Spring Newsletter 2008
Wonderful News!
On Friday night, 15th February, Sue and Gary Palmer, along with six members of staff, attended the prestigious Business Excellence Awards evening at Salisbury City Hall, organised by Salisbury and District Chamber of Commerce and Industry. There we were, surrounded by the very best businesses in the area. Helen, Sarah, Naomi, Fiona and Louise all looked wonderful in their evening dresses, and there wasnt a muddy Wellington boot in sight! We had been nominated for the Outstanding Business of the Year 2008.
Guess what? WE WON!
You should have heard us; we were so thrilled to win. We really didnt think we would. When we all went up to collect the award we had a standing ovation. Many of our parents were there that night, and everyone was so pleased for us.
We are all now on cloud nine and could not be happier or more proud. It reinforces my belief that if you are happy in what you do, and the children in your care are happy, then you can accomplish so much.
Only last month we were very pleased to hear that Farley Nursery School has been included in the Wiltshire Early Years Foundation stage Good Practice Guide. We were presented with a certificate for Excellent practice within the Foundation Stage and this is now proudly displayed in our reception area.
We are constantly receiving enquiries about more information on Outdoor Play and have a steady stream of visitors to the nursery who want to find out more. In response to this I have just arranged a series of training courses here at Farley, where practitioners can join in with the children and get down and dirty in the mud pit! If you are interested in this, please see the Workshops page.
Our latest topic, Recycling, has gone down really well. The children now know how to Reduce, re-use and recycle. They have made a Tin Can Man who is hanging around in the garden and have used tins for an I Can Count activity. They have been using old paper and fabric and cardboard boxes for a host of things.
Valentines Day was spent in a cloud of pink: paper, paint, chalks, fabric, glitter and icing. Most gifts were eaten on the way home, so they didnt quite get to the intended recipient, but hey theres always next year!
The lovely sunny days that we have enjoyed recently gave us the incentive to get out the ride on mower and give the children trailer rides round the field. Neil and Helen have been driving, and the children just want them to do it Again and again and again!
The colder evenings have also seen bonfires being lit in our fire-pit and the children have sat around, toasting teacakes for their tea. We send children home with rosy cheeks, smelling of fresh air and wood smoke what could be better?
We have a new member of staff Will, who brings our quota up to sixteen. Will enjoys sailing and has been showing everyone how to tie really big knots in ropes. He has made a wonderful knotted rope swing in the garden, which the children love. In addition to this we have three students with us at the moment, from different Universities, and we welcome their enthusiasm and ideas.
We are still desperately looking for big prams for the children in Marigold. With an extra pram or two we can allow more children to sleep outside. If you know of anyone who may have an old, coach-built pram that they no longer need, could you please let us know? We would be very grateful.
We hope, like us, you are enjoying the longer warmer days. Spring is definitely on its way.
Sue Palmer
