Tag Archive for: pre-school

Babies, Childcare, Children, Chorley, Chorley Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Early Years Education, Lancashire, Nurseries, Nursery, Nursery News, Ofsted Report, Preschool, Preschoolers, Toddlers, Under-5s

Glowing Ofsted Feedback for Little Acorns Nursery

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

Overall 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

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

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 Ofsted Report for Little Acorns Nursery here.

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

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.

15th November 2024/by Mark

Children, Early Years Education, Education, Nursery, Parenting, Preschool, Primary School, School, Under-5s

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

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

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

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.
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.
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.
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.
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;
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 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 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.

15th October 2024/by Mark

Free Childcare for Children Aged 9 Months+ (for Eligible Working Families Living in England)

Babies, Childcare, Childcare Funding, Chorley, Chorley Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Early Years Education, Lancashire, Nurseries, Nursery, Preschool, Under-5s

Free Childcare for Children Aged 9 Months+ (for Eligible Working Families in England)

With September 2024 arriving, eligible children aged as young as 9 months can now access free childcare in England. The new childcare ‘hours’ are available where working families are eligible for the support and, in tandem, where local childcare providers are set up with appropriate staffing ratios and capacity. The good news, however, is that Little Acorns Nursery, in Clayton-le-Woods, supports the new scheme. It’s therefore with great pleasure that we’re now beginning to welcome children as young as just 9 months of age for free childcare hours at the Chorley setting.

In today’s guide, we’ll explain who is eligible and how much free childcare they can access right now — and in a year’s time when the scheme expands further.

When Does the New Childcare Support Start?

The new childcare support began at the start of September 2024, so it is already available for eligible children. It will expand yet further in September 2025 and we clarify what that means below.

What Free Childcare Can Babies (9m +) & Children of Eligible Working Families Access?

From September 2024 (so already active), eligible children aged from 9 months to 3 years of age can access 570 hours and eligible children aged 3 and 4 can access 1140 hours of free childcare support per year. The free hours are usually taken over the course of 38 weeks (equating to 15 and 30 hours per week respectively). However, some childcare providers may allow the hours to be spread over more weeks of the year by reducing the number of hours per week. Speak directly to your specific childcare provider about the availability of this more flexible option.
From September 2025, eligible children aged from 9 months to 3 years will also be able to take 1140 hours of free childcare per year, again usually taken as 30 hours per week. As before, it may be possible to spread the hours out over a greater number of weeks of the year by reducing the number of hours taken per week. Again, speak with your specific childcare provider to see if that option is available if it’s of interest.

Summary:

	Available Now	Available From Sept ’25
Eligible* children 9 months – 3 years	570 hours (usually 15 per week)	1140 hours (usually 30 per week)
All children 3-4 living in England (‘Universal Entitlement’)	570 hours (usually 15 per week)	570 hours (usually 15 per week)
Eligible* children 3 to 4 years	1140 hours (usually 30 per week)	1140 hours (usually 30 per week)

* Subject to eligibility criteria outlined below. Additional charges may apply (e.g. for food/nappies – ask your provider if these cost extra).

^{Note that some 2 and 3-year-olds are also eligible for 570 hours of childcare funding under a different scheme where they fall into certain ‘additional needs’ categories or their parents receive qualifying government benefits. Today’s guide, however, focuses primarily on the more widely available scheme for eligible working families.}

*Eligibility Criteria for Working Families

The free childcare scheme for children aged from 9 months to 4 years (inclusive) applies to children of eligible working families. But what constitutes an eligible working family? The following rough guide explains:

As a rough guide, to be eligible, both you and your partner (if you have one):

Must not have an adjusted net income above £100k in the current tax year;
Must each expect to earn at least the equivalent of the National Minimum Wage or Living Wage for 16 or more hours on average per week, over the next 3 months;
– for those aged 21 or over, this currently equates to £183 per week and £2,380 over 3 months;
– for those aged 18-20, it currently equates to £137 per week and £1,788 over 3 months;
– for those either under 18 or in an apprenticeship, it currently equates to £102 per week and £1,331 over 3 months;
^{Figures are before tax and are correct at the time of writing (September 2024)}
Must have a National Insurance number;
Must be applying, of course, for a child of the appropriate age for the scheme.

There are additional rules around specific scenarios, for example, for foster carers, those starting a new job, those whose earnings do not form a regular pattern, the self-employed, and those receiving one or more government benefits. Immigration status is also a factor. Learn more about the eligibility rules here.

“Some children from working families can now receive free childcare from just 9 months old until they begin school.”

Get Started!

Learn more about when and how to apply and when you can start using the free childcare hours here. Staff at Little Acorns Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, are also happy to discuss the childcare needs of local parents, including the various funding options available to those who are eligible.

High-Quality Childcare Services in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Little Acorns Nursery, Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, Central Lancashire

Little Acorns is a wonderful childcare nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, Lancashire. We provide a high-quality childcare and ‘early years’ education service for babies and children aged up to five, giving them the very best start in a home-from-home environment. As well as being perfectly located for local families in Clayton-le-Woods, we may also suit 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.

Register your child for a nursery place today, arrange a guided tour, or ask us any questions — we’ll be happy to help:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

16th September 2024/by Mark

Activities for Children, Butterflies & Moths, Children, Early Years Education, Learning & Development, Nature, Nature Activities for Kids, Under-5s

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

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.

^{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. 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.

Little Acorns Nursery – the Natural Choice

Outstanding Childcare in 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.

14th July 2024/by Mark

Early Years Education, Education, Nursery, Parenting, Preschool, Preschoolers, School

How to Help Your Child Transition to School

Beginning school is a huge milestone for any child as well as for the child’s parents or guardians. Whether transitioning from nursery/preschool or straight from home, beginning school can be a daunting step in a child’s life — especially if they’re unprepared. Today’s post therefore aims to help parents/guardians make the transition to school as easy and stress-free as possible for their child, so they are empowered to feel at home and hit the ground running from the moment they begin. Take a look, therefore, at our guide on How to Help Your Child Transition to School. Following the advice should help make this milestone plain sailing for everyone involved.

Prepare Your Child Well in Advance

The most impactful measure for a smooth transition to school is thorough preparation. As the old saying goes, “Fail to prepare — prepare to fail” meaning you should ensure good preparation if a successful outcome is to be achieved. And, by definition, preparation is required in advance of the school start date. The remaining tips below are all part of that preparation and, as you’ll see, some will be required well in advance.

Well in Advance:

Ensure a Good Early Years Education for Your Child

One of the most critically-important steps for a smooth transition to school is to ensure your child receives a comprehensive early years education. One of the most critically important steps for a smooth transition to school is to ensure your child receives a comprehensive early years education. By this we mean they need to have been nurtured between birth and school age in all areas of their learning and development — ideally including the seven key areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS). In essence, they will need help with their communication and language, physical development, personal, social & emotional development, literacy, mathematics (watch out for our separate post on that coming soon), understanding of the world, and expressive art and design. With such skills and knowledge under their belt before the age of five, they will be incredibly well-equipped once they begin school. Without them, they will find the transition difficult and may even be held back.

Early Years Education at Nursery & Preschool

Such an early years education is also available, of course, via outstanding childcare services like those available at Little Acorns Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods. High-quality settings like ours nurture every aspect of children’s learning and development. Through a programme that’s tailored for every child, we do everything we can to ensure they achieve personal bests in every area and are as school-ready as possible by the time they leave us to begin school. With all that achieved, they are sure to thrive from the moment they start. Learn more about why children benefit by going to a good nursery/preschool here.

Close Parental Involvement in Your Child’s Education

Parents/guardians can and ideally should help with this early years education from home too. Indeed, close parental involvement in a child’s education has been shown to be hugely beneficial to that child, with far-reaching short- and long-term benefits. Studies have shown that such children are much higher achievers at school than those who did not receive regular educational support from parents. Follow the bold link to learn more.

Read With Your Child to Super-Charge Language Skills

Reading with your child from an early age has also been proven to be hugely beneficial to children. Studies show that, by reading with them regularly – including before the age of five – their language skills will receive a massive boost and this will help them enormously once they begin school. Reading with (not just to) children can boost the language skills of preschoolers by the equivalent of 8 months — incredible when you think about it. Comprehension, vocabulary, creativity, knowledge, literacy, and even empathy skills are improved when parents regularly read with young children. A love of books and reading is also a natural extension of this and, again, this can only help children once they’ve started at school. Learn more about how you can Super-charge Your Child’s Education Through Reading here.

Nurture Independence, Social & Soft Skills

It's important to nurture children's independence, social skills and soft skills before they begin school. During their journey from birth to school age, it’s also important to nurture children’s independence, social skills and soft skills.

Ensuring independence will make them feel more in control and self-assured once they start school. For example, help them learn to wash hands, tie shoe laces, use zips and buttons on clothing and be able to dress themselves. Parents can help children accomplish all of these by demonstrating each and encouraging practising at home.
Parents can also encourage good social skills in children while at home, so they are polite and naturally more likeable once they start school. So, try to nurture skills like good manners, understanding right from wrong, mastering negotiations with peers, sharing, helping others and generally being able to make and keep friends. Parents can encourage socialising with friends and relatives of a similar age to accomplish such things.
Additional soft skills will help little ones thrive as well as fit in and be positively viewed once they begin school. Examples of soft skills to nurture in children before they begin school include good communication (verbal as well as non-verbal), listening, an understanding of empathy, cooperation, teamwork, negotiation, problem-solving, resilience, adaptability, good organisation, creativity, resilience and time management. Mastering these will stand children in very good stead at school.

In the Weeks Running Up to Starting School:

One of the small but impactful things you can do to better prepare your child for starting school is ensuring they have a friend joining at the same time. When starting school is only a few weeks away, there are several small but impactful things you can do to better prepare your child for the transition:

Forewarn your child that they’ll be starting school soon and give them further reminders as the start date draws closer. This will avoid any nasty shock when the day arrives and help prepare their mindset.
Talk about it often as the day draws nearer. Encourage questions, answer them, and listen to any misgivings your child may have. Reassure your child whenever they seem apprehensive.
Focus on the positives of school, such as all the new friends they’ll make, all the new activities they’ll participate in, new play equipment and sports facilities, and how school can be a huge adventure.
Show them the school, initially through a brochure or website and later during an organised visit where you can both ask questions during the tour. This will help them feel more at home when they arrive as well as helping them know what to expect.
Find a friend who will also be attending the same school and the same class. Perhaps one of their peers from nursery/preschool may be attending — perfect if so. If not, ask around to find someone who is and arrange play dates so the children can get acquainted in advance. Knowing they will have a friend there in advance is going to help your child hugely once they start school.
Ensure your child gets ample sleep, especially in the run-up to starting school, otherwise, they’ll struggle to stay awake or concentrate at school. Sleep is incredibly good for children anyway.
Allow children to sync their body clocks with the hours they’ll be awake once they begin school. So, set a suitable bedtime and getting up time for your child in the weeks before school starts — and stick to it. Towards bedtime, allow your child to gently wind down and ensure they avoid the use of electronic screens (TVs, iPads etc.) during this period. It will help your child get to sleep.
Purchase/source any uniform, Wellington boots, shoes, clothes, backpack and PE kit required for school, ensuring it’ll all be the right size for your child once they begin. It’s a good idea to put your child’s name on each item too. Check with your child’s school what else they may need, for example, stationery, lunch box, etc.
Practise the school route. A dummy run along the route to school on a weekday is a great idea during the week before your child begins school. Time it to coincide with the real schedule you’ll be following once your child is attending so that you’ll get a feel for how much traffic there will be. Make any adjustments needed so you’ll not be late when the time comes.

On the Day Before the 1st Day of School:

Pack your child’s backpack and ensure it includes everything they’ll need. For example, perhaps a snack and/or lunch box, any spare clothes, PE kit, stationery if needed, and so on.
Ensure everything is labelled with their name, as appropriate.
Go through the backpack with your child so they know what’s in there and where everything is.

On the Day:

Be on time. Dropping off or picking up late will stress both you and your child out!
Don’t fuss; it’ll only make your child more nervous.
Remind your child that you’ll be there to pick them up at the end of the school day.

Outstanding Childcare & Early Years Education in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Award-Winning Weekday Childcare Services in Central Lancashire

Little Acorns is an outstanding nursery and preschool located in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley. This is backed up by our prestigious Best Individual Nursery Award and an ‘Outstanding Provider’ status from Ofsted. So, if you’d like your baby, toddler, or preschooler to have the very best start in life, consider Little Acorns Day Nursery. We’ll bring out the very best in them and do everything possible to ensure they’re as ready as possible by the time they leave us to begin school.

Please select an option from the buttons below to get started on your application, ask a question or request a guided tour with your little one.

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns Nursery 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.

15th May 2024/by Mark

Activities for Children, Children, Early Years Education, Learning & Development, Mammals, Nature, Nature Activities for Kids, Nursery, Preschoolers, Toddlers, Under-5s

Let’s Get to Know Wild Mammals! An Educational Nature Activity for Kids — with Free Poster

Children and childcare staff at Little Acorns Nursery love nature. So, with World Wildlife Day coming earlier this month and Spring now upon us, it’s the perfect opportunity to release our free Wild Mammals poster. Shown in full colour and printable in high resolution at A3 or A4, it features 20 British¹ wild land mammals that young children can learn to identify and look out for. Some can be seen when on walks, on holiday, or even perhaps at the local park, while others are rather more elusive — but that just makes it more exciting for children when they finally spot them! The poster is perfect for displaying on the wall at home — and is a fun way to both intrigue and educate children, including under-fives. With that in mind, why not download your free land mammals poster today, print it out, and get your little ones closer to nature?

“Nature is a tool to get children to experience not just the wider world. But themselves.” (Stephen Moss)

Nature is So Good for Children!

As we’ve reported before, nature is really good for children! Its many benefits include improved attention, reduced stress, better academic performance, improved self-confidence, higher levels of empathy, enhanced fitness, motor skills and coordination, boosted imaginations and a whole raft of other important benefits. Learn more about the importance of nature to children here.

“Children are born with a sense of wonder and an affinity for nature. Properly cultivated, these values can mature into ecological literacy, and eventually into sustainable patterns of living.” (Zenobia Barlow)

Importantly too, nature-based activities like spotting mammals, birds, butterflies, minibeasts, and wildflowers will also encourage children to get actively interested in conservation issues as they grow older. By appreciating nature and flora and fauna from a young age, they are more likely to want to help protect the natural world in the future, including into adulthood. Such a path can lead to healthier lifestyles, greener choices, and a better world for everyone to live in. And that’s all part of what World Wildlife Day was all about back on the 3rd of March this year.

Download Your Free Wild Mammals Poster

With all that in mind, take a look at the preview of today’s free British Wild Mammals poster below. Click it to view or download the high-resolution PDF version, which will give you the best print-out quality. Whether you right- or left-click to download the poster file will depend on your own particular device’s set-up, so perhaps try both and you’ll soon see which type of click will enable you to save the PDF poster to your device’s drive. Then view it in Acrobat (available free here) and print it out from there.

“We don’t inherit the Earth from our ancestors; we borrow it from our children.” (Unknown)

So, try to ensure children under your care get ample access to nature and the natural environment — it’s so good for them. The free wildlife posters and charts available on this website should help to encourage that, whilst intriguing and educating children too.

Looking for an Outstanding Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley?

Little Acorns Nursery is an outstanding, award-winning childcare provider

Little Acorns is an outstanding and award-winning childcare nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley. Ofsted rates us an ‘Outstanding Provider’ and our National Nursery award speaks volumes about the quality of our childcare service. So, if you want the very best start for your baby, toddler or preschooler and live in Central Lancashire, Little Acorns Nursery offers an outstanding choice. We give children a complete early years education and bring out the very best in them so they can reach their full potential. We also support Government-funded childcare schemes for eligible families.

Get in touch to register your child for a nursery place, or come for a visit to see how well they’ll fit in. We’re here to answer any questions too.

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns is a nursery and preschool in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley, offering the highest-quality childcare and early years education to under-fives. That includes those from nearby towns and villages including Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland and Penwortham.

^{1. By ‘British’ we mean wild mammals that can be found in Britain. We appreciate, however, that some animals shown on the poster are not indigenous to the UK and originated in other countries. Examples include the Muntjac Deer, which came over from China, and some red squirrels that were imported from abroad to bolster our own dwindling populations.}

15th March 2024/by Mark

Activities for Children, Children, Early Years Education, Learning & Development, Nature, Nature Activities for Kids, Preschoolers, Toddlers, Under-5s

Little Citizen Scientists Needed for the Big Garden Birdwatch

January’s Big Garden Birdwatch is a perfect home learning opportunity where children can find out about wild birds and get a better understanding of nature itself. What’s more, it’s a hugely worthwhile event that will benefit birds, conservation efforts, and children themselves. The activity also demonstrates how easy it is for little ones to become citizen scientists. With that in mind, let’s explore today the Big Garden Birdwatch, explain what it is, how to take part, and why it’s important for families to get involved.

What Is the Big Garden Birdwatch?

The Big Garden Birdwatch is the world’s biggest garden wildlife survey and is organised by the Royal Society for the Protection of Birds (RSPB). It’s an annual survey of garden birds and is undertaken in late January each year by individuals, families and children right across the UK. Taking part is free and typically takes just one hour.

What’s the Goal?

The idea of the Big Garden Birdwatch is to understand how garden birds are faring in the UK. Sadly, many bird populations are in decline, with some species facing huge declines over recent decades. Some 38 million fewer birds are now seen compared to 60 years ago. Song Thrush populations, for example, are down by 80% since the survey started in 1979. Even House Sparrow numbers have more than halved during that time. By studying the bird populations each year, trends can be identified including whether any bird species are in danger. Then the RSPB and other conservation organisations can work out what the problems are and how we might go about rescuing the situation as a nation. It also follows that, if there is a problem with bird populations, then there is likely to be a wider problem in nature too. This could be, for example, due to disease, over-intensive farming methods, habitat loss, invasive species, climate change, use of chemicals in gardens and farmland, and so on. Gathering data across the UK each January will help guide the nation to improve things — and children can help by getting involved in the Big Garden Birdwatch each January.

How Children & Families Can Take Part

Taking part is easy and takes just 4 steps:

Register here to take part — it’s quick, easy and free to do so. Once registered you’ll receive detailed instructions in your free guide to the event, which includes your free bird identification reference sheet. This will be useful to you and your children so each bird species can be recognised more easily.
Next, choose an outdoor spot to monitor. This will be your ‘patch’ and it could be your garden, balcony or perhaps even a local park. Optionally before the event begins (late January – see below), you may wish to start putting out bird food to attract more birds to the patch in the run-up to the event.
Sometime during the period 24-26 January 2025, spend an hour noting down how many birds of each species you see actually land at any one time on your patch. So, for example, if you see four blackbirds during the hour but only 3 land on the patch at the same time, you’d count that as 3. That’s simply to avoid counting the same bird more than once.
Once complete, fill in and submit your survey results to the RSPB. This can be done online any time from 26 January to 23 February 2025 (if sending a paper survey by post the deadline for receipt is 18 February). You can submit more than one survey if you like, so long as each submission is for a different location/patch. The RSPB will then analyse all the submissions from across the UK and be able to see how each bird species is faring.

Can’t get outdoors?

If you can’t get outdoors for any reason, don’t feel left out. Children and families can undertake the January birdwatching event from a window or balcony too, so long as they can view an outdoor patch where birds are likely to land.

The Huge Benefits of Nature to Children

This wonderful activity is a great way to encourage families outdoors, where children benefit from nature in a myriad of ways. From lower stress and increased well-being to improved academic performance, stimulated imaginations, and better sleep, the benefits of nature to children are profound. Studies show that even a view of nature will benefit children — it’s incredible! Click the bold green link for more details.

The survey is also a great opportunity for children to practise counting and enhance numeracy skills. It’s also a good excuse to get creative, for instance by building a cardboard or stick bird-spotting ‘hide’ — the perfect den from which to watch the birds when the time comes.

Involvement in the Big Garden Birdwatch also allows children to get a better understanding of conservation issues and the need to protect nature and the planet. That’s incredibly important, not least because today’s children will be tomorrow’s caretakers of our precious Earth.

Reference & Bird Identification

Together with the RSPB, we also have bird identification covered for children. The first option is the RSPB’s free bird reference sheet, which families will receive when they register for the event. Their digital version is best because it’s more environmentally friendly, is quicker to access, and usually shows a larger list than is shown on their printed version.

However, don’t forget that Little Acorns Nursery also published our own bird identification poster for children last year. That is also free to download (follow that bold green link) and shows many more species of birds than the RSPB’s option — perfect if children are really interested in bird spotting and want to continue after the January event.

How to Encourage Birds to Visit Your Garden

If children and families want to make a real success of the Big Garden Birdwatch event, a few preparation measures will help attract more birds to their patch. We have that covered too with our separate post all about how to make home-made bird feeders and another explaining a number of excellent tips on bird feeding for under-fives. In addition, the RSPB offers a discount on bird food, purchased via their website, to anyone that registers for the event.

Outstanding Childcare in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Looking for the Best Nursery or Preschool in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, or Central Lancashire?

Today’s article was brought to you by Little Acorns Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, an outstanding provider of childcare and early years education. Our outstanding nursery status is backed up by Ofsted and an important National Nursery Award too. So, if you want the very best start for your baby or child under five and live in the area, consider Little Acorns Day Nursery for your weekday childcare provision. We’ll bring out the best in your child, help them achieve personal bests, and give them the tools to absolutely thrive. We support many different Government-funded free childcare schemes too, making childcare more affordable for those who are eligible.

Get in touch today to request a nursery place, arrange a free tour of the setting, or ask us any questions — we’re here to help!

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

As well as being perfectly located for families in Clayton-le-Woods and Chorley, we may also suit those living nearby in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland or Penwortham.

16th January 2024/by Mark

Activities for Children, Autumn, Children, Chorley, Clayton-le-Woods, Early Years Education, Forest School, Learning & Development, Learning Through Play, Nature, Nature Activities for Kids, Parenting, Play, Preschoolers, Toddlers, Under-5s

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

By mid-November, autumn is in full swing and leaves are turning a myriad of different colours. Scenes of green, yellow, red and golden trees can be breathtakingly beautiful and the air is often crystal clear at this time of year — that’s great for photos! The autumn season also brings with it a treasure trove of fascinating natural things that children can discover if they take the time to look. Indeed, an autumn nature hunt is the perfect excuse for little ones to spend some time outdoors, where they will also benefit from outdoor play and everything that nature has to offer children. Whether finding gorgeous sweet chestnuts, cute acorns, dangly catkins, fascinating fir cones or highly coloured leaves, children will love an autumn treasure hunt and are sure to be enthralled by what they find. It’s a magical time of year! With all that in mind, we have prepared a free activity sheet that children and families can download, print out, and take with them as a visual reference when they next venture outdoors. We suggest children make a start soon, while all the natural wonders are abundant. Download your free Autumn Nature Hunt Reference Sheet (preview below) and get started today!

Checklist

Ensure children, particularly the very young, receive appropriate adult supervision at all times. Although fascinating and fun, the outdoors holds many hazards for the unwary. Therefore, children will need to be closely monitored by a responsible adult in order to safeguard their well-being.
Children should also be educated about all outdoor health and safety matters. For example, they’ll need to know they mustn’t stray far, speak with strangers, or go too close to hazards like fires, ponds, lakes, steep slopes or trip hazards. They will also need to learn not to touch berries, fungi and other potentially poisonous or dangerous flora and fauna. They must be careful not to hurt themselves on the sharp points of things like chestnut cases and even things like acorns are potential choking hazards (so keep away from mouths). And so on (the above are just a few examples).
Supervising adults will need to do their own risk assessments, as well as helping children learn to do so.
Last but not least, ensure your child takes the Autumn Nature Hunt reference sheet with them, along with something safe and suitable to put their nature treasures in (for example, a jute bag or backpack).

Nature & Forest School at Little Acorns Nursery

Forest School sessions in and around Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, in Central Lancashire

At Little Acorns Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, we understand the importance of nature in children’s early years. That’s why we post nature-based activity ideas like this one today. It’s also why we are a Forest School setting. Through Forest School sessions children, including our under fives, get to enjoy, experience, and learn from everything that nature has to offer — and that’s a lot! Follow the bold links for more information or learn more about Forest School and what it’s about here.

If you would like your baby, toddler or preschooler to attend a truly outstanding nursery or preschool in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley, then look no further than Little Acorns Nursery. We’re rated as outstanding by Ofsted, won an incredibly prestigious National Nursery Award and, as we mentioned before, also run Forest School sessions for our children.

Get in touch using an option below and we’ll be delighted to welcome you and your little one, answer any questions, and take the first steps in regard to your childcare application:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns Nursery & Preschool is located in Clayton-le-Woods, so may also suit families living or working nearby in Chorley, Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland and Penwortham.

15th November 2023/by Mark

Active Play, Activities for Children, Children, Early Years Education, Learning & Development, Learning Through Play, Nursery, Parenting, Play, Under-5s

The Power of Learning Through Play in Early Childhood

In the world of child development and early education, there is a simple yet profound truth: children learn best when they are learning through play. Play is the universal language of childhood and, indeed, it transcends both borders and cultures. Whether it’s building sand castles on a sunny beach or arranging blocks on the floor at home, play is the gateway through which children explore, discover, and grow.

But how and why is play so important? And can it benefit even babies, the tiniest members of society? In today’s article, we’ll unravel the secrets of learning through play. We’ll refer to some findings of scientific studies that attest to its incredible impact, explore play’s significance in the early years and infancy, and explain how childcare nurseries like ours harness its potential to nurture young minds.

So, join us today as we explore the power of play and why it should be at the heart of every child’s learning experience. Let’s open the door to a world where fun, laughter, imagination, and natural discovery pave the way to a brighter future for our children.

Why Is Learning Through Play So Important?

Learning through play lays the groundwork for cognitive development, social and emotional growth, imaginative thinking, and a lifelong passion for learning. As adults, we often associate learning with classrooms, textbooks, and structured lessons. However, for children, the process of learning is a dynamic and ever-evolving adventure, with play being their very best companion during the journey.

It develops cognitive skills. Play serves as a powerful vehicle for the development of cognitive skills. When children engage in activities like building with blocks, solving puzzles, or pretending to be characters in their favourite stories, they are actively honing their problem-solving abilities, critical thinking, and creativity. Importantly, these skills are also the building blocks of a lifelong love of learning, which we’ll come to later.
It sparks social & emotional growth. Play isn’t just about individual growth; it’s a social endeavour. Through play, children learn to navigate the complex world of relationships. They practise communication, cooperation, and negotiation as they interact with peers, siblings, and caregivers. Sharing toys, taking turns, and resolving conflicts during playtime are valuable life skills that lay the foundation for healthy social development.
Exploration feeds the imagination. One of the most beautiful aspects of play is its ability to fuel the imagination. When children engage in imaginative play, whether it’s hosting a tea party for stuffed animals or embarking on a make-believe adventure, they are cultivating their creativity and expanding their understanding of the world. Imagination is the driving force behind innovation and problem-solving in adulthood, making it a vital skill to nurture from a young age.
It fosters a love for learning. Perhaps the most compelling reason to prioritise learning through play is that it fosters a genuine love for learning. When children associate learning with fun, joy and discovery, they will naturally develop a thirst for knowledge that stays with them throughout their lives. Such an intrinsic motivation is priceless and will serve them well in all their pursuits, whether academic, work-related or personal.

So, as we can see, learning through play is a fundamental part of a child’s educational journey. It lays the groundwork for cognitive development, social and emotional growth, imaginative thinking, and a lifelong passion for learning.

Babies & Under-5s

Play-based learning is not just for older children. In reality, its influence begins right from infancy and continues to shape young minds throughout their early years. Let’s explore that a little further.

Play for Babies – Building Foundations

Do babies benefit from play? Absolutely. Play is the first way through which infants start understanding their world. They use their senses to explore toys, grasp objects, and make sense of the environment around them. Sensory play, such as touching different textures or listening to soothing sounds, stimulates their developing senses and lays the groundwork for future learning.

Infant play also plays a crucial role in the development of fine and gross motor skills. As babies reach for toys, practise tummy time, and eventually start crawling and walking, they are strengthening their muscles and improving coordination.

Early Years Play – Growing Skills

During the run-up to the age of 5, play is integral to children’s development. During this phase, children are like little sponges, soaking up information from their surroundings. Play allows them to experiment, make connections, and refine their cognitive and many other skills. Skills enhanced through play include:

Language development. Through imaginative play, storytelling, and conversations with peers and caregivers, children will naturally expand their vocabulary and improve their communication skills.
Maths and science concepts. Counting blocks, sorting shapes, and exploring basic scientific principles through hands-on experiments are all part of early years play. Such activities build a firm foundation for mathematical and scientific understanding.
Problem-solving and critical thinking. Whether it’s solving puzzles, figuring out how to build a tower without it toppling, or strategising during a game, play encourages children to think critically, make decisions, assess risk, and find solutions to challenges.
Emotional intelligence. Role-playing and interactive games help children navigate complex emotions. Through these, they will naturally enhance emotional intelligence, develop empathy, and learn about relationships. Such skills are vital for their social and emotional growth going forward.

Play is a powerful and natural tool that’s critical to the development of babies and young children. From sensory exploration in infancy to the cognitive challenges of early years, play enriches their lives and gives them foundational skills and knowledge that will serve them throughout their educational journey.

The value of play is backed up by extensive research

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Children who engage in open-ended play activities are better at problem-solving and divergent thinking, a skill that is essential for creativity. (Early Childhood Research Quarterly).

Children who engage in imaginative play demonstrate greater cognitive flexibility and creativity. (Developmental Psychology Journal).

Children who engage in pretend play with caregivers have more advanced language skills, including a richer vocabulary and more complex sentence structures. (Journal of Child Language).

Children who engage in cooperative play exhibit higher levels of empathy and better conflict resolution skills. (American Journal of Play).

Physical play, such as climbing, running, and manipulating objects, contributes significantly to the development of fine and gross motor skills. (Journal of Motor Learning and Development).

Play can lower cortisol levels, a hormone associated with stress, and promote a sense of well-being in children. (Psychological Science).

The scientific evidence is clear: play is not just a pastime; it’s a fundamental component of child development ¹. Indeed, learning through play is a major part of a good, holistic, approach to child development. It teaches children almost infinite amounts about the world around them while fostering cognitive skills, emotional intelligence, creativity, and a love for learning that will benefit them throughout their lives. Play is the primary vehicle through which children explore, discover, and grow, and it should be at the heart of every child’s educational journey.

The Role of Childcare Providers Like Little Acorns Nursery

Childcare settings like Little Acorns Nursery are often a child’s first introduction to structured learning outside the home. We play a pivotal role in nurturing young minds through a play-based approach to education. This is designed to encourage children to explore, experiment, and naturally discover through play.

Creating playful environments — we understand the importance of a conducive environment for learning through play. With that in mind, we provide carefully designed play spaces that are rich in stimulating materials and resources. These spaces allow children to engage in various types of play, from imaginative to sensory, in a safe and supportive setting.
Trained educators — our nursery staff are trained to facilitate play-based learning effectively. They observe and engage with children during their play, providing guidance when necessary while allowing children the autonomy to explore and experiment. Our skilled educators recognise the many learning opportunities that arise naturally during such play.
A balance of structured and unstructured play — we strike a careful balance between structured and unstructured play. Structured activities may include group games, circle time, and planned art projects, while unstructured playtime allows children to choose their activities, fostering independence and decision-making skills.
Incorporating learning goals — while play is central to the nursery experience, it doesn’t mean a lack of educational goals. Childcare providers like Little Acorns Nursery align play activities with specific learning objectives. For example, a play dough activity can promote fine motor skills and creativity, while a group storytelling session enhances language development.
Assessing progress — continuous assessments help our childcare practitioners and each child’s Key Person to gauge children’s development. Such assessments consider, for example, children’s engagement, problem-solving abilities, social interactions, and other skills that emerge during play. This holistic approach helps our educators to tailor their support to each child’s individual needs.

By recognising the immense value of play in child development and providing a nurturing environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive through play-based activities, we not only prepare children for the transition to school but also facilitate the development of essential life skills.

Nursery Places at an Outstanding Nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, Chorley

Are you looking for an outstanding nursery for your child in Clayton-le-Woods or near Chorley? If so, you should consider Little Acorns Nursery. Not only does Ofsted rate us as an ‘Outstanding Provider’ but we also have a highly prestigious national nursery award under our belt. All Government-funded childcare schemes are supported at the nursery too, making childcare provision more affordable for eligible families. To register your little one for a place, arrange a tour with your child, or ask a question, please contact us:

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Little Acorns is a nursery in Clayton-le-Woods, near Chorley, Central Lancashire. Families living or working nearby in Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland or Penwortham may also find it convenient.

Coming Soon:

How to Encourage Learning Through Play at Home

Parents and caregivers also play a crucial role in fostering an environment that supports exploration, curiosity, and growth through play. Your home can be a vibrant hub for play-based learning. Moreover, by creating a nurturing environment, providing the right resources, and actively engaging with your child during play, you empower them to explore, learn, and really grow as individuals. We explore the topic of Encouraging Learning Through Play at Home here.

15th October 2023/by Mark

Activities for Children, Children, Early Years Education, Education, Learning & Development, Music, Nurseries, Nursery, Parenting, Preschool, Preschoolers, Under-5s

The Rewards of Learning a Musical Instrument in Early Childhood

While listening to music has a unique way of resonating with the human spirit, actually creating it on a musical instrument elevates that connection to entirely new levels. What’s more, learning to play an instrument leads to a whole host of multifaceted benefits. Whether tinkling piano keys, strumming guitar strings, or playing a wind instrument, children who learn to play a musical instrument will soon discover a whole world of opportunities and advantages that extend far beyond the realm of melody and harmony. With that in mind, today’s article explores the myriad of sometimes surprising benefits that learning to play music will bring to children, even at a very young age. Take a look below and discover how musicianship could benefit your child, extend their skills and potentially enrich their life profoundly.

Emotional and Psychological Benefits

At an emotional and psychological level, music is a universal language — and it speaks to the heart. It’s no surprise, therefore, that learning an instrument can foster emotional intelligence, facilitate self-expression, and aid stress reduction in children. It provides a perfect safe space from which they can explore and express their feelings. From the soothing melodies that can calm their nerves to the triumphant crescendos that may boost mood and confidence, music has a truly profound impact on their emotional well-being.

Studies have shown that when a child learns to play an instrument, their brain undergoes changes in areas related to memory, problem-solving, and emotional processing.

Cognitive Benefits

The influence of music on brain development is nothing short of remarkable. Learning to play an instrument engages various parts of the brain simultaneously and is like a 360-degree workout for the mind! As such, its cognitive benefits are profound. Children who take up musical instruments therefore tend to excel in memory, problem-solving, and mathematical skills. Indeed, studies have shown that musical training can lead to improved academic performance, enhancing children’s abilities, particularly in subjects like mathematics and science. So, when your child learns to play a violin, piano, guitar or even a simple recorder, they’re not just making music; they’re also fine-tuning their cognitive abilities.

Improved Reading Skills

With this workout for the brain comes a deep focus on reading the musical notation and every little detail within it. Such focus will help children to read the written word too. Indeed, by comparison to printed music, text in fiction and non-fiction books may soon seem simple. Better literacy skills will naturally follow.

Enhanced Language & Communication Development

Have you ever noticed how children love to sing along with their favourite songs? Music and language are closely intertwined and the good news is that learning an instrument enhances language acquisition and communication skills in infants and toddlers. Lyrics, rhythmic patterns and melodies help them grasp the nuances of language more effectively, with enhanced listening, hearing and verbal skills coming naturally as a result. As such, an involvement with music sets a strong foundation for communication in children.

Enhanced Creativity & Imagination

Learning an instrument represents a real journey of creativity and imagination. Children explore melodies, experiment with harmonies, and may often progress to compose their own tunes. This creative process nurtures their imagination and encourages them to think in new and alternative ways. Making music really is a powerful tool for unlocking children’s artistic potential.

Improved Coordination & Motor Skills

Whether it’s plucking strings, pressing keys, or striking drums, playing an instrument requires precise coordination and fine motor skills. Practising music while learning to control their instrument will thereby help children develop dexterity and hand-eye coordination. These are important skills that extend to and benefit many other areas of their lives.

Building Confidence & Self-Esteem

Every time a child learns a new piece or performs in front of an audience it will, in turn, naturally boost their self-esteem. Musical achievements are, after all, rather like a series of stepping stones that, once successfully navigated, lead to greater confidence. Through learning to play music, children will learn that with dedication and practice, they can conquer challenges and achieve goals.

Social & Teamwork Skills

Music is often a collaborative endeavour and that, in itself, will bring additional benefits to children. As well as simply being enjoyable, group music lessons and ensemble playing will teach children valuable social and teamwork skills. Through music-making, they will learn to listen, cooperate, and communicate effectively with others at appropriate times — and even to make more friends. Such skills go well beyond the world of music and are fundamental in importance and positive impact.

Improved Self-Discipline

Children who learn to play a musical instrument will establish regular practice routines and tend to commit to a consistent, sustained effort. Such habits will instil good self-discipline and time management skills in the children and these will serve them well in various other aspects of their lives.

Lifelong Passion & Career Opportunities

Perhaps most importantly, learning an instrument can ignite a lifelong passion for music. As the famous musician Sting once said, music is its own reward. It is a gift that keeps on giving, offering joy and fulfilment that can often last throughout children’s lives. And, for those who truly embrace it, music can even open doors to exciting career opportunities in the field.

Age-Appropriate Music Activities

When selecting a musical instrument for a child, several factors should be taken into account. Consider their age, physical size, and dexterity. For example, some instruments like recorders and ocarinas may be more suitable for young beginners, due to their size and simplicity. With that said, how can children get started? Let’s take a brief look.

For infants and toddlers, musical exploration can start with simple activities like singing lullabies, clapping to a rhythm, or playing with simple musical or percussive toys. These activities introduce them to the world of sound and rhythm in a playful and engaging way.
Preschoolers can begin experimenting with basic instruments like xylophones, shakers, and handbells. Interactive games involving singing and movement help develop their sense of rhythm and coordination. Nursery rhymes and simple songs with repetitive melodies are also excellent choices.
As children grow, they can explore more complex musical activities. Consider enrolling them in group music classes or introducing them to instruments like the recorder, keyboard, ukulele or, as they grow bigger, larger instruments like guitars, pianos and even cellos. Encourage creativity by allowing them to compose their own songs or experiment with different sounds. Once they become older, they may show interest in specific instruments or genres. Encourage them to join school bands or orchestras, take private lessons, or explore digital music production. The key is to support their evolving interests and skills.

As you can see, the benefits of learning a musical instrument as a child are vast and far-reaching. It’s not just about creating beautiful music; it’s about nurturing so much more than that in children. So, if you’re considering enrolling your child in music lessons, know that you’re not just giving them a skill; you’re giving them a ticket to a world of opportunities and lifelong enjoyment. So, embrace the almost limitless possibilities that music offers, and watch your child flourish in ways you could never have imagined.

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

If you’re searching for an outstanding nursery in Clayton-le-Woods or near Chorley, then look no further than Little Acorns Nursery. Rated as an ‘Outstanding Provider’ of childcare services by Ofsted and with a unique national nursery award under its belt, the setting offers the very best start for babies, toddlers and preschoolers in Central Lancashire and beyond. We support all Government-funded childcare schemes for eligible families and are also a Forest School setting where your child can benefit from everything that nature has to offer. Why not register your child for a place, request a guided tour with your child, or ask any questions if you have any? We’ll be delighted to help.

Apply Today Book a Tour Message Us 01772 696288

Located at Clayton-le-Woods near Chorley, Little Acorns Nursery may also be convenient for those living or working near Clayton Brook, Clayton Green, Thorpe Green, Pippin Street, Buckshaw Village, Whittle-le-Woods, Farington, Bamber Bridge, Lostock Hall, Euxton, Leyland or Penwortham.

15th September 2023/by Mark

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