Firtrees Nursery

HAPPY RETIREMENT

This week is set to be an emotional week for all the staff at Firtrees. We will be saying goodbye to two of our long-standing staff as they head off to enjoy their retirement. Both Paddy and Linda have been with the company for over 27 years and have been a huge part of the life of the nursery. I know I speak for everyone when I say you will both be missed. We hope you enjoy your retirement and please remember to come back and visit us soon. From Lorna and all the staff

OUR LATEST MENU W.B 27.05.24

ENGAGING IN MESSY PLAY WITH ROOM 7

The children listened to the scarecrows wedding story by Julia Donaldson, they recalled main parts of the story and then went on to explore the playroom and find some seashells, feathers, flowers and bells relating to the story, they then went on to explore these items.
They Explored the paint to support their senses, used the feathers to mark make and tickle their noses and printing onto paper with the painted seashells and also printing the shape onto playdough.

Children are given the freedom to play with things that make a ‘mess’ they are given no expectations on what they should produce, they can focus on process over product. There are no end goals. By giving children messy play opportunities, we give them the opportunity to explore materials fully.

MAY BANK HOLIDAY DATES

LEARNING ABOUT RECYCLING

The children from 3-5 Area 2 rooms 9 and 10 have been learning about recycling and how items can be reused or repurposed to prevent waste. As part of the nursery’s Eco program the children recently went on a trip to Currys in Hamilton to recycle old broken tablets. The staff in Currys spoke to the children about their recycling process and informed them that the tablets would be sent away to a specialist who would be able to recycle some of the parts.

FIRTREES CLOTHES HUB

Our clothes hub is starting to take shape. If you have any donations of good quality children clothes, please pass them onto reception.

OUR LATEST MENU

FIRTREES CLOTHES HUB

THE BRAW WEE SHOP

We were visited today by the Braw Wee shop hosted by students from the Support for Learning Department at New College Lanarkshire. They will be back tomorrow between 10.30am and 12pm.

They are having a pop up shop within the nursery reception.

The Braw Wee Shop is based in Motherwell campus. The shops vision is all about sustainability, They have a Fairtrade corner and various cards, seasonal gifts, college merch and loads of other gifts for sale.

Why not pop in and support them.

EXPLORING OUR OUTDOOR LEARNING SPACE

Room 7 children exploring their outdoor learning space. They are stimulated by what they see, hear, feel and touch. The natural resources and loose parts encouraged the children to think and investigate, building their self-confidence, independence and self-esteem.

Outdoor opportunity allows for physically active play: running, jumping, climbing, pushing, and pulling. As well as developing strength, coordination, and stamina. The smaller objects, which the children showed an interest in, were scissors, clay, a variety of natural resources and various sized tools, encouraging the children to manipulate and explore.

MUD KITCHEN EXPLORATION

In Room 7 we have been exploring and investigating in our mud kitchen. We used loose parts and open-ended resources to engage in pretend and messy play. The Mud kitchen helps us to develop our fine motor skills, roleplay, exploration, and social skills.

EASTER BANK HOLIDAY

INVESTIGATING RECYCLING AND JUNK MODELS

In Room 11 we have been investigating recycling. We have collected items that can be recycled and used for junk modeling. Through conversation between the children and the educators we discussed what we already know about recycling and junk modeling before going on to make our own junk model.

ONE PARENT FAMILIES SCOTLAND

One Parent Families Scotland is a charity working with single parent families in Scotland. They provide expert advice and practical support for single parent families. If you think you could benefit from their support please contact them directly.

CHANGE TO MENU

There will be a change to tomorrows menu, We will now be serving the following.

Sweet & Sour Chicken with rice

MERRY CHRISTMAS

CHRISTMAS HOLIDAYS

CHRISTMAS IN ROOM 12

CHRISTMAS IN ROOM 8

COUNCIL SESSION APPLICATION FORM

All children who will be three years of age before 1 March 2025 are entitled to receive up to 1140 hours statutory funded place during session August 2024/2025:
• Children who reach three years of age between 1 March 2024 and 31 August 2024 can take up their ELC
placement from August 2024. (day after their 3rd birthday, up to the 31 August 2024).
• Children reaching three years of age between 1 September 2024 and 31 December 2024 can take up their ELC
placement from January 2025.
• Children reaching three years of age between 1 January 2025 and last day of February 2025 can take up their
ELC placement from April 2025

For more information and access to the application form please follow the link below. Alternatively you can collect a paper copy from the nursery.

| North Lanarkshire Council How to apply for your early learning and childcare entitlement of 1,140 hours for three to five year olds and eligible two year olds.

KNOWETOP PRIMARY ONE ENROLMENT

CHRISTMAS IN ROOM 11

CHRISTMAS IN THE 2-3's

CELEBRATING OUR 5th ECO FLAG

CHANGES TO NEXT WEEKS MENU

We are making a change to next weeks menu to add in a Christmas lunch on Wednesday. The lunches will now be:

Monday - Pasta bolognaise with Garlic bread
Tuesday - Fish fingers with herby potatoes and spaghetti hoops
Wednesday - Christmas lunch
Thursday - Cream of Chicken soup with a roll and yogurt
Friday - Scottish Stovies with bread roll

FIRTREES CHRISTMAS PHOTO BOOTH

Thank you to everyone who took the time to come and visit our Christmas Photo booth, and for giving us permission to share your photos on our page. I am sure you will agree these photos are festively fantastic.