Have you heard that the Government is planning to introduce baseline assessments for four year olds from September 2015, which have been widely criticised by the early years community?

Whether you have or not, the Pre-school Learning Alliance (PLA) is campaigning hard against this move, which it claims will be unreliable, disruptive and harmful to child well-being.

We’re backing this opposition, and recently asked you to sign a petition asking the Government to drop their plans. Thanks for all your support! 57% of responses to the Government’s consultation also objected to the idea, so many people out their share your view.

The latest news on the assessments can be read here whilst the PLA’s statement explaining the impact of these assessments can be read here.

Welcome back! Hope you all had a good half term. Can you guess what this little fellow is doing?

Answer: he’s sewing a Valentine’s day heart for his family – all by himself. This is just one of the fantastic crafts that the children have had a taste of recently at pre-school. We’ve also had wool-felted pebbles and walnut shell boats recently – but according to Becca, our Supervisor, it’s more about giving the children opportunities to try new things and build their confidence than about what they bring home. Still, it was fun watching my lot sail the walnut boat in a bubbly bath the other night!

As the Peak Advertiser article below mentions, the pre-school is now full for the rest of the academic year. If you’re thinking about September 2015, pop your name down on the list as soon as possible by contacting Becca on 07842 095402. We will be allocating places after Easter.

I just checked the weather forecast for the rest of half term and, I’m not going to lie to you, it’s looking a little soggy.

So, faced with this and a day of (thank you Mum) childcare tomorrow, I thought I’d draw activity inspiration from pre-school’s fabulous homemade playdough so loved by our little ones.

One brief Google search later, I gave this really quick, no-cook playdough recipe a go – and it’s turned out super silky and quite delish! It only took 10 minutes …

Happy modelling! See you after half term.

Take a stand for child-led education and sign this urgent petition.

You might have spotted the government’s recent proposals to introduce baseline assessments for four year olds just weeks after they start school. The assessments, which are due to be rolled out from September 2015 and then nationally from September 2016, have been rejected by early years organisations as being ‘deeply flawed’ and potentially ‘harmful’ to young children’s development.

As one of Grindleford’s own parents – and an early years to Y2 teacher – says, “a good teacher assesses children from the first time they walk in the school, and should be continually assessing to support individual children’s needs”.

We’re joining the British Association for Early Childhood Education and asking everyone we know to sign their petition. The Government is due to make their next announcement about this at the end of January, so we all need to take a stand now.

Click here for a great news summary of the issues involved and opinions from people in the know including Pre-school Learning Alliance CEO Neil Leitch, by Daynurseries.co.uk.

Click here to sign the British Association for Early Childhood Education’s petition.

Thank you!

If you just fancy a cup of tea and a quiet play, bring your little ones along to our lovely Mud Kitchen Playgroup – and let them get messy on someone else’s floor!

‘A hidden gem!’ said one parent recently, about our special toddler group for 0 to 4 year olds.

Mud Kitchen Playgroup, Fridays 10-11.30am, lets children and their parents get a taste of all of the indoor and outdoor play, creative crafts and everyday joys that our pre-school life at the Grindleford Pavilion has to offer.

Tea, toast and a very warm welcome guaranteed.

Cost £2.50 per child

Wonderful snowy time had by Woodland Adventurers and Forest Schoolers alike today as they enjoyed a joint sledging adventure, collected ice and generally became one with the snow. We love all weather fun! (And we love the beautiful bird feeders they made in the afternoon, too.)

To be held at Grindleford Pavilion. Please rsvp to Becca by email. Thanks!

What a wonderful time at the Woodland Nativity. Mother Christmas, mince pies and mud!

Arriving at the Forest School site, the first activity was to introduce ourselves. We had, I think, one princess, one robot and several spidermen in the group. Next it was the rules that keep the children safe, then on to setting up the camp and stick hunting for the fire. Craft activities of willow peeling in readiness for roasting marshmallows and preparing oranges for cake making were on offer.

Suddenly, through the trees more people were coming: the younger Woodland Adventurers and other family members. They were swiftly and eagerly given a tour of the Dens, the Pirate Ship and the Bouncy Log. The children showed such pride and pleasure at being able to show off ‘their place’.

After being beckoned by a song back to the fire circle, hot drinks and mince pies and cakes were gratefully consumed, with much chatter between mouthfuls. Gradually, by the addition of red and white checked tea towels and gold ribbon, boys turned into shepherds and girls into angels. It was time for the Nativity to start.

It had everything a nativity should have: Mary and Joseph, the stable, the star and of course, baby Jesus – a gorgeous 4 week old baby boy, who presented a wonderful photo opportunity and many murmurs of ‘awww’. But it had so much more too: humour, a sense of inclusion for everyone and a lack of pressure on the children or trepidation in the adults. Very special.

Next it was time for the children to receive their gifts from Mother Christmas who was resplendent on her throne in a green velvet gown and red berry headdress. The children gathered round eagerly and were not disappointed with the beautifully wrapped gift.

The relaxed atmosphere and ease of execution were a testament to very good planning and organisation by the staff, doubly so because everything has to be carried into the woods. It was also heart-warming to watch everyone helping each other in so many small but meaningful ways.

A very special event. Thank you.

Now that our families seem to be coming from far and wide to join in our adventures, we thought it might be a good idea for you all to meet each other properly and get chatting. So we’ve set up a closed group on Facebook that you can join, to make friends, chat and share information, tips, experiences and other happy thoughts. Looking for a play date? Want advice about winter gloves for small fingers? Forgotten when term starts? Need a lift? Post it on our Facebook group! Go on, don’t be shy – we’ve made it closed so you feel more comfortable posting. Just click here to join.