We have incredible indoor facilities, a self-contained preschool block, and two gardens where children can explore, play, discover and learn. The gardens allow children to connect with nature which, as we’ve said before, is incredibly good for them. We also support various free childcare funding schemes, including free childcare hours for eligible babies as young as just 9 months, making childcare more affordable for Lancashire families.

Consider a nursery place for your child at Little Acorns Nursery today. Choose a button to start your application, arrange a tour, or ask a question:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

As a nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, we may also suit families in nearby locations including:
Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland and Penwortham.

Safety Notice

Young children should be supervised by a responsible parent or adult, especially during outdoor activities. Risks will need to be assessed and mitigated in each situation. For example, care should be taken to educate little ones about the dangers of potentially poisonous berries, plants and fungi, as well as being mindful of hazards like slipping on ice, stranger danger, wandering off and getting lost, traffic, and dangers associated with frozen ponds, lakes and even puddles. Children should also be dressed appropriately and be protected from the cold, wet, and any adverse weather conditions.

 

/by
Glowing Ofsted Feedback for Little Acorns Nursery, Chorley
, , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Glowing Ofsted Feedback for Little Acorns Nursery

Glowing Ofsted Feedback for Little Acorns Nursery, Chorley

Our post today spotlights some of the many glowing comments made by the Ofsted inspector following her recent visit.Today we look at the wonderful Ofsted report published recently for Little Acorns Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley. Ofsted is The Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills. Their inspector visited this fabulous Lancashire childcare setting in late August and released its official report a month later on 25 September 2024. Our post today spotlights some of the many glowing comments made by the inspector therein, following her visit. It also highlights the reasoning for ‘good provider’ ratings across all areas of the Ofsted report. Take a look and you’ll see why babies, children under five, and those with special educational needs and/or disabilities absolutely thrive at Little Acorns.

How Does Ofsted Rate Little Acorns Nursery, Chorley?

It’s a clean sweep across all sectors of the Ofsted report:

“The provision is good” — Ofsted

  • Ofsted report for Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, LancashireOverall effectiveness: Good
  • The quality of education: Good
  • Behaviour and attitudes: Good
  • Personal development: Good
  • Leadership and management: Good

Let’s look at some of the wonderful comments made by the Ofsted inspector in her latest report for the setting:

  • Children are Happy at Little Acorns Nursery

    It’s great to see that the Ofsted inspector picked up on just how happy children are at Little Acorns Nursery, Chorley:

    “Children are welcomed warmly by the friendly staff. They arrive happily and are excited to spend time with staff and their peers.” — Ofsted

  • Little Acorns Children are Confident

    We also do everything we can to ensure that children feel confident and valued at Little Acorns and it’s good to see that this was also abundantly clear to the Ofsted inspector:

    “Children are confident, and those who need reassurance receive it in abundance from staff. This helps to enhance children’s self-esteem.” — Ofsted

     

  • Tailored Learning & Support for Children with Special Needs/Disabilities

    Little Acorns Nursery’s support for children with special educational needs and/or disabilities (‘SEND’) was particularly well regarded by the Ofsted Inspector. In her report, she commented:

    “All children, including those with special education needs and/or disabilities (SEND), make good progress from their starting points.” — Ofsted

    And later …

    “Staff are knowledgeable about the individual needs of all children attending the nursery, including those with SEND. They ensure that, if needed, children are referred to other professionals in a timely manner. Staff work collaboratively with a range of outside agencies. This helps to ensure that the curriculum meets children’s individual needs. — Ofsted

  • Safeguarding — Child Safety at Little Acorns Nursery

    The safety and well-being of children is of paramount importance in any setting. Ofsted recognised the good safeguarding policies and measures taken at Little Acorns Nursery, where staff ensure child safety at all times, including mealtimes:

    “The arrangements for safeguarding are effective […] There is an open and positive culture around safeguarding that puts children’s interests first.” — Ofsted

    “Staff notice and minimise risks to children’s health and safety in the nursery. They complete effective risk assessment and take swift action when they identify hazards. Staff show a good understanding of children’s dietary requirements and allergies. Each mealtime, staff check that children only receive food appropriate for their dietary needs.” — Ofsted

  • High-Quality Staff

    The quality of staff at childcare settings is critically important in so many ways. The Ofsted inspector’s comments demonstrate the quality and suitability of the team at Little Acorns Nursery:

    “… staff ensure the smooth running of the setting […] Children are welcomed warmly by the friendly staff.” — Ofsted

    “Staff form close bonds with children. Their nurturing interactions help children settle quickly into nursery routines.” — Ofsted

    Being a good role model to children is also hugely important, especially in the early years. Little Acorns Nursery staff were recognised in this regard as well as in respect to the high-quality curriculum that’s tailored for each child:

    “Staff are positive role models.” — Ofsted

    “Staff create an ambitious curriculum for all children.” — Ofsted

  • Good Behaviour at Little Acorns Nursery

    Nurturing good manners and appropriate behaviour amongst little ones benefits everyone including the children themselves.Any good nursery or childcare provider will ensure that children understand right from wrong and are mindful of the effect their actions have on others, including peers. Nurturing good manners and appropriate behaviour amongst little ones benefits everyone including, of course, the children themselves. Ofsted’s latest report recognised that Little Acorns is very successful in this regard:

    “Staff are positive role models. They help children learn how to share the toys and resources […] children behave well, they understand some rules such as having kind hands. ” — Ofsted

  • Good Support for Children’s Emotional Development

    Sound emotional development goes hand-in-hand with good behaviour. Staff were recognised by the Ofsted inspector for facilitating good emotional development in the children under their care:

    “Staff support children’s emotional development well. Pre-school children […] take turns to discuss what makes them feel happy and why. Children understand about different feelings and they are learning how to regulate their own emotions.” — Ofsted

  • Encouraging Creativity

    Staff provide plenty of opportunities for children to engage in a variety of activities that boost creativity, motor skills and more.Children find messy play hugely rewarding as well as being immense fun. Messy play nurtures children’s imaginations, creativity, dexterity, and self-expression and benefits them in many other ways. It is therefore a crucial part of early years learning and development — and more important than it perhaps sounds. Ofsted picked up on the quality of messy play activities at Little Acorns Nursery within its report:

    “[Staff] provide plenty of opportunities for children to engage in messy play. For example, babies splash in the raspberry filled water tray and explore the lemon and flowers inside. Pre-school children dip their fingers in paint and create their own colour monster. ” — Ofsted

    What’s more, such activities are good for their motor skills and coordination:

    “These opportunities help to develop children’s hand muscles in readiness for early writing.” — Ofsted

  • Nurturing Physical Development in Children

    Physical development is a crucially important part of a child’s early years and, as such, staff at Little Acorns Nursery are always keen to nurture it amongst children under their care:

    “Babies have plenty of space to crawl and to learn to walk. They beam with joy as they climb up the steps before coming down the indoor slide … Toddlers use spades to scoop up sand and fill their buckets. Pre-school children practise their hand eye coordination as they throw balls through hoops with staff outdoors. This helps to develop children’s larger muscle movements.” — Ofsted

  • Nurturing Independence

    Learning how to be more independent is hugely important for children, particularly in their early years. Not only does it help them learn to be more self-sufficient, but it also boosts confidence and self-esteem and helps to better prepare them for school.

    “Staff promote children’s independence well. Toddlers try to put their own superhero costumes and masks on as they dress up. Pre-school children serve their own food at mealtimes. Children are learning how to manage their own personal hygiene. These opportunities help children to feel proud of the tasks they can complete by themselves.” — Ofsted

  • Well-Promoted Communication & Language Skills

    Communication and language are two of the major keystones of child development. Without such skills, children will really struggle. It is therefore heartening to see that the Ofsted inspector recognised the successes of our approach at Little Acorns:

    “Children’s communication and language skills are promoted well.” — Ofsted

  • Good Partnerships with Parents

    Early years education is more successful when all the adults in a child’s life are pulling in the same direction. That’s why staff at Little Acorns Nursery nurture partnerships with children’s parents and it’s good to see both Ofsted and parents recognising this:

    “Overall, partnerships with parents are good. Staff work closely with parents to share updates on their child’s development using the parent app. Parents discuss the positive relationships staff have built with children.” — Ofsted

View or download the full [September 2024] Ofsted Report for Little Acorns Nursery here.

[2025 UPDATE]: A later Ofsted report was released at the end of September 2025. Learn more about the excellent findings here.

Little Acorns Nursery: a Good, Caring Childcare Provider in Clayton-le-Woods

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, ChorleyLittle Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.As you can see from the wonderful Ofsted comments in their latest report, Little Acorns is a high-quality nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley. Children have a fabulous start at the setting, in a warm, loving, caring and nurturing environment where the best is brought out in each child in readiness for school. If this sounds like something you’d like for your baby or child under five, contact us, register for a place, or request a free guided visit today:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

As an award-winning childcare provider located in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley, we may also suit those living in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland, Penwortham and Central Lancashire.

/by
Applying For a Primary School Place: a Guide for Parents (Time-Sensitive!)
, , , , , , , ,

Applying For a Primary School Place: a Guide for Parents (Time-Sensitive!)

Applying For a Primary School Place: a Guide for Parents (Time-Sensitive!)

If your child is 3 or has just turned 4, it’s time for you to apply for their primary school place.If your child is 3 or, at the latest, has just turned 4, it’s time for you to apply for their primary school place. What’s more, you only have until about mid-January to do so. That’s all true whether you intend them to start school at 4 or leave it until they’re 5. In today’s guide, we explain the rules around applying for a primary school place, the key dates you need to know, what to expect, and the various options open to you and your child.

When to Apply for a Primary School Place

Applications for starting at Primary School need to be made when your child is 3 or, as we said above, has just turned 4 at the very latest. When they have reached this age range, the application needs to be submitted during the period between the 1st of September of the current year and the 15th of January of the next year. So, at the time of writing (October 2024), applications are already open and parents have until 11:59 pm on the 15th of January 2025 to apply. Don’t leave it until the last minute, though, just in case there are technical issues if applying online or postal delays if using the paper version of the application form.

Legal School Age & Your Child’s Starting Options

‘Compulsory School Age’, the legal age by which children must begin school, is the 31st of December, March or August (whichever of those arrives first) after they’ve turned 5. However, starting earlier is also an option and one that is taken up by many.

Starting ‘Early’ at 4

Compulsory School Age begins on the 31st of December, March or August (whichever arrives first) after children have turned 5.Most children in England start primary or infant school earlier, in ‘Reception’ year. For most, this will be in the September term when they’re still only 4. That’s just one reason why applying for a primary school place is so important while they’re only 3 or, at the very latest, have just turned 4.

Whether a child begins school at 4 or 5 depends on several factors including the preference of the child’s parents. Some parents, particularly those with a child whose birthday falls between the 1st of April and the 31st of August (a “summer-born child”), may simply feel that their child is not ready to begin school at the age of four. If born during this date range, they would be amongst the youngest in the year. In such a scenario, parents can decide to defer the child’s start to the later, legal, age of 5 if they so wish.

Deferring Until 5

Where parents do decide to defer their child’s school start to the age of five, it’s worth noting that local admission authorities and schools can decide whether the child will begin school in Reception Year (effectively Year Zero) or Year One. This decision will need to be carefully made, taking into consideration the best interests of the child. For example, their specific needs and abilities will be a factor. Whether it’s best to begin school in Year One with contemporaries mostly of the same age or go into Reception Year with children who are mostly younger, to ensure they have the basics, will be among the various deciding factors. Learn more about deferring until five here.

Note that summer-born children deferring until the following year may be required to submit an extra application form by the same mid-January deadline.

How & Where to Apply for a Primary School Place

Make your official primary school application through your local authority. However, sometimes additional forms are required by some settings, for example, church schools.Registering an interest that you’re interested in a particular primary school is sensible and, indeed, may result in the school supplying some useful information. However, it will not guarantee your child a place even if it’s attached to their nursery or preschool. You therefore need to make your official application through your local authority, which can be identified here by entering your postcode. Once identified, navigate to their site using the green button supplied after your postcode search. For example, if you live locally to Little Acorns Nursery near Chorley, you would arrive at Lancashire County Council’s primary school portal. As that example shows, local authorities supply lots of information about applying — indeed it’s an absolute mine of information – along with a simple button or link to actually begin your application for a primary school place for your child.

You may need to quickly first register with the system if you have not used it before, or enter your User ID and password if you already completed that process. Once applying for a primary school place, you’ll need to enter the kind of information you’d expect (name, address, details about your child including their permanent address, etc.) along with confirmation of whether they will already have a sibling attending any of the schools you are applying for once they start, plus the name of their Local Care Authority if they are receiving care, and so on.

Note that you may need to submit a supplementary information form in some circumstances, for example, with some church/faith schools.

Top 5 Tips for a Successful Application

  1. Make full use of all three of your school preferences during the application process.Research your local primary schools, visit them to get a feel for them, and ask teachers and heads any questions you may have. Schools often have open days or evenings or accept appointments for these purposes.
  2. Check if any of those that you’re considering applying for are usually very oversubscribed before submitting your application. Doing so will help to ensure that you submit choices that are more likely to succeed. You can usually contact your local authority and/or schools to discuss such likelihoods as they will be able to access historical data. Ensure at least one of your three choices stands a realistic chance of success i.e. is unlikely to be oversubscribed although, of course, nothing is guaranteed.
  3. Make use of all three of your school preferences available during the application process. Don’t be tempted to put the same school for all 3 of your choices. Doing so will not increase your chances of obtaining your top choice and will obviously mean you have no viable second and third choices, leaving you more open to disappointment.
  4. Be sure to enter a valid email address that you have access to during the application process. This will allow you to receive your school offer as soon as possible once released in April of the following year, rather than having to wait for a postal notification.
  5. Don’t be late with your application. Priority for school places is given to those who applied on time.

What Happens if You’re Late With Your Primary School Application?

What happens if you are applying for a primary school place for your child, want them to start in the standard September term, but miss the mid-January application deadline? In this scenario, you’ll need to fill in a ‘late application’ form. This will be available via your local authority website. Note, however, that priority for primary school places will be given to those who applied on time. This means that late applicants stand less chance of achieving their desired choice of schools because, potentially, there may no longer be available places by the time the late application is processed.

What if You Want to Change Your School Choice After Applying?

Sometimes, for one reason or another, a parent will wish to change the choice(s) they originally applied for. In such a scenario, check your local authority website for guidelines, which may require use of an alternative application form or, if beyond the mid-January deadline, even a ‘late application’ form. Again be aware, though, that applying (or re-applying) late may lower your choice of achieving your preferred choice(s).

Criteria for School Place Offers

Criteria by which admissions are judged vary a little from school to school, so parents will need to do their own research. However, such criteria have to be transparent and fair and adhere to legislation laid down by the Department of Education (DfE). Generally speaking, the following are typical factors that will usually affect admissions:

  • The child's proximity to the school is usually one of the key admission criteria.The child’s proximity to the school;
  • Whether or not the child will have a sibling already at the same school;
  • Whether or not it’s a church/faith school and whether that matches your child’s faith/religion;
  • Whether the child has a parent who has worked at the school for 2 or more years;
  • Whether the child qualifies for the Pupil Premium grant, for disadvantaged pupils, or the Service Pupil Premium (‘SPP’), for children of parents in the armed forces. (More info).

‘Offers Day’ for Primary School Places

For primary school places, offers are released on the 16th of April each year or on the next working day if that falls on a public holiday or weekend.For primary** school places, offers are released around the 16th* of April each year, the exact date depending on whether the 16th otherwise falls on a weekend or public holiday. For 2025, 2026, and 2027, primary school ‘offer day’ will therefore fall right on target on the 16th of April as each is a weekday for each of those years. Those applicants who had applied online, on time, and supplied an email address during the application process, will be the first to receive offers via email. Later the same day, others who supplied an email address will also receive offers via email. Those who applied without supplying an email address will have their offers posted via 2nd Class post, meaning they may find out what school their child has been offered a day or two later than the 16th of April. That said, some local authority portals allow all parents to log in to view school offers online.

** The date of ‘National Offer Day’ for secondary school places is a little different, but today we concentrate purely on primary school places.
* Those parents who apply late, via post, or for a primary school place starting ‘in year’ (rather than in the September term) are likely to receive offers for their children on a different date.

What to Expect on Primary School Offers Day

When it gets closer to April and the Offers Day for primary school places is closer, parents may appreciate our separate guide about what to expect on the day. We have included details about how and when to accept offers, what happens if you don’t accept an offer in time, how to reject them if you feel they are unsuitable, and what your options are if your child has not been offered the school you had hoped for. It also includes how to appeal a decision, waiting list options, and more. To learn more, head on over to our new article: Primary School Offers Day – a Guide for Parents.

The vast majority of parents secure one of their three preferences.

Our Clayton-le-Woods Nursery Gets Children ‘School-Ready’

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, ChorleyLittle Acorns Nursery is rated as a 'Good Provider' by Ofsted.Little Acorns is a fabulous nursery and preschool in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley. With wonderful facilities, extensive grounds, and caring ‘early years’ practitioners, we nurture children to bring out the best in each area of their learning and development. In this way, we help them to become as ‘school-ready’ as possible by the time they leave us to begin primary school.

If you would like to explore the possibility of a nursery place for your child at Little Acorns Nursery, get started by choosing a button below:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns is a high-quality nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley. As such, we may also be a convenient choice for families in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland, Penwortham and Central Lancashire.

 

/by
, , , , , , ,

Dyslexia in Children – Frequently Asked Questions

Dyslexia in Children - Frequently Asked Questions

Today's article should help parents more easily recognise the possible signs of dyslexia in children.As a condition that affects children’s reading and writing abilities, Dyslexia is something that can significantly hold little ones back. If not diagnosed and addressed in good time, it can have a knock-on effect that adversely affects the education and potentially whole lives of people affected. It’s therefore important to learn what to look out for so as to recognise the possible signs of dyslexia in children should they occur. With that in mind, today’s article explores the answers to frequently asked questions about dyslexia so as to explain what dyslexia is, how it affects children and adults, what to look out for, and what to do to mitigate its potentially harmful effects.

What is Dyslexia?

Described back in the 19th century as 'word blindness', Dyslexia is a lifelong problem.Described back in the 19th century as ‘word blindness’, Dyslexia is a lifelong problem that primarily affects the ease with which a person can read (especially) as well as affecting other language-based skills like writing, spelling, and sometimes even pronunciation. As such, it has potential knock-on effects in a wide array of areas of people’s lives and can present daily challenges for those affected.

Dyslexia has neurodevelopmental origins and is recognised in the UK as a specific learning difficulty. It is not, however, linked in any way to a person’s level of intelligence — and we’ll illustrate just how true that is later in this article.

The term dyslexia, meaning “difficulty with words”, was first coined in 1887 by Rudolf Berlin. He was a German ophthalmologist and, during eye testing at his Stuttgart practice, noticed that some patients struggled to read printed words despite having no eyesight issues. This led him to propose that there could be a neurological reason for the condition.

How Common is Dyslexia?

Dyslexia is fairly common, with around 1 out of every 10 people in the UK being affected to varying degrees. However, not everyone with dyslexia receives a diagnosis and sadly this can make the challenges they face even more profound.

How Does Dyslexia Manifest Itself to Those Affected?

Some people with dyslexia have described its effects as causing letters to jump around and words to jumble up.Some people with dyslexia have described its effects as causing letters to jump around and words to jumble up. Others say that words blend together and even spaces between them can disappear. Individual letters and numbers can mix up and, for some, characters may seem incomplete. Sometimes, they are perceived in mirror form (so, for example, a “b” becomes a “d”) or are even perceived as being upside down (so, a “6” would be perceived as a “9”). Whatever the specific effect, the result is to make words unintelligible. Immense concentration is required to try to make any sense of them. Clearly, this presents enormous challenges to reading, writing, spelling, reading out loud, and even mathematics. The knock-on effect of all this is that reading and learning from books about any number of topics — including those in the curriculum — can therefore be hugely challenging and profoundly impactful.

Children with dyslexia may feel ‘different’ and perhaps isolated because of the condition. It’s therefore incredibly important to diagnose and help children with dyslexia as early in their lives as possible.

What are the Signs of Possible Dyslexia in Young Children?

The most common signs of possible* dyslexia, specifically in children of pre-school and school age, relate to language-related difficulties.The signs of dyslexia vary from child to child and this, in itself, makes spotting the issue more tricky. That said, the most common signs of possible* dyslexia, specifically in children of pre-school and school age, relate to language-related difficulties. Examples include:

  • lower than expected speech development (this can be detectable under five);
  • difficulty learning the alphabet and a limited interest in trying to do so (again, potentially detectable under five);
  • difficulties understanding the concept of rhyming words (again, this may be detectable under the age of five);
  • mispronouncing multi-syllable words and jumbling the order of some, e.g. ephelant instead of elephant (potentially detectable under five);
  • sometimes having trouble with verbal expression, e.g. difficulty finding the appropriate word to use (also potentially detectable under five);
  • difficulty with phonics, poor phonological awareness, and poor word attack skills;
  • difficulty recognising the sounds for individual letters;
  • difficulty recognising sounds for combinations of letters found within words;
  • being able to answer questions well verbally, but not very well in writing;
  • difficulty with reading;
  • poor handwriting, with inconsistent and unpredictable spelling.

There are also a few more ‘unexpected’ symptoms, seemingly not directly related to language, that might indicate possible dyslexia. Examples include:

  • difficulty with the fine motor skills required to maintain a consistent rhythm, e.g. on a toy drum;
  • struggling to remember the order of things like days of the week;
  • struggling to follow the order of even a short list of instructions, but being able to complete the tasks if individual steps are provided separately, one by one.

* Note that exhibiting any of the above does not necessarily mean the child has dyslexia. There are several alternative reasons why such symptoms could possibly be displayed.

More details about possible symptoms of dyslexia, in both children and adults, can be found here.

Is Dyslexia Linked With Special Needs or Disabilities?

Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty.Dyslexia is a specific learning difficulty. While some children affected have no additional limiting condition, some have additional problems. These can include dyscalculia, dyspraxia, ADHD, short-term memory issues, and issues with time management. We’ll aim to cover some of those topics separately, in future posts.

What is the Cause of Dyslexia?

The exact cause of dyslexia is not known although it has neurodevelopmental origins and often seems to run in families.

“It’s thought certain genes inherited from your parents may act together in a way that affects how some parts of the brain develop during early life.” — NHS

Studies show that the brain of children with dyslexia functions differently to those without it, so it is a neurodivergence of sorts. It’s fair to say that this specific ‘neurological difference’ is not fully understood by the medical and scientific communities — indeed until it is better understood, there will continue to be much debate around the topic, even among ‘experts’.

Can Dyslexia be Cured?

There is no known ‘cure’ for dyslexia. However, it can be managed and its effects can be mitigated significantly through early diagnosis and appropriate support. Indeed, children who receive such support often go on to be highly competent readers.

Is There a Link Between Dyslexia & Intelligence?

As we mentioned earlier, dyslexia is not linked to intelligence. This is borne out by the fact that many highly intelligent and successful people have the condition, including the famous scientist and theoretical physicist Albert Einstein. Indeed, the list of highly intelligent and successful people with dyslexia is massively long. To name just a few more, it includes Richard Branson, Pablo Picasso, Winston Churchill, John Lennon, Steve Jobs, Walt Disney, Leonardo da Vinci, Bill Gates, Tom Cruise, Steven Spielberg, Henry Ford, George Washington, Thomas Edison, Wolfgang Mozart, Stephen Hawking, plus a long list of additional celebrities, scientists, business entrepreneurs and artists.

Do Children With Dyslexia Have Any Superpowers?

As you can conclude by taking a look at the list of famous and highly successful people with dyslexia, those affected are often very creative and gifted in other ways. These often include creative verbal and/or visual skills and sometimes exceptional problem-visualisation and problem-solving skills.

“40% of self-made millionaires are dyslexic.” (dyslexicmum.co.uk)

How Can Children With Dyslexia Best Be Supported?

There is a wide range of measures available to help children with dyslexia.Where an issue like dyslexia is suspected, parents/carers should speak with their early years provider or school teacher to voice any concerns — and vice versa. The earlier an issue like dyslexia is spotted, the sooner measures can be implemented to help the child. Such early intervention is really important when reading and language are affected because they have such a snowball effect on other areas of learning. That said, it is more difficult to diagnose dyslexia in the pre-school years, as signs are not so obvious at such an early age. However, a few early signs may sometimes become evident as indicated in the early entries of our list of possible signs of dyslexia earlier in this article.

If a problem is suspected, it is worth visiting a GP with your child to check the potential issue isn’t caused by something completely different, for example, a sight or hearing issue. A dyslexic diagnostic assessment via an appropriate professional expert (e.g. an educational psychologist or qualified dyslexia specialist) is also an option.

If dyslexia is diagnosed a range of support options are available through such measures as a tailored learning and development plan, involvement of the child’s special educational needs co-ordinator (SENCo), special resources and perhaps the help of external specialists. More details about a professional assessment, diagnosis, and even options like Educational Health & Care (EHC) plans, are available here.

For a comprehensive, stand-alone overview of the ways in which early years childcare settings like Little Acorns Nursery can support children with dyslexia, one or more Specific Learning Difficulties (SpLD), or Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND), read our article Help for Children with Special Educational Needs & Disabilities (SEND) here. In the future, we may also follow up today’s article with a separate one explaining in more detail the specific support measures that parents and early years/school professionals can take to help dyslexic children.

The Best Start for Your Child in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns — An Outstanding Childcare Nursery in Central Lancashire

An outstanding childcare providerLittle Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, ChorleyIt’s natural for parents and carers to want the best nursery for their child. Rest assured, Little Acorns is an outstanding childcare nursery. Indeed, we are recognised by Ofsted as an “Outstanding Provider”, so you’ll know your child is in safe and capable hands when you choose Little Acorns for your weekday childcare.

We are located in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, in Central Lancashire. Families in nearby towns and villages may also find Little Acorns Nursery convenient, for example, those living in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland and Penwortham.

Contact us today to register your child for a nursery place, arrange a tour of the setting, or for answers to any questions that you might have:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288
/by
, , , , , , ,

Let’s Get to Know Butterflies – An Educational Nature Activity for Kids

Let's Get to Know Butterflies – An Educational Nature Activity for Kids (with Free Poster!)

With the UK’s Big Butterfly Count happening from roughly the second half of July right through to early August, we thought now was an excellent time to release our free butterfly poster for families to download. This is designed to encourage children and families to get outdoors to see how many of the UK’s most commonly seen butterflies they can see and identify. Our identification poster features 36 of the 59 butterfly species found in Britain (we have excluded butterflies that families are unlikely to see as some are quite rare or limited to small areas of the nation). That’s a much more comprehensive number of butterfly species than surveyed in the Big Butterfly Count (just 19 types of butterfly and 2 daytime-flying moths are included in that survey this year). We therefore wholeheartedly encourage children and families to download our free butterfly poster today, so they can get started on getting to know British butterflies. It’s educational as well as being a wonderful way to get children outdoors to enjoy the fresh air and all the profound benefits that nature will bring them.

Download the Free Poster

Click the poster preview below to either view or save the poster file. (Whether you need to left-click or right-click depends upon which web browser you use and its specific settings, so perhaps try both to get your desired outcome). The poster can then be printed out as large as A3, in full colour and fine detail. Choose your best paper and finest settings for the best results.

Download your free British butterfly identification poster (click to download or view).

The free poster is in Acrobat Reader (PDF) format. If you do not already have that application on your device, it is available free, here.

Children’s Interest in Nature is Crucially Important

Nature teaches children so much and is hugely important to them — in so many ways. When children spend time in and around nature, benefits include improved attention and engagement during lessons, reduced stress, better social skills, stimulated imaginations and creativity, improved well-being, better sleep, improved academic performance — to be honest, the list of benefits goes on and on! Click the bold link for more details because nature is a real powerhouse for children.

Teaching children to become interested in flora, fauna and the natural environment has never been more important. Because of problems like climate change, habitat loss, and nasty chemicals being used in gardening and farming, many creatures like butterflies, birds, and others, are severely under threat. The Big Butterfly Count takes place in July and early August each year, when most butterflies have reached adulthood.For many species, population numbers have plummeted over recent decades. Introducing your child to today’s butterfly spotting activity and the annual Big Butterfly Count are therefore very simple ways to get them interested in nature and the importance of looking after the natural environment. They are also more likely to go on to have more sustainable lifestyles when they spend time in and around nature during early childhood. That’s crucially important because today’s children will become tomorrow’s guardians of our beautiful planet — and it will need to be looked after well.

More free nature-based posters for children to download.

More Free Nature-Themed Activity Posters to Download

Other free nature-based posters that children/families can download free from this website include birds, mammals, minibeasts, and an autumn nature hunt. As well as getting children outdoors to benefit from nature, these activity posters are all educational, hugely worthwhile — and great fun!

Little Acorns Nursery – the Natural Choice

Outstanding Childcare in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

An outstanding childcare provider

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery is an outstanding provider of childcare and early years education. As well as incredible facilities indoors and a self-contained preschool block, we have no less than two gardens outside where children can explore, learn from, and enjoy nature. And, of course, we support many of the Government’s free childcare schemes, making it more affordable for eligible families.

Get in touch with Little Acorns Nursery today to register your child for a place, express an interest, arrange a visit, or ask any questions — we’ll be delighted to help:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns Nursery is located in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, and is also conveniently close by for families in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland and Penwortham.

/by
Maths Concepts for Under-5s — & Why They're Important
, , , , , , , , ,

Maths Concepts for Under-5s — & Why They’re Important

Maths Concepts for Under-5s — & Why They're Important

Introducing under-5s to simple maths concepts early will benefit them hugely and lay the foundations for future learning.Once babies have transformed into toddlers, it’s never too early to introduce them to maths-based concepts and language. Indeed, introducing under-fives to such concepts in the earliest years will benefit them hugely as it lays the foundations for future learning. That’s one of the main reasons it is a part of the EYFS curriculum. Continuing this learning at home will also help them instinctively understand that mathematics is a normal and integral part of everyday life. As such, there is no need for it to be perceived as a daunting topic. With all that in mind, today’s guide explores why the early introduction of mathematics is so beneficial to under-fives and how parents and caregivers play a vital role in encouraging their mathematical curiosity, knowledge, and confidence.

The Benefits of Understanding Maths Concepts in the Early Years

As well as the obvious advantage of improving numeracy skills, learning mathematical language and concepts at an early age has several key benefits for under-fives.

Enhanced Vocabulary Development & Language Skills

Children exposed to rich mathematical language will naturally have stronger vocabularies. This, in turn, will facilitate enhanced communication skills, for example, through the mastering of such things as descriptive, comparative, and positional words.

Improved Cognitive Skills

Learning numeracy skills is like a subtle workout for the mind. Such activity is known to stimulate brain development and improve memory, attention, and critical thinking skills. Each of these benefits will allow children to make connections and solve problems more easily.

Stimulated Creativity & Imagination

Mathematics isn’t just about numbers; it also involves creativity. For example, children can explore patterns, shapes, and spatial relationships, each of which has maths at their heart. Indeed, maths is integral to design, art, music, dance, and many other creative areas that children can immerse themselves in.

“Studies show a direct correlation between early mathematical skills and later educational achievement.”

A Foundation for School Success

Familiarity with mathematical terms and concepts also helps to prepare children for school.Familiarity with mathematical terms and concepts also helps to prepare children for formal education, including in many areas other than pure mathematics. Understanding maths concepts from an early age will allow them to confidently engage in number-related exercises and discussions, greatly enhancing their school readiness across multiple topics. Such preparation will allow them to take maths-based challenges in their stride right from the moment they begin Reception Year in primary school. What’s even more striking is that studies show a direct correlation between early mathematical skills and later educational achievement.

What Kind of Maths Concepts Can Parents Teach Tots?

As you’ll see below, there are many different types of maths-related words and concepts that parents can help children grasp. As we said before, maths is all around us, so there are many opportunities to help little ones master mathematical concepts and language — even from an early age. Aside from learning the actual numbers, some examples include the following:

  • Counting fingers, toes, and objects like building blocks is an obvious way to help children master the most simple maths-related vocabulary.Counting is the most obvious example. Counting can be introduced and practised by your little one in many, many situations, from counting how many more mouthfuls of food a child should eat, to the number of Lego blocks in a tower they’re creating.
  • Size is another maths-based concept where, given some parental guidance, little ones can soon begin to understand whether something is tiny, medium-sized, big, gigantic, tall, short, thin, or wide.
  • Measurement is another maths-related concept for children to grasp, so encouraging them to learn when something is full, empty, long, heavy, light, etc., will stand them in good stead both linguistically and in terms of mathematics.
  • Similarly, comparatives will be useful for children to understand. It’s essential for them to grasp concepts and language like more, less, equal, different, the same, identical, and so on.
  • Maths concepts can be found by children in shapes, sizes, measurements, comparatives, positions, patterns, time and, of course, numbers.Shapes also have roots in maths, so children should get familiar with 3-sided triangular shapes, 4-sided shapes like squares and rectangles, and so on.
  • Positions are also founded in mathematics, so children should be encouraged to recognise when something is on, off, inside, outside, up, down, and suchlike.
  • Finally, time also has its roots in numbers and mathematics. Therefore, it will help children to not only tell the time eventually but also understand the meaning behind words like early, late, now, later, soon, etc.

How to Go About It

Parents, caregivers and relatives can help children under five learn about these mathematical concepts and the language that surrounds them. Games, books, and even songs, for example, often include facets of maths and maths language that adults can draw children’s attention to and get them involved in. Counting fingers, toes, and objects like building blocks is another obvious example and one which can be extended to include much of the maths-related vocabulary that we mentioned earlier (numbers, comparatives, positions, shapes, etc.). Mathematics language and concepts can be learned through everyday activities like games, reading books, cooking, playing with building blocks, helping with shopping, and so much more.Creative endeavours can also be vehicles through which supervising adults can highlight elements of mathematics that are built into designs and creations that children may generate. Patterns and shapes are obvious examples of that. Last but not least, parents can involve children in maths facets which are integral to everyday life, for instance, counting items when out shopping, or measuring when putting ingredients together for a meal. Children will love being more involved in such activities and will learn about maths in a fun, natural, and engaging way. Doing so will create the strongest foundations for their future learning.

We may follow up at a later date with some in-depth activity ideas that will help children learn more about maths and the language surrounding it, so watch this space!

Little Acorns: an Outstanding Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Award-Winning Childcare in Central Lancashire

An outstanding childcare provider

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns gives babies, toddlers and preschoolers the very best start in life at their Clayton-le-Woods nursery near Chorley. That’s backed up by being rated an Outstanding Provider by Ofsted and a prestigious National Nursery Award too. So, if you want the very best for your child, choose Little Acorns Day Nursery for their weekday childcare and we’ll ensure they absolutely thrive and are prepared for success.

Get in touch today to register your child for a nursery place, set a date for a guided tour of the setting, or ask any questions:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns is an outstanding nursery and preschool located in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, near Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland and Penwortham.

 

/by
Tips for potty training tots: when to begin, how to encourage toddlers, toileting aids and more.
, , , , , ,

Tips for Potty Training Tots

Tips for potty training tots: when to begin, how to encourage toddlers, toileting aids and more.

Achieving potty training success will improve the quality of life for the child, the parent, and other guardians involved in the child's care.One of the key tasks all tots must face, in tandem with parents, is potty training. It’s something we all had to master as toddlers and therefore we know it’s 100% achievable — despite it sometimes seeming to be rather a challenge. Achieving success, though, will improve the quality of life for the child, the parent, and other guardians involved in the child’s care. Learning to master the use of the potty and later the toilet will also be a major boost to self-confidence and independence when the child is at nursery, preschool, and later school. With that in mind, today’s guide outlines our top tips for successful potty training.

First: Some Toileting Milestones

Appropriate timing for starting potty training varies from child to child and situation to situation. That said, the following are rough guidelines for the milestones for many:

  • Most tots stop doing number twos at night by the age of 12 months.
  • Between 2 and 3, some children become dry during the day.
  • By the age of 4, most are completely dry during the daytime.
  • By the age of 6, most are avoiding accidents during both the day and nighttime.
  • Some children, however, may still wet the bed at night beyond the age of 5.

Children cannot help occasional accidents and may indeed be upset by them. It’s essential, therefore, not to scold them or make a fuss about such incidents.

When Should You Begin Potty Training?

Potty training can start any time from 18 months to the age of 3 but most begin between the ages of 2 and 3.Children become ready for potty training at different times — every child is different in that respect, with some starting as early as 18 months and others not training until the age of 3. That said, the majority of little ones begin potty training between the ages of 2 and 3. There are some signs to look out for that will help parents decide when the time is right and we’ll look at those below.

One of the biggest clues that a child is ready to begin potty training is when they become obviously aware of what’s in their nappy. They may, for example, take a peak when being changed, or make it clear they are not comfortable when in need of a change. It could also be as simple as indicating that they are aware when they’re going to the loo in the nappy. Some children may show this by going somewhere quiet and more private when going. Others may do the opposite and make strong eye-to-eye contact with a parent as if to let them know that something is afoot! Such awareness may be key to starting potty training.

Children may also take a lead from parents/relatives or even other children:

A 2½-year-old, who had begun potty training, recently wanted to sit on the “big boy’s toilet” because he’d seen slightly older children doing so at nursery. This was a toileting turning point following what had been, until then, quite a challenging process. (Anecdote from a parent)

There are some practical considerations too. For example, quite a few parents will begin potty training in the warmer months of the year. At such times, there will be fewer clothes worn by children day-to-day, less, therefore, to wash if an accident happens, and likely a working washing line outside to dry everything on. So, by starting during the summer, you can cut down on the workload and potentially save on water and energy.

Encouragement

There are lots of ways to encourage children when potty training.Ensuring children understand the language around toileting is helpful, of course. So, it’s healthy to help children learn the various terms involved, whether talking about a potty, wee-wees, or anything else. Learning appropriate words will empower children to ask for what they need, at appropriate times.

Getting them involved when shopping for toileting products may also give them a deeper interest in potty and toilet training. For example, they may like the look of a potty with a dinosaur on it, or perhaps one featuring their favourite TV character. Other children may like the idea of one of those potties that plays a song when it’s been successfully used.

If there are challenges, families can often get some great success using a reward system. When the youngster successfully uses the potty, they could be awarded a sticker on a colourful, fun-looking potty training chart. Such things are available commercially if you do a quick web search. Another type of reward to be used sparingly could be to award the child a piece of their favourite snack when successful. There’s no doubt this works as an incentive for some little ones.

Another method of encouraging toddlers to use the potty is to walk the child to the potty every 30 to 60 minutes to see if they’re ready to go. The length of time between visits can be gradually extended once that’s working. Visits to the potty are also wise before and after bedtime, following daytime naps, and immediately after mealtimes.

Potty Training/Toileting Aids

Various toileting aids may help with potty and toilet training. Examples include:

  • Various toileting aids may help with potty and toilet training.Potties with designs that are attractive to toddlers e.g. dinosaurs, licensed TV characters etc.
  • Musical potties where a sing-along song is activated on successful use.
  • Portable travel potties — some look like a child’s travel case.
  • Clip-on trainer seats, which attach to adult toilets.
  • Steps to help children reach trainer seats attached to toilets, also allowing them to reach the sink to wash hands afterwards.
  • Pretend toilets and potties that children can use to ‘toilet train’ their own dolls and toys. Such activities can greatly encourage little ones in their own toilet training.
  • ‘Pull-ups’, which are somewhere between nappies and pants/knickers. These may be useful early on or when a child still has occasional accidents but no longer wears nappies.
  • Interestingly, toilet training-themed videos, books, games and songs can also be useful tools to encourage little ones when toilet training as they ‘normalise’ the process.

More Tips for Potty Training Success

  • Making sure that potty training times are fun will help.Only start potty training when your child shows signs that they’re ready. (See the When Should You Begin Potty Training? section above for details).
  • It’s best to start during a quiet time, so there are no distractions.
  • Set a potty training schedule and try to stick to it, so you’re consistent in your message.
  • Try to ensure that your potty training schedule does not conflict with your child’s existing routines.
  • Make potty training fun! (See the Encouragement section above for ideas).
  • Let your child choose their own potty at the store.
  • Buy more than one so you have one in each bathroom/cloakroom and a travel potty.
  • Keep a potty in the bathroom and encourage your little one to use it (or initially even just sit on it) when you pay a visit yourself.
  • Reward your child when successful. Sticker books using fun stickers and a colourful toileting chart can work wonders, for example.
  • Praise your child and their output – it will encourage them.
  • Accidents will happen but don’t make a fuss when they do. Potty training needs to be as stress-free as possible for little ones.
  • Last but not least, remember to encourage good hygiene in your toddler, through handwashing etc.

We hope that our potty training tips are useful and help your child transition smoothly. As we said before, success will lead to more self-confident, independent, and happy children. What’s more, it will also improve the quality of life for parents and caregivers.

An Outstanding Childcare Service in Central Lancashire

We are an outstanding nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

An outstanding childcare provider

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

We are an outstanding nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley and offer babies and children under five the very best start in life in a warm, nurturing, home-from-home environment. We also support a range of Government-funded hours and childcare schemes for eligible families. If you’d like to explore a possible childcare place for your child in perhaps the best nursery in Central Lancashire, please get in touch:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

As well as being perfectly located for babies and children under five in Clayton-le-Woods (PR6) and Chorley, Little Acorns Nursery is also convenient for those requiring childcare in nearby towns and villages. These include Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland and Penwortham.

/by