On Thursday 13 July, the children from Jellybabies Nursery & Pre-School in Birmingham took part in a graduation celebration and sports day in front of parents, grandparents and family friends. We were very proud of them all, they sang beautifully before receiving graduation gifts of personalised photos, magnets, class of 2023 bracelets and books. The children then took part in sports day followed by parent/carer/child races, which were lots of fun. The children were then presented with sports day certificates and medals.

Nursery manager Jacqueline Walker said: “It was such a lovely community event! We wish all our school reception starters all the best for September and look forward to our younger children continuing their nursery education with us in September.”

Community-run baby & toddler group Namastay and Play, based in Leeds, has certainly been busy over the summer months. The sensory play, movement, and yoga-focused group has been enjoying fun under and on top of the parachute, where the children have been filling the air with the sweet sounds of their singing!

Springfield Bees Pre-School, based in Essex received some fantastic news in July: staff member Sophie O’Sullivan has been shortlisted for Practitioner of the Year 2023 at the Nursery World Awards, after being nominated earlier in the year! Children and staff are “over the moon” for Sophie.

Here’s the nomination in full – we’re sure you’ll agree the recognition is well deserved: “Sophie lives and breathes early education and childcare. In an industry that continues to suffer from difficulties with recruiting and retaining quality staff, this is very difficult to find.

Even in times of adversity, Sophie has remained positive and upbeat, always looking on the bright side and ensuring any changes do not negatively impact the staff or children's experiences at the setting. She has been extremely supportive to the committee and trustees, helping them with understanding relevant legislation and acting as secretary during meetings, alongside hosting partnership events such as the annual Welly Walk and Leavers Picnic. Sophie takes time to find out about our families, treating every child and parent with respect and dignity.

Most importantly, children adore Sophie. She sings, talks, listens, cuddles, dances, gets messy and has fun every day. When children role play, they pretend to be her, confirming how much influence she has in their lives.”  

Staff and children at Cullompton Pre-School successfully used our Fair Funding campaign toolkit to send a letter to their local MP, Richard Foord, who visited the setting at the end of June to address their 2023-24 finance concerns.

A much-loved community staple, the setting has been running for 50 years as a charity and was even a finalist in the Pre-School of the Year category of the Nursery World Awards just a few years ago, yet it is facing financial difficulties in the cost-of-living crisis.

As well as engaging with both staff and children (pictured), the MP explained he would be sending a written question about funding shortfalls to Children’s Minister Claire Coutinho and, if a satisfactory response isn’t received, he would ask the question on the floor in Parliament!

Centre Place Nursery was delighted to receive a ‘thank you’ letter from Buckingham Palace in July for a scrap book that children put together to celebrate the King and the Queen Consort’s coronation.

Each child and staff member had a union jack painted on their hand, which they then printed into the scrap book alongside their names. Some children chose to draw pictures, too, and then they talked about the King’s ‘house’ – with one child thinking he lived on the moon! Others shared their excitement about travelling to London for “the King’s birthday” and talked enthusiastically about castles.

The children made their own crowns, then took part in a coronation tea party with bunting and flags. The day was finished off with story time, where they shared a little book about the coronation.

Staff at Centre Place said it was “so lovely to hear the children’s excitement” and were “thrilled to have taken part in this historic celebration”.

On Saturday 15 July, children and staff at Laindon Nursery in Essex hosted their very first ‘Summer Fun’ session!

Families were invited to come and join a morning of fun activities, while also seeing some of the learning activities children had participated in over the summer term. These included opportunities to plant a sunflower, play in the sand, explore a range of water-play activities, and take part in some sports activities.

Alongside the fun and games, they held a bake sale with some ice-cream treats that raised £126.50 to go towards the new resources in Centre Place Nursery’s baby room!  

What have you been up to?
Under 5 wants to know! To share your good new stories, success stories, and fun events with us, please email editor.u5@eyalliance.org.uk with the subject line ‘My Under 5’.