On Friday 14 June, the children and grown-ups from Jellybabies Nursery took park in Barnardo’s Big Toddle, raising money for Barnardo’s children’s charity. The Big Toddle is a short, sponsored walk for children under five that aims to create safer, happier, healthier, and more hopeful childhoods across the UK.

The children walked or used bikes and scooters to travel up and down Rubery Park, while also stopping to have fun in the play area! Following the walk, everyone went to St Chad’s church in Rubery. Here, they were all given a ‘Well Done’ Barnardo’s medal and sticker, presented by St Chad’s Rev’d Chloe.

Jellybabies manager, Jacqueline Walker, said: “It was a lovely social event where families and children sat together at St Chad’s for refreshments before continuing their walk in the park.”

Then, just a few days later on Monday 17 June, Jellybabies held a special breakfast to celebrate, fathers, grandads, uncles, and other important male caregivers. The event was attended by over 50 people aged between a few months old up until 85 years old, which included dads, grandads, uncles, mums and nannies!

The children and their families sat together for a delicious breakfast of pastries, pancakes, crumpets, toast and fresh fruit. A selection of toys and activities were set out to entertain the children while grown-ups had an opportunity to socialise with each other while spending time with their children in their learning environment.

“It was a lovely local event and a great way to celebrate important people in the children’s lives.”

Carol said: “The secret is to keep things fresh for the children, piquing their curiosities and inspiring their imaginations.”

Buttercups always scores very highly in this, which they put down to being one big, happy team: “As soon as you enter, you’re enveloped in a sense of belonging, with staff who greet you with genuine care and enthusiasm. The team is not just highly qualified; they’re also deeply passionate about fostering the development of each child in their care,” said a parent at Buttercups Acton.

This was reflected in comments from parents at Buttercups Nursery Ealing: “Sarah makes the nursery really special. I know that when I drop my son off in the morning that he will be well cared for because the same compassionate nature runs through the whole team!”

A huge well done to Buttercups Nurseries!

What’s been happening in your setting?
The team at Under 5 want to know! To share your good news, success stories, and fun events with us, Alliance members can email editor.u5@eyalliance.org.uk (with the subject line ‘My Under 5’) to make sure we don’t miss your email.