niton-brighstone-preschool

Summer Term at Niton Preschool – Sunshine, Smiles & New Beginnings at Niton Preschool

Sat, 18 Apr 2026 07:27:43 GMT

Welcoming new families, embracing outdoor adventures, and sharing important updates for a happy, healthy, and well-prepared Summer Term together

Summer term 1: Monday 13th April – Friday 22nd May 2026

Opening Hours are 7.45 am - 5.30pm

Welcome back to the Summer Term at Niton preschool. We would like to take this opportunity to welcome new children and their families to our setting.

It is with great sadness that we say goodbye to Lou our office administrator/Deputy Manager. We wish her all the best and thank her for the many years of dedicated service and love she has given to Niton Preschool.

We look forward to spending many hours outside, on walks, to the library (please remember to return any books), in the park and some activities parents can be involved in.

Please remember if your child comes home wet and muddy they have had a good time!

Please ensure your child has everything they need for the day;

a healthy snack for the morning,
a change of clothes,
nappies & cream (if used)
indoor shoes or slippers now that the weather is colder,
and a healthy packed lunch.

We ask that all belongings are clearly labelled.

If your child needs a school dinner the price is £3.60

We have a water machine and milk for the children to drink, so please NO drinks bottles.

(exception for younger children that are not yet able to use a cup)

This is for health and hygiene reasons.

If you have any concerns please speak to Jayne.

This term we will be spending lots of time in the garden so please send your child in with appropriate clothing.

Please provide named sunhat and ensure you have applied a once a day suncream before they come to preschool.

Please also provide an all-in once swimsuit for outdoor waterplay.

Dates For Your Diary

Thursday 23 ^rd April –

Concept Photography

9am – 12noon

If your child is not booked in on this day, you are welcome to bring them in and any siblings to have their photograph taken. You will need to stay with your child/ren.

Wednesday 29 ^th April – 7pm

AGM Niton Preschool - Our AGM this year will be on at the preschool. Please come along there will be drinks and nibbles. It will be a great opportunity to see how we work and discuss the future of the preschool.

Monday 4 ^th May –

Bank Holiday (Preschool CLOSED)

Friday 22 ^nd May –

Last day of Summer Term 1

Monday 1 ^st June – First day back for Summer Term 2

If there are any further dates, we will email them to you.

In order to keep preschool illness free, we ask that if your child is unwell or that you have had to administer Calpol or Ibuprofen

DO NOT SEND THEM IN.

Reporting an Absence from Preschool

Please telephone and advise us of any absence on

01983 730985 or email nitonpreschool@gmail.com

The current legislation is that children and staff should remain at home for 48 hours after the last bout of diarrhoea or vomiting.

Many Thanks.

NO TOYS AT PRE-SCHOOL!

Please DO NOT allow your child to bring toys to preschool.
They get lost, broken and can cause a choking hazard if not age appropriate.

Thank you for your co-operation.

As we will be doing LOTS of craft activities this term please ensure children are NOT dressed in their best clothes. As much a we try to encourage children to wear aprons sometimes paint on clothing cannot be helped.

We are using the Famly app.

By now you should have all logged in to your child’s Famly account.

This platform will be used to provide regular observations and photographs of your child, along with invoices and other billing-related communications.

Please clear any outstanding bills

If you have any questions about your child’s Famly account, please ask and we will be happy to help.

As you are aware we do not charge a consumable charge like most preschool settings.

If you did wish to make a donation we have an Amazon Wish List with items of varying costs. We are always grateful for any contributions to enable us to provide a rich environment for the children.

Remember to re confirm your 30-hour Eligibility every 3 months.

Pupil Premium/ 9 month-2-year funding / 30 hours funding is available to help with childcare costs please speak to the office for more information.

Code Application & Reconfirmation Deadlines

Parents must apply or reconfirm their eligibility code by these dates to receive funding the following term:

If a parent’s grace period ends during the current term , we cannot offer extended hours next term.

After February half term, we will be sending you an invitation via teams for an online meeting with your child’s keyperson.

This is an opportunity to discuss your child’s development and progress and if you have any questions for the staff.

If your child is in nappies, please keep them stocked up, the staff will tell you when we are running low. If you wish to provide wet wipes, these will be labelled and only used for your child.

Grapes

These are a choking hazard.

Grapes should be always cut lengthways and in quarters. This is to ensure they are swallowed easier and not get lodged in airways.

Grapes are the same size as a child’s windpipe.

We would love it if you were able to leave a review on our Google page:

Spring Term 1 at Niton Preschool – Frost, Flour and Festive Fun — Embracing Change This Term!

Sun, 25 Jan 2026 08:23:39 GMT

Learning led by children, shaped by curiosity, and rooted in community

Spring term 1: Monday 6th January – Friday 13th February 2026
Opening Hours are 7.45 am - 5.30pm

A very warm welcome back to preschool!

Generally, preschools have always been run on a monthly ‘theme’ , but we have decided to move away from this as children’s interests don’t always fit!!

We could plan a whole term on dinosaurs but only 5 children may show any interest.

So, we have decided to move away from themes and more into ‘concepts’.

Below I have listed a few concepts which enable us to be more flexible in our daily curriculum.

Belonging in the community, Cause and effect, Friendships, Problem solving, Growth and Change.

Please ensure your child has everything they need for the day;

a healthy snack for the morning,
a change of clothes,
nappies & cream (if used)
indoor shoes or slippers now that the weather is colder,
and a healthy packed lunch.

We ask that all belongings are clearly labelled.

If your child needs a school dinner the price is £3.60

We have a water machine and milk for the children to drink, so please NO drinks bottles.

(exception for younger children that are not yet able to use a cup)

This is for health and hygiene reasons.

If you have any concerns please speak to Jayne.

This term we will be walking around the village so please send your child in with appropriate clothing.

Warm Coats and wellie boots (we do have spares if needed)

A warm extra jumpe r would be very useful, we are encouraging children to wear our waterproof onesies outside but as they are thin a warm extra jumper for underneath would be great the keep the children warm.

Dates For Your Diary

Friday 13 ^th February

Last day before half term

Monday 23 ^rd February

First day back after half term

If there are any further dates, we will email them to you.

In order to keep preschool illness free, we ask that if your child is unwell or that you have had to administer Calpol or Ibuprofen

DO NOT SEND THEM IN.

Reporting an Absence from Preschool

Please telephone and advise us of any absence on

01983 730985 or email nitonpreschool@gmail.com

The current legislation is that children and staff should remain at home for 48 hours after the last bout of diarrhoea or vomiting.

Many Thanks.

NO TOYS AT PRE-SCHOOL!

Please DO NOT allow your child to bring toys to preschool.
They get lost, broken and can cause a choking hazard if not age appropriate.

Thank you for your co-operation.

We are using the Famly app.

By now you should have all logged in to your child’s Famly account.

This platform will be used to provide regular observations and photographs of your child, along with invoices and other billing-related communications.

Please clear any outstanding bills

If you have any questions about your child’s Famly account, please ask and we will be happy to help.

As you are aware we do not charge a consumable charge like most preschool settings.

If you did wish to make a donation we have an Amazon Wish List with items of varying costs. We are always grateful for any contributions to enable us to provide a rich environment for the children.

Remember to re confirm your 30-hour Eligibility every 3 months.

Pupil Premium/ 9 month-2-year funding / 30 hours funding is available to help with childcare costs please speak to the office for more information.

Code Application & Reconfirmation Deadlines

Parents must apply or reconfirm their eligibility code by these dates to receive funding the following term:

If a parent’s grace period ends during the current term , we cannot offer extended hours next term.

After February half term, we will be sending you an invitation via teams for an online meeting with your child’s keyperson.

This is an opportunity to discuss your child’s development and progress and if you have any questions for the staff.

We would love it if you were able to leave a review on our Google page:

Helping Your Little One Find Their Voice

Mon, 17 Nov 2025 13:57:01 GMT

A simple online check to help parents understand and support their two-year-old’s language development.

TL;DR:

The ELIM 2-Year Language Check helps track early speech and language skills.
It’s quick, easy, and completed online.
Families receive helpful follow-up advice from the Early Help Team.
Sharing results with Niton Preschool supports personalised learning.
Extra tips and activities are available on the Early Language Online Noticeboard.

A helpful tool for understanding your child’s early language development at around 2 years of age.

What you need to know:

The ELIM 2-Year Language Check helps track your child’s early speech and language development
It only takes a few minutes to complete online
You'll receive helpful follow-up support from the Community Early Help Team
Sharing the result with us a Niton Preschool helps us support your child better.
Additional resources and advice are available on the Early Language Online Noticeboard.

Watching and hearing your child begin to communicate is a joyful and often heartwarming experience. At Niton preschool, we know that every child develops at their own pace—and that's perfectly normal! That’s why we’re excited to share a fantastic resource that can help you understand where your two-year-old is in their early language journey.

The Early Language Identification Measure (ELIM) is a short online form provided by Barnardo’s in partnership with Isle of Wight Family Centres. It’s been designed to give a gentle check-in on your child’s communication development at around two years of age. The form only takes a few minutes to complete and could be a valuable insight into your child’s current stage and any support they may benefit from.

To access the form go to: Early Language Identification Measure (ELIM)

Once completed, a member of the Community Early Help Team will follow up with you via email, offering tailored advice, ideas, and extra resources to help your child continue building their communication skills.

We encourage all parents and carers to take part—and once you’ve completed the form, please do share the result with us at Niton preschool. This information helps our team offer the most personalised support possible and ensures your child continues to thrive in their early learning environment.

Additionally, you can visit the Early Language Online Noticeboard here , where you’ll find a wonderful selection of resources, tips, and information to promote your child’s speech and language. Whether it’s games, songs, or advice, these tools are all about giving children the "tools to keep talking"—something we love to encourage in our setting.

We’re proud to work in close partnership with our families and to support each child’s individual journey. Language is just one part of the incredible developmental path your little one is on, and we’re here every step of the way!

Autumn Term 2 at Niton Preschool – Frost, Flour and Festive Fun — Embracing Change This Term!

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 20:16:23 GMT

‘Big Niton Preschool’ Welcome to all our new children and parents.

Autumn term 2: Monday 3rd November – Friday 19th December 2025
Opening Hours are 7.45 am - 5.30pm

A very warm welcome back to preschool!

Our theme for this term is ‘Changes’. We’ll be exploring different kinds of changes around us — such as changes in the weather, temperature, and materials (like ice and snow), as well as changes in ourselves as we grow and develop. The concept of change will run through all areas of our learning this term.

As we move closer to Christmas, we’ll also be busy creating our usual festive masterpieces!

This year, we have decided not to hold a traditional nativity performance, as we feel it can cause unnecessary stress for both children and staff. Instead, we’ll be creating a digital memory — a special slideshow/video that includes all the children and captures their Christmas preparations and celebrations.

We’re looking forward to a joyful and creative term full of learning and festive fun!

Please ensure your child has everything they need for the day;

a healthy snack for the morning,
a change of clothes,
nappies & cream (if used)
indoor shoes or slippers now that the weather is colder,
and a healthy packed lunch.

We ask that all belongings are clearly labelled.

If your child needs a school dinner the price is £3.60

We have a water machine and milk for the children to drink, so please NO drinks bottles.

(exception for younger children that are not yet able to use a cup)

This is for health and hygiene reasons.

If you have any concerns please speak to Jayne.

This term we will be walking around the village so please send your child in with appropriate clothing.

Warm Coats and wellie boots (we do have spares if needed)

Dates For Your Diary

Thursday 11th December 2025

Christmas dinner day (only for children booked in on a Thursday)

Wednesday 17th December 2025

Christmas Raffle draw

Friday 19th December 2025

Last day of Autumn term

Tuesday 6th January 2026

We return for Spring Term

In order to keep preschool illness free, we ask that if your child is unwell or that you have had to administer Calpol or Ibuprofen

DO NOT SEND THEM IN.

Reporting an Absence from Preschool

Please telephone and advise us of any absence on

01983 730985 or email nitonpreschool@gmail.com

The current legislation is that children and staff should remain at home for 48 hours after the last bout of diarrhoea or vomiting.

Many Thanks.

NO TOYS AT PRE-SCHOOL!

Please DO NOT allow your child to bring toys to preschool.
They get lost, broken and can cause a choking hazard if not age appropriate.

Thank you for your co-operation.

We are using the Famly app.

By now you should have all logged in to your child’s Famly account.

This platform will be used to provide regular observations and photographs of your child, along with invoices and other billing-related communications.

Please clear any outstanding bills

If you have any questions about your child’s Famly account, please ask and we will be happy to help.

If you would like to donate items on our wish list we would be very grateful:

Plain Flour

Salt

Jars of mince meat

Sultanas

Light brown sugar

Mixed spice

Dried mixed fruit

As you can see from the above we will be making individual Christmas cakes.

Remember to re confirm your 30-hour Eligibility every 3 months.

Pupil Premium/ 9 month-2-year funding / 30 hours funding is available to help with childcare costs please speak to the office for more information.

Staff Update

This term, we are delighted to welcome Maria , who has joined our team from Brighstone Preschool . She has settled in wonderfully and is already a valued member of our staff.

It has also been lovely having Jack with us this term. He has made a fantastic impression on the children and has quickly become a popular part of our team.

We would love it if you were able to leave a review on our Google page:

Niton Preschool Staff Renew Paediatric First Aid as New Safety Standards Are Here

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 14:12:14 GMT

Staff complete accredited training to align with strengthened EYFS Nutrition and Safer Eating Guidance effective from September 2025.

TL;DR:
Every member of our team has refreshed their Paediatric First Aid qualification through accredited training. This ensures we meet — and exceed — the new EYFS requirements on mealtime safety, allergy awareness, and nutritional care. Our renewed training reflects Niton Preschool’s unwavering commitment to creating a safe, nurturing environment where children can thrive.

Dear Niton Preschool families,

We’re delighted to announce that all of our staff have successfully renewed their Paediatric First Aid (PFA) qualifications through accredited training. This means our whole team remains ready and prepared to care for your children with confidence, protection, and swift action when needed.

This renewed training is especially timely given the new statutory landscape coming into effect from September 2025 , and links closely with the updated nutrition and safeguarding expectations:

The EYFS Nutrition Guidance , which became a formal requirement in September 2025, reinforces that all meals, snacks and drinks must be healthy, balanced and nutritious (unless there’s a very good reason otherwise).
Within the new Safer Eating provisions, a paediatric first aider must always be present when children are eating , to prevent choking and manage any allergic reactions swiftly.
The revised guidance places greater emphasis on obtaining and updating information about allergies and intolerances, implementing individual action plans, and ensuring careful food preparation to reduce risks.

At Niton, the safety, health, and well-being of each child form the very cornerstone of what we do. Renewing our first aid skills now means we are fully prepared for future requirements, with even stronger safeguards in place.

As always, we welcome any questions you may have about how we are implementing these enhancements in practise — from mealtimes to outings — and are happy to explain how this benefits your child’s experience in our setting.

With warm best wishes,
Jayne Hill

Potty Training: A Positive Step Towards Independence

Tue, 30 Sep 2025 09:23:17 GMT

Gentle, positive tips to help your toddler build confidence and independence during potty training.

TL;DR:

Watch for signs your child is ready before starting.
Keep it positive—praise effort, not just success.
Pick a calm, stable time to begin.
Build routines and dress your child for success.
Be patient—every child learns at their own pace.

1. Look for Signs of Readiness

Before diving in, it’s helpful to watch out for signs that your child might be ready.

These can include:

Can follow simple instructions
Show interest in the toilet or wearing underwear
Communicate when they need to go or have gone
Can pull pants up and down
Showing curiosity about the toilet
Staying dry for longer stretches
Expressing discomfort with wet or dirty nappies

These cues are often your child’s way of saying, “I’m ready to try!”

2. Make It Positive and Pressure-Free

Whether you use a potty, chair or a toddler seat on the regular toilet, let your child explore it at their own pace. Reading stories about potty training or having a teddy practise first can turn the experience into a fun and familiar part of the day.

Stay encouraging : Praise every attempt, not just success.
Avoid punishment : Accidents are part of learning.
Use rewards (stickers, small treats, or a potty chart) to motivate.

3. Pick the Right Time

Try to begin potty training when life feels calm and routine. Avoid starting during major changes as this can make the process more challenging for your child.

Choose a calm period (not during travel, a move, or right after a new sibling).
Set aside a few days to focus on training.

4. Dress for Success

Use clothes that are easy to take off quickly. Avoid fiddly buttons or zips whilst your child is learning so they can feel more independent and in control.
Consider training pants or cotton underwear—let them feel the difference.

5. Create a Routine

Children thrive on routine. Gently encourage your child to sit on the potty/toilet at regular times, this helps build consistency and confidence.

Offer potty breaks at key times: after meals, naps, and before bed.
Use a timer (every 1–2 hours) if your toddler needs reminders.

6. Celebrate Progress, Don't Stress Setbacks

Mistakes are completely normal. Stay calm, reassure your child, and remind them it’s all part of learning. Your patience and understanding will help them feel secure and supported

Regression is normal— especially during changes or stress.
Keep calm and consistent and offer reassurance.

7. Be Patient with Night Training

When to potty train at night will depend on your toddler. Children all develop at different paces, so there’s no one-age-fits-all approach that can be applied to potty training at night. Although you can incorporate some nighttime potty-training techniques into daytime training, it’s best to wait until your child is regularly using the toilet or potty during the day before focusing on staying dry overnight.

Night dryness can take longer.
Use overnight training pants if needed.
Limit fluids close to bedtime.

8. Be consistent

Stick with your approach, even when progress seems slow. Consistency in your responses helps your child know what to expect and builds trust along the way.

9. Encourage Good Hygiene

Teaching your child to wash their hands after using the toilet sets healthy habits for life.

Make it a fun part of the routine with songs or bubbles!

Bonus Tip: Lead by Example

If comfortable, let them see you or an older sibling use the toilet to model the behaviour. Children often learn best through watching and copying—it's all part of understanding how things work.

Every Child Is Unique

It’s important to remember that there’s no one-size-fits-all when it comes to potty training. Some children take to it quickly, while others need a bit more time—and that’s okay. The most important thing is to go at your child’s pace, with lots of love and support.

You're not alone on this journey—our team at Niton Preschool is always here to help. Whether you have questions or just need a bit of encouragement, we’re only a chat away.

Good luck—and don’t forget to celebrate the little victories!

Autumn Term at Niton Preschool – Pumpkins, Play and Preschool Adventures this Autumn

Tue, 23 Sep 2025 10:22:08 GMT

‘Big Niton Preschool’ Welcome to all our new children and parents.

Autumn term 1: Thursday 4th September – Friday 17th October 2025
Opening Hours are 7.45 am - 5.30pm

A very warm welcome back to preschool!

We hope you all had a restful and enjoyable summer.

We’re excited to begin Autumn term 1, and this year we’ll be focusing on ALL THINGS AUTUMN!!

The children will be exploring the changes in nature, learning about woodland animals, and enjoying seasonal crafts, stories, and sensory play.

Over the coming weeks, we’ll be diving into activities that celebrate this wonderful time of year — from leaf collecting and conker counting to harvest-themed fun and pumpkin play!

It’s going to be a fantastic start to the year, and we can’t wait to share all the adventures with you.

Thank you for your continued support!

We accept government funding and payment through tax free childcare.

Code required is: Niton Preschool.

9 months -1 year £7.50 an hour

1 year- 2 years £6.75 an hour

2- 3 years £6.50 an hour

3- school age £6.00

Government Funding: Make sure you confirm funding every 3 months when requested.

Afterschool Club for school age children:

3.00- 5.30pm £6.00 an hour + 25p Snack

Preschool Hours

Please make sure that you stick to the hours you have booked for your child.

The preschool days and outings are planned around these times.

If you are running late, please do contact us.

01983 730985

HOLIDAY CLUB

at Brighstone Preschool

Open to children 9 months – 11 years.

Wk. 1 20 ^th October

Wk. 2 27 ^th October

Bookings to be made by FRIDAY 26 ^th September

If you haven’t received and would like a booking form, please contact us in the office and we can forward one to you.

We are using the Famly app.

An all-in-one early childhood platform, that gives you real-time updates on your child's day straight to an app on your phone.

Invoicing for preschool services (invoice received from

no-reply@famly.co )

We are using the Famly system for signing in each day.
Notifications: Accidents, Incidents, Medication for all children, collection by another adult.
Notification of sleep and nappy changing.
Please acknowledge any notifications sent to you on the app
Developmental Learning Journal. (Tapestry will no longer be used). Previous parents who have used tapestry, we will be saving a copy of your child’s development to a USB for you to keep.

A child’s daily preschool bag should contain.

Any Breakfast if required.
Morning snacks to have around 9.30 / 10 am.
Lunch box or School Dinner (£4.02 via bacs) to be ordered by 9.00 am or in advance on booking form.
Nappies and Wipes.
Any comforter for a sleep.
Spare set of clothes.

Please make sure that your child’s bag is specific to preschool and does not contain any of the following

Medication

Odd change

Toiletries

Let’s protect and be prepared!

Morning Snack: 9.30am -10.30am

Please provide a healthy snack, we recommend a piece of fruit, yoghurt or cheese.

No Water Bottles in the setting please , we use fresh, cool water from a fountain with cups.

School Dinners are available from Chartwells caterers £3.60 per meal. Please book before 9.00 am.

Packed Lunches: Please provide your child with a named lunch box.

May we politely remind you to be mindful of the contents when sending lunch boxes into preschool.

Think about eating fewer processed and ultra processed foods.

Please DO NOT SEND IN: Peanuts, Sausages, Popcorn . These are classed as a high-risk choking hazard.

We are following the Government Guidance on Nutrition and safer eating(Sept 2025)

Please email us, a family photo of you and your child, pets can be included too.

We use family photos in the Preschool on our home corner walls.

We believe this:

Promotes a Sense of Belonging. Children feel more secure and valued when they see familiar faces in the environment. Reinforces the connection between home and school.

Supports Emotional Development. Helps children self-regulate by providing comfort during transitions or moments of distress. Encourages conversations about feelings and relationships.

Enhances Communication and Language. Children naturally talk about their family, which promotes vocabulary and storytelling. Staff can use the photos as prompts for meaningful conversations

Please also continue to support us using the Amazon Wishlist

Dropping off and collecting your child.

To help the children settle in more smoothly and avoid unnecessary distress during drop-off, we kindly ask that you do not come inside the preschool when dropping off your child.

This helps reduce separation anxiety and supports a calm, consistent start to their day.

Prolonged stays by parents also upset other children and make the staffs job much harder.

Thank you for your understanding and cooperation.

Any changes to your child’s life are important to share with us, any concerns or questions please share these with a member of staff.

We also want to celebrate any WOW moments.

We would love it if you were able to leave a review on our Google page:

Our weekly visits to the library for children 3+ will continue every Thursday

3+ will be adventuring out of the setting on walks weekly, please make sure that appropriate shoes are always worn to preschool.

Dates for your Diary

17 ^th October – Last day of Autumn Term 1

October Holiday - Week Beginning 20 ^th & 27 ^th

Closed at Niton preschool

(October Holiday Club open at Brighstone)

Monday 3 ^rd November – First day back for Autumn Term 2

Taking Turns, One Giggle at a Time

Fri, 20 Jun 2025 12:21:51 GMT

Good simple, easy ways to encourage turn taking…

TL;DR:

Babies can start learning turn-taking through games like peek-a-boo and rhymes.
Toddlers benefit from simple sharing games like passing toys or building together.
Preschoolers can handle structured activities like board games and role-play.
Always model the behaviour and use phrases like “my turn” and “your turn.”
Keep it short, praise patience, and use visuals to support understanding.

Good simple, easy ways to encourage turn taking…

When working with children aged 0-4 years, promoting turn-taking is a vital skill that helps them learn social interaction, patience, and communication. Here are some age-appropriate ideas to encourage turn-taking:

For Infants (0-12 months)

At this stage, babies are not ready for complex turn-taking but can engage in simple back-and-forth interactions.

Peek-a-Boo : This simple game encourages interaction. Take turns hiding your face, then revealing it with a smile. It helps babies understand the concept of anticipation and social exchange.
Imitation Games : Make simple sounds or gestures, and encourage the baby to "respond" in a similar way, even if it’s just a babble or coo. This starts to build the rhythm of back-and-forth exchanges.
Parent-Child Rhymes : Songs like "Pat-a-cake" or "Itsy Bitsy Spider" involve taking turns clapping hands or making gestures, even if the baby is mostly observing at first.

For Toddlers (1-2 years)

At this stage, children are learning to take turns in a more interactive way, even if they still have limited patience.

Pass the Toy : Sit in a circle or face-to-face and pass a soft toy back and forth. Model the action by saying, "It's your turn!" and “My turn!” to encourage understanding.
Taking Turns with Simple Tasks : If you're playing with a toy that requires action (like a car or a ball), let the child take one turn, then you take one, reinforcing the idea of sharing space and time.
Turn-Taking Games : Start with very simple board games or activities where the toddler has to wait their turn (like rolling a dice or moving pieces on a board). Games like “Roll and Play” are great for this age.
Building Blocks : Build a tower together with blocks and take turns adding a piece. You can say, “Now it’s my turn, now it’s your turn,” to model the exchange.
Interactive Storytime : While reading a book, you can take turns acting out parts of the story or pointing to pictures, allowing the child to have input during the reading process.

For Preschoolers (3-4 years)

By this age, children are beginning to better understand the concept of taking turns in social settings.

Simple Board Games : Games like "Snakes and Ladders" are designed for taking turns, and they’re perfect for this age group. Make sure to model patience and explain waiting for others’ turns.
Role-Playing : Engage in pretend play where the child has a chance to "take turns" in different roles (like playing house, school, doctor, etc.). Take turns assigning roles and actions.
Building Together : Work together to create something with large blocks or a construction set. Take turns putting pieces together and narrate what you’re doing ("Now it's your turn to add the piece").
Art Time : If you're doing an art project (like colouring or using stickers), take turns choosing colours or stickers to use.
Simple Card Games : Games like "Snap" or "Pairs" are great for practicing turn-taking and memory, with a fun competitive element that doesn’t make it frustrating.
Ball Throw or Catch : Play a simple game where you throw a ball back and forth. After the child throws or catches, say, “Your turn!” and reinforce waiting for their turn.
Sand or Water Play : In a shared sandbox or water table, model turn-taking when playing with toys. For example, “It’s my turn to fill the bucket, now it’s your turn!”
Sing-along Songs : Sing songs like "The Wheels on the Bus" or "If You’re Happy and You Know It" , where the child can take turns with you on actions or singing specific lines.

General Tips for Encouraging Turn-Taking in Young Children

Model Behaviour: Demonstrate turn-taking yourself, and the child will naturally begin to mimic it.
Praise Patience : Acknowledge when the child waits for their turn, even if it’s just for a few seconds. Positive reinforcement helps encourage this behaviour.
Keep It Short : Children under 4 have short attention spans, so make turn-taking exchanges brief, but frequent, to hold their interest.
Use Timers or Visual Cues : For older toddlers or preschoolers, you can use a timer or visual object (like a "turn-taking chart") to help them understand the flow of turns.

Big Bubbles, Colour Hunts, and Blanket Forts: Outdoor Fun for Little Explorers

Sat, 07 Jun 2025 09:21:37 GMT

Easy outdoor play ideas for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to enjoy at home or in the garden.

Top 5 Takeaways

Babies love bubbles, tunnels, and sensory walks.
Toddlers enjoy chalk, pretend animal walks, and short toss games.
Push toys and water play are great across ages.
Preschoolers thrive on scavenger hunts and obstacle courses.
Imagination is your best friend—blankets become parachutes, gardens become jungles!

Fun, simple ways to get moving outside with your little ones

At Niton Preschool, we love outdoor play. It’s one of the best ways for children to explore, learn, and grow—especially during those early years. Whether your child is a baby, toddler, or preschooler, here are some easy, age-appropriate ideas you can try at home or in the garden.

For Babies & Young Toddlers (0–2 years)

These gentle activities focus on sensory exploration and movement:

Bubble Chase
Blow bubbles and watch your child’s eyes light up. Let them reach, pop, or simply enjoy the magic. It’s great for developing visual tracking and motor skills.
Nature Sensory Walk
Go barefoot on the grass or gently touch leaves, flowers, and tree bark. Talk about what you both see, hear, and feel.
Tunnel Crawl
Got a play tunnel? Bring it outside onto soft grass and let them crawl through safely.

For Toddlers (2–3 years)

This age is all about movement, imitation, and creativity. Try these:

Follow the Leader
Walk, hop, tiptoe, or spin around the garden. Take turns leading!
Chalk Drawing
Grab some chunky pavement chalk and draw shapes, scribbles, or trace hands and feet.
Push & Pull Toys Outdoors
Bring out toy trucks, prams, or walkers. Perfect for garden paths or patios.
Bean Bag Toss
Use soft toys or bean bags and aim for a laundry basket. Keep distances short and fun.
Animal Walks
Ask: “Can you hop like a frog? Waddle like a penguin?” Copy them and laugh together!

For Older Toddlers & Preschoolers (3–4 years)

These ideas mix play with learning, imagination, and problem-solving:

Scavenger Hunt
Give prompts like: “Can you find something round?” or “Show me something green.” Easy and exciting.
Parachute Play (with a blanket)
Hold a blanket together and lift it high, then low. Hide under it or bounce soft toys on top.
Mini Obstacle Course
Create a simple course: step over a stick, crawl under a rope, hop into a hoop. Keep it light and safe.
Colour Hunt
Say, “Let’s find something red!” A fun way to explore colours through play.
Pretend Play in Nature
Be explorers, garden fairies, or jungle animals. Your garden becomes the whole world.

Looking for more ways to support your child’s development? Come and see how we do it every day at Niton Preschool—where play and learning go hand in hand.

Summer Term at Niton Preschool – Exciting News & Upcoming Events

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 11:08:11 GMT

‘Big Niton Preschool’ Welcome to all our new children and parents.

Monday 2nd June 2025 – Friday 25th July 2025

Opening Hours are 7.45 am - 5.30pm

We extend a special welcome to all new children and parents as we start our Summer Term.

We will be wearing slippers or soft shoes inside (please provide shoes/slippers that can stay in the setting)

We have cotton Tote bags at preschool for your child’s spare clothes; we will decant from their backpacks. We do not have the space for 40 backpacks so ask if you would kindly take them home once emptied.

Reminder

Hourly prices -

9 months -1 year £7.50 an hour

1 year- 2 years £6.75 an hour

2- 3 years £6.50 an hour

3- school age £6.00

We accept government funding and payment through tax free childcare. Ensure you give us your code asap so that we can run them through the system. NO CODE, NO FUNDING!

Please make sure you confirm your funding every

3 months when requested.

Afterschool Club for school age children:

3.10pm - 5.30pm £6.00 an hour + 25p Snack

Preschool Booked Hours

Please make sure that you stick to the hours you have booked for your child.

The preschool days and outings are planned around these times.

If you are running late, please do contact us.

01983 730985

Please may we remind you to label all your children’s belongings and a polite reminder that toys should NOT be brought to school as it is impossible to manage.

Please check your child has sets of spare clothes in their tote bag at preschool especially if they are toilet training.

HOLIDAY CLUB

at Brighstone Preschool

Open to children 9 months – 11 years.

Wednesday 30th July - Friday 29th August,

excluding Monday 25th August (Bank Holiday).

Bookings are now being taken on our online google form.

Please request the link if you have not already received this.

Bookings to be made by

Friday 4th July 2025

We now have a child with a Kiwi allergy.

May we politely request

NO KIWI in lunchboxes.

Thankyou.

Morning Snack: 9.30am -10.30am

Please provide a healthy snack, we recommend a piece of fruit, yoghurt or cheese.

No Water Bottles in the setting please, we use fresh, cool water from a fountain with cups.

School Dinners are available from

Chartwells caterers

£3.56 per meal.

Please book before 9.30 am .

Packed Lunches: Please provide your child with a named lunch box. May we politely remind you that you are mindful of the contents when sending lunch boxes into preschool.

Summer Exhibition

This Summer we will be creating artwork with the children that will be part of our Summer Exhibition on:

Friday 25th July 2pm & Saturday 26th July 2pm-4pm

The exhibition will be titled

‘Anything can be a canvas!’

The content is hush, hush but it WILL be wonderful!!!

Communication is key.

Any WOW moments, concerns or question please share these with a member of staff, your childs Key worker or on your Tapestry account.

Dropping off and collecting your child.

Please be on time when collecting your child. We try to get children ready for collection and if you are late, we then have a distraught child. Thank you.

We would love it if you were able to leave a review on our Google page:

A Big Thank You to everyone of you that has supported our transition to the ‘Family system’.

We are delighted with it and the staff are using it well. Parents have commented on receiving notifications and it has indeed cut down on paperwork, allowing us to spend more time with your precious children.

We did have a few teething problems with the invoicing system which we have now sorted with the company, so thank you for your patience.

Key Dates for your diary

Wednesday 16th July-

Leavers trip to The Wild heart Sanctuary Sandown and The Beach.

Friday 18th July-

Graduation of Leavers 2025 2pm

Friday 25th July-

Last Day of Summer

Monday 1st & 2nd Sept-

School development days (Preschool closed)

Wednesday 3rd Sept-

Preschool closed Staff Training Day

Thursday 4th Sept-

First day back Autumn Term 2025

Springtime Adventures at Niton Preschool – Exciting News & Upcoming Events

Wed, 26 Feb 2025 16:11:20 GMT

‘Big Niton Preschool’ Welcome to all our new children and parents.

Tuesday 7th January 2025 – Friday 14th February 2025

Monday 24th February- Friday 4th April 2025

Opening Hours are 7.45 am - 5.30pm

An ENORMOUS Thank You for supporting our Nativity and Christmas Jumper sale

we raised an incredible £175.

We will be wearing slippers inside (please provide slippers that can stay in the setting)

We have cotton Tote bags at preschool for your child’s spare clothes, we will decant from their backpacks. We do not have the space for 40 backpacks so ask if you would kindly take them home once emptied.

Reminder

We accept government funding and payment through tax free childcare.

9 months -1 year £7.50 an hour

1 year- 2 years £6.75 an hour

2- 3 years £6.50 an hour

3- school age £6.00

£5.00 sustainability charge every week.

Please make sure you confirm your funding every

3 months when requested.

Afterschool Club for school age children:

3.00- 5.30pm £6.00 an hour + 25p Snack

From April 22 ^nd our fees will increase.

This will be sent out in an email to all parents.

Morning Snack: 9.30am -10.30am

Please provide a healthy snack, we recommend a piece of fruit, yoghurt or cheese.

No Water Bottles in the setting please, we use fresh, cool water from a fountain with cups.

School Dinners are available from

Chartwells caterers

£3.56 per meal.

Please book before 9.30 am.

Packed Lunches: Please provide your child with a named lunch box.

May we politely remind you that you are mindful of the contents when sending lunch boxes into preschool.

Preschool Hours

Please make sure that you stick to the hours you have book for your child.

The preschool days and outings are planned around these times.

If you are running late, please do contact us. 01983730985

HOLIDAY CLUB

at Brighstone Preschool

Open to children 9 months – 11 years.

April 7 ^th – April 17 ^th 2025

Bookings are now being taken on our online google form.

Please request the link if you have not already received this.

Bookings to be made by

Friday 21 st March 2025

’Mother’s Day’- gifts wanted please

We are looking for any: Unused/unwanted gifts (Hand cream, ornaments, shower/bath products, notebooks, jewellery, chocolate).

We will then be running a Mother’s Day ‘shop’ for a donation: £1, £2, £5 gift.

From the 24 ^th to the 28 ^{th of} March your child will be given the opportunity

to choose a gift to the value of your donation and wrap it, ready to give to someone who shares the Mother’s Day experience with them.

Communication is key.

Any WOW moments, concerns or question please share these with a member of staff, your childs Key worker or on your Tapestry account.

Dropping off and collecting your child.

Please be on time when collecting your child. We try to get children ready for collection and if you are late, we then have a distraught child. Thank you.

We would love it if you were able to leave a review on our Google page:

This Term we will be looking at all aspects of New Life.

Seeds, chicks, eggs, frogs, caterpillars. Please discuss this with your child at home.

(You may have some books or links on the internet.)

Key Dates for your diary

February

Monday 24th February: Back to Preschool

March

Saturday 22 ^nd March – Eloise gets married to Isaac.

Thursday 6 ^th March – World book day. Dress up in the first letter of your name. eg-Chester-Caterpillar, Bonny- Butterfly

24 ^th March-28 ^th March: Mother’s Day Shop open at Preschool

April
Friday 4th April: Last day of term

Monday 7 ^th April – Thursday 17 ^th April Holiday Club at Brighstone: Book in advance.

Wednesday 16 ^th April – National Offer Day (school places announced)

Tuesday 22nd April: Back to Preschool

Thursday 24 ^th April 9.30am Preschool professional photographer.

May

Friday 23rd May: Last day of term

Tuesday 27 ^th May-Friday 30 ^th May Holiday Club at Brighstone: Book in advance.

June

Monday 2 ^nd June: Back to Preschool

July

Friday 25th July: Last day of term

Wednesday 30 ^th July: Summer Holiday Club starts Brighstone: Book in advance.

Child Care Support Expansion and what you need to know.

Fri, 14 Feb 2025 14:26:15 GMT

The UK government is expanding childcare support to assist working families with young children.

In September 2025, the UK government will fully expand its childcare support, offering eligible working parents 30 hours additional support per week for children under 5.

This extension of the current offer aims to make childcare more accessible and affordable for working families, helping them balance professional and family life.

What’s Changing?

The existing universal 15-hour support for 3-4-year-olds will remain.

2-year-old disadvantage funding will also remain.

But with the new policy, parents of children 9 month to 5 years old could be eligible for 30 hours additional support by September 2025 helping to provide increased flexibility.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for this entitlement, both parents (or sole parent in a single parent household) in the household must work at least 16 hours per week at the National Minimum or Living Wage, though exceptions may apply for families on maternity or paternity leave. There are also upper income limits; for detailed eligibility information, visit the Childcare Choices website . e.g. Families with a combined income of more than £100,000 annually will not be eligible for this additional support.

How to Apply

To access these hours, parents must meet certain criteria, including work hours and income limits. For more details, visit the government’s Childcare Choices website to confirm eligibility and explore the registration process.

Parents must re-confirm their eligibility code on the government website every 3 months to keep their funding entitlement.

Once Parents and Carers are given a code, this must be shared with the preschool along with Parents National Insurance and Date of Birth. We can then apply for the funding and your child can start their extra hours the term after (September, January or April).

Additional Support.

Tax-Free Childcare: For every £8 you pay into your childcare account, the government adds £2, up to £2,000 per child per year.
Universal Credit Childcare Costs: Eligible families can claim back up to 85% of childcare costs, up to a certain limit.

For information on all available childcare support and to stay updated on the latest changes, visit the Childcare Choices website.

Remember

Full implementation, where parents of all children under 5 can claim 30 hours, will take place in September 2025. These expansions are aimed to make childcare more accessible and help ease the financial burden of childcare cost making it more affordable, supporting parents in balancing work and family commitments.

Do not forget to re-apply for your additional support every 3 months.

Embracing Sustainability at Niton Preschool

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:13:49 GMT

At Niton Preschool, we believe that teaching our little ones about sustainability is crucial for their development and for the world they will inherit.

To support our commitment to fostering an eco-conscious environment, we have introduced a small weekly sustainability charge of £5. This contribution helps us cover essential consumables, art materials, and the waterproof clothing that allows our children to explore the great outdoors, rain or shine!

Why a Sustainability Charge?

Sustainability is at the heart of our educational philosophy. By implementing this charge, we can:

Enhance Learning Experiences: With the funds raised, we can purchase high-quality art materials that inspire creativity. From paints and papers to natural materials for hands-on projects, your contributions ensure our children have access to the best resources.

Promote Outdoor Play: Our preschool encourages exploration and learning outside the classroom. The sustainability charge helps us provide waterproof clothing, allowing children to engage with nature, regardless of the weather. This not only supports their physical development but also nurtures their appreciation for the environment.

Foster Eco-Friendly Practices: We are dedicated to teaching our children about sustainability. The funds will help us integrate eco-friendly practices into our daily activities. This includes using recycled materials for art projects and implementing nature-based learning experiences.

How Your Contribution Makes a Difference

The £5 weekly charge may seem small, but its impact is significant. Here’s how your support helps:

Artistic Expression: With quality art supplies, children can explore their creativity, develop fine motor skills, and learn about different textures and colors.

Nature Connection: Proper outdoor clothing allows for safe and comfortable exploration, encouraging children to connect with the environment and learn about the seasons.

Sustainable Habits: By incorporating sustainability into our daily routines, we’re teaching children valuable lessons about caring for the planet. They learn that even small actions can lead to a larger impact.

Thank You for Your Support!

We appreciate the trust and support of our parents in making Niton Preschool a nurturing and sustainable environment. Together, we can instill a love for nature, creativity, and responsibility in our children. If you have any questions about the sustainability charge or our eco-friendly initiatives, please feel free to reach out.

Let’s continue to work together to create a bright and sustainable future for our children!

Niton Preschool Autumn Term Newsletter 2023

Sat, 21 Oct 2023 07:03:29 GMT

Niton Preschool Autumn Term Newsletter 2022

Wed, 28 Sep 2022 07:53:34 GMT

Brighstone preschool Spring Term Newsletter 2022

Tue, 12 Apr 2022 20:03:24 GMT

Brighstone preschool Spring Term Newsletter 2022

Welcome

We extend a special welcome to all new children and parents as we end our Spring Term.

We began our term by focusing on Chinese New Year and how people celebrate their cultures around the world, also looking at Shrove Tuesday, St David’s Day, and St Patricks Day.

In the second half of the term, we will look at different stories. Harry and the bucket full of dinosaurs, What the lady bird heard next, Rainbow Fish and Farmer Duck and now celebrating Easter.

Much of our planning follows children’s ideas on a daily basis and their numeracy and literacy skills are enhanced by their individual interests.

At Brighstone Preschool we see the outdoors as an important part of our learning environment. During the current circumstances, Government Guidelines advise that children spend as much time as possible learning outdoors. With this in mind, it is essential that all children wear suitable clothing, and we provide wellies and waterproofs. Outdoors is full of interesting and fascinating experiences where deep level learning can take place on a daily basis.

(Thank you for your payments of the consumable charge as this has helped us to be able to wash and re waterproof all our outdoor clothing).

See below for an interesting video of our plight. Please remember this is not just about us but all childcare facilities in the country.

Useful Resources

A useful document “What to expect in the Early Years Foundation Stage: a guide for parents”, published by East London Research School and Department for Education, is guidance for parents about children’s learning & development in EYFS and is available to download:

Also available by following the below link is The Early Years Foundation Stage 2021—a guide for parents and carers, published by ParentZone, which will give you further information:

We thought you might also find the following links interesting:

The Imagination Tree - https://theimaginationtree.com/

St John’s Ambulance baby CPR - https://youtu.be/0aV9NS0ogiM

I’m sure you all wish to keep your children safe whilst they are using the internet. Below is a link to the NSPCC online safety tool to support you and safeguard your children NSPCC Online Safety - https://www.nspcc.org.uk/onlinesafety

I have also uploaded some documents to your tapestry accounts please take the time to have a look and if you have any questions please contact me to ask.

Last day of school before Easter Break -8th April 2022

Easter Holiday Club Open: 11th/12th/13th/ 14th 19th/20th/21st/22nd April 2022

25th April 2022 – First Day back to school

Bank Holiday 2nd May 2022

May half term Open 30th April/ 31st April / 1stJune

Summer holidays Open all 5 weeks here at Brigshtone Preschool.

Looking forward to enjoying the Summer Term here at Brighstone Preschool.

Niton preschool Spring Term Newsletter 2022

Mon, 21 Mar 2022 14:13:25 GMT

Niton preschool Spring Term Newsletter 2022

Welcome back

We extend a special welcome to all new children and parents as we start our Spring Term.

We began our term by focusing on Chinese New Year and how people celebrate their cultures around the world. There was great excitement and a keen interest in volcanos with Paul sharing his super experiments. In the second half of the term we will look at “How to keep ourselves healthy”, Spring and celebrating Easter.

Much of our planning follows children’s ideas on a daily basis and their numeracy and literacy skills are enhanced by their individual interests.

At Niton Preschool we see the outdoors as an important part of our learning environment. During the current circumstances, Government Guidelines advise that children spend as much time as possible learning outdoors. With this in mind, it is essential that all children wear suitable clothing and we provide wellies and waterproofs (Thankyou for your payments of the consumable charge as this has helped us to be able to wash and re waterproof all our outdoor clothing).

Outdoors is full of interesting and fascinating experiences where deep level learning can take place on a daily basis.

Follow Niton Preschool Friends on Facebook

Collection of Children

Please note that if it is not yourself collecting your child arrangements must be made with Pre-School staff as to who will be collecting, and preferably, a password given. Please try not to be late in collecting your child, as this can be upsetting for the child and these are busy times to set up for the afternoon and to clear up at the end of a day.

Obviously, in the event of an emergency, children are always cared for by staff until collection is possible, but please contact preschool to let us know that there will be a delay.

You may be charged for time that is not booked.

Useful Resources

Also available by following the below link is The Early Years Foundation Stage 2021—a guide for parents and carers, published by ParentZone, which will give you further information:

We thought you might also find the following links interesting:

The Imagination Tree - https://theimaginationtree.com/

St John’s Ambulance baby CPR - https://youtu.be/0aV9NS0ogiM

I have also uploaded some documents to your tapestry accounts please take the time to have a look and if you have any questions please contact me to ask.

Dates for your diary

30 ^th March 2020 – AGM Niton Preschool - Our AGM this year will be on Wednesday 30 ^th March at 7.30pm at the preschool. Please come along there will be drinks and nibbles. It will be a great opportunity to see how we work and discuss the future of the preschool.

28 ^th April 2022 – The Photographer will be coming to the preschool on Thursday 28 ^th April 2pm-4pm. You are welcome to bring siblings along. This is a great fundraising event as the preschool receives a percentage for each sale. No Booking Required

2 ^nd June 2022 - For the Queens Jubilee in June, Niton Village will be celebrating on the football ground. As a preschool we will be holding a fancy-dress stall. If you have any fancy-dress (adult or child) that you would like to donate, please bring it to the preschool. It would be much appreciated.

8th April 2022 – Last say of school before Easter Break

25th April 2022 – First Day back to school

Week One Parent Ideas

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 12:15:31 GMT

This week's activities for you try at home with your child

This week's activities for you to try at home with your child are about the Areas of Learning -

Personal, Social and Emotional Development
Physical Development and
Communication and Language

Remember, young children are learning all the time, and any everyday activity you can share with your child will support their learning and development, whatever stage they are at.

Read the article below or download the PDF to print and keep.

People who love me

Look at photos of remote relatives together. Talk about them, helping your child feel 'kept in mind' by the family members they can't see at the moment.

Send a song

Use any small bits of paper to draw simple faces on: happy, sad, cross, crying, worried. Look at them with your child; help them use feelings words to describe the different faces.

Use them to help your child share how they are feeling at different times.

Feeling faces

Use any small bits of paper to draw simple faces on: happy, sad, cross, crying, worried. Look at them with your child; help them use feelings words to describe the different faces.

Use them to help your child share how they are feeling at different times.

Copy me!

Take turns for one of you to be the 'mover' and the other to be the 'copier'.

Whatever the mover does, the copier has to do too. Move your bodies in weird and wonderful ways!

Today!

Children thrive on routine and predictability; it makes them feel secure and gives them a strong base from which to explore new things. Your child's routine will have changed a great deal recently. If they are very small, can you build some regular things into your day (food time, nap time, story time?).

If they are a little older, can you talk to your child about the day ahead? Use sequencing words like first: 'next' and 'then'.

Finger Gym

Help your child to exercise with their fingers! Wiggle them, touch each finger to the thumb in turn, make their hands look like they are 'talking; stretch the mouth like a starfish, pretend to play a keyboard.

And repeat!

Stories

Sharing books with your child is one of the best things you can do during this time. Talk about the pictures, use silly voices, join in with repeated phrases. If you don't have books at home, you can make stories up. Children love to be the centre of things, so make the story about your child. Add in people they know and some silly things too, like asking a tiger for directions or flying a helicopter to the shops.

Superpowers

You and your child choose a superpower to have for the afternoon. Will you be invisible? Can you fly? Super strength? Super tidy-upper? Then pretend to have that power for the rest of the day, using lots of talk to describe your superpower and what

you can do.

Clapping

With very small children you can clap and they can clap. With slightly older children, see if they can copy a short series of claps - no more than 4 claps.

Or try clapping the beats of your name or your favourite food.

Healthy and Fun Lunch Box Tips and Ideas

Thu, 06 Jan 2022 10:03:52 GMT

10 tips and ideas to make packed lunch healthy, fun and enjoyable!

Read the article below or download the PDF to print out and keep

Keep It Balanced

Nutritionists recommend that a healthy lunch box contains starch (bread, pasta, rice, potato), protein (meat, fish, pulses, eggs), dairy (cheese, yoghurt, milk), vegetables or salad, fruit and a drink of water, milk or juice.

Keep It Cool

Invest in some cool packs to keep in the freezer and pop one in the lunch box to keep it cool until lunchtime. Or you could freeze yoghurt, smoothie tubes or juice boxes and pop one of these in instead. By lunchtime, they will have thawed out, keeping things cool at the same time.

Don't Overpack

Children’s appetites are smaller than you think. To avoid overwhelming your child or causing lots of waste, don’t pack too much into the lunchbox.

Use Cookie Cutters

Use cookie cutters to cut sandwiches into different shapes. You can also use small cutters on slices of cheese or fruit.

Mix Things Up

Make things more interesting by giving your child a pot of pasta or rice salad instead of sandwiches. Don’t forget a spoon or fork! Or use different types of bread such as wraps, rolls, pitta bread or chapattis. Another great idea is to make a ‘triple decker’ sandwich with two layers of filling and three of bread.

Save The Treats

Encourage healthy choices by limiting ‘treats’ such as crisps or biscuits to one or two days a week. Chocolate-dipped strawberries or satsuma segments make a great alternative to a chocolate bar, and you can make healthier crisps by baking thinly-

sliced sweet potato in the oven with

a little oil and some herbs.

Get Ahead

Try to avoid making up lunchboxes in the morning, as time pressures may lead you to add less healthy convenience foods. Instead, pack the night before. Get your child to help you – by the middle years of primary school, most children should be able to make their own packed lunch with supervision.

Make a Granola Pot

Place chopped fruit such as strawberries, apple and banana at the bottom of a small pot and top with a layer of yoghurt and some crunchy

granola. Toss apples and bananas with

a little lemon juice to stop them going brown.

Eat the Rainbow

See if you and your child can find fruit in every colour of the rainbow, then chop and mix to make a rainbow fruit salad.

Prepare in Bulk

To save time, make pasta and fruit salads in bulk and serve out as much as you need. The rest can be eaten the next day or family members.

Understanding Public Attitudes to the Early Years

Tue, 04 Jan 2022 16:06:47 GMT

Research, analysis and reporting conducted by Ipsos MORI

Science tells us that a child’s experiences from conception through their first five years will go on to shape their next 50. It tells us that the kind of children we raise today, will reflect the kind of world we will live in tomorrow. It tells us that investing in the start of life is not an indulgence, but economically, socially and psychologically vital to a prosperous society.

Over the last nine years The Duchess of Cambridge has heard this first-hand from those who are tackling some of society’s toughest challenges. She has seen over and over again how often problems can be traced back to the earliest years of someone’s life and it has become her ambition to bring about change in this area.

This report represents the views of almost half a million people from across the United Kingdom, making it the largest public study ever conducted on the early years. Compiled through qualitative ethnographic research, nationally representative surveys, an open online questionnaire and a dedicated survey which explores the impacts of COVID-19 on parents, it provides an unrivalled insight into public attitudes towards this crucial topic and lays the

groundwork for action.

Download the full report below.

Brighstone Preschool Nativity

Mon, 29 Nov 2021 16:44:51 GMT

You are invited to the Brighstone Preschool Outdoor Nativity!

Brighstone Preschool is excited to invite you to our Outdoor Nativity on 13 December 2021 at 1:30pm

Tickets are available from the pre-school at £2 and there will be mince pies and a raffle.

Download and print the poster below and share with your friends and family because everyone is welcome.

Remember to wrap up warm!

Niton Preschool Nativity

Fri, 26 Nov 2021 12:12:14 GMT

Come to our preschool outdoor nativity!

Niton Preschool is proud to present our preschool Outdoor Nativity on Thursday 16 December at 2pm.

Tickets are £2.00 and are available from the preschool. There will also be Non-alcoholic Christmas Punch, warm mince pies and a raffle. DONATIONS ARE WELCOME!

Please download the poster below and share with all your friends. Everyone is welcome!

We look forward to seeing you on the 16th. Make sure to wrap up warm!

Illness and returning to School/Nursery

Tue, 23 Nov 2021 19:23:39 GMT

There are many articles being published now concerning illness and returning to School/Nursery

Today, 23 November 2021, this letter was published by Niton & Brighstone Preschools. Please download a copy below.

Talking Turtle Early Years products

Sun, 17 Oct 2021 18:45:08 GMT

Early learning resources for nurseries and pre-schools

With Christmas not that far off, Talking Turtles are fully stocked with all of our favourite dinosaurs, animals, small world and so much more.

Use the code when you buy from them and we will receive FREE products!

Download the leaflet below for more information.

Autumn 2021

Tue, 14 Sep 2021 17:42:19 GMT

Autumn Term Newsletter 2021

Welcome back

We would like to take this opportunity to welcome all our families old and new to Niton preschool. We look forward to sharing our wonderful learning with you all.

Settling in

Please remember that transition is a process not an event. Over the coming weeks your child may express a range of emotions about being here, and away from you, even for those children who are returning to a relatively familiar space. I can assure you the staff are experienced with supporting children in settling in. Please speak to your child’s key person if you have any concerns.

We will continue to follow Government Guidelines and dropping off at the gate will remain in place.

Our Backdrop for Learning this term will be ‘Materials’ We will be discussing. Different materials and how we use them (glass, wood, fabric, wool, metal, and clay) -Recycling with a purpose.

We will be walking around the village, looking at houses and different types of buildings linking them to stories with a particular focus on building materials and the 3 Little Pigs.

Preschool prices

Prices will not be changing this term, but a small increase will be put in place after the Christmas

Holidays.

Prices will stay at:

0-12 months £6.50 an hour
12 months – 2 years £5.70 an hour
2 years – 3 years £5.50 an hour.
3 year and above £5.00 an hour.

Eating and Drinking at Preschool

Your child will need 1 piece of fruit or snack for 9.45/10am. We provide milk or water.

Any small fruits please cut (grapes/blueberries/cherry tomatoes in half lengthways)

School Dinners are available at a cost of £2.60.

Please provide money on the morning unless you have pre-paid on your bill.

Pack lunches should come to preschool, fitting inside a lunch box which is labelled with your child’s full name. We are still not allowing water bottles into preschool, we provide children with cups allowing them to use our water fountain.

Personal Belongings

School bags are now allowed in preschool. Please could you remember to bring in a spare set of clothes and make sure all clothing items are labelled.

Slippers are advised, we have children that like to take their shoes off and bare feet is not ideal.

Please can we ask that NO TOYS are brought into preschool, as you can imagine toys get passed around, and we do not like having upset children when items cannot be found at home time.

Follow Niton Preschool Friends on Facebook

Whatever the weather:

This term we will be walking around the village so please send your child in with appropriate clothing.

On sunny days- hats and sun cream Wet days- coats and welly boots.
On cold days an extra jumper would be useful.

Many Thanks

Attendance

If your child is unable to attend the setting, please call us to let us know in advance, if we do not hear from you, we will be contacting you, to check all is ok .

If your child is sick or you think they might be, please DO NOT send them to school. If they have a fever then they must be fever free for 24 hours before they can return to school, or 48 hours after child has last been sick.

Medication

Medication prescribed by a doctor must have the child’s name and Date of Birth clearly printed on a pharmacy label. A medication form must be completed for both long term (e.g., inhalers) or short term (e.g., antibiotics)

If your child needs Calpol they SHOULD NOT be at preschool.

Calpol is a pain killer and must not be used for ‘tiredness’, ‘coughs’ or ‘generally unwell’

Accident Book

If your child has an accident at preschool, this will be recorded electronically, and you will be required to sign an I pad on collection.

In case of a head bump, you will be informed by telephone. Your child will be wearing a red wristband with the date and time of the bump. This must remain on the child’s wrist for 24 hours in case of further complications.

Pre-existing Accidents

Pre-existing injury forms need to be completed for an injury that occurred at home or outside the setting. Please inform us to help safeguard your child. We do understand accidents happen!

Tapestry

Have you accessed your child’s profile? If you are uncertain, please ask. You will need a password which we have set up for you.

Tapestry is a 2-way learning journal. Please send us any WOW moments that happen at home!

Riding a bike
Putting on our own shoes
Painting a picture
Singing a song

Wish list

We have a wish list and would be very grateful if you could provide any the following items:

Flour
salt
cream of tartar
cooking oil
food colouring
off cuts of wood
dry pasta/rice
cornflour
bubble bath
talc powder,
shaving foam
large pieces of fabric
silver foil
wooden spoons,
off-cut of pipe/guttering

Anything interesting really!!!!

niton-brighstone-preschool

Summer Term at Niton Preschool – Sunshine, Smiles & New Beginnings at Niton Preschool

Welcoming new families, embracing outdoor adventures, and sharing important updates for a happy, healthy, and well-prepared Summer Term together

Spring Term 1 at Niton Preschool – Frost, Flour and Festive Fun — Embracing Change This Term!

Learning led by children, shaped by curiosity, and rooted in community

Helping Your Little One Find Their Voice

A simple online check to help parents understand and support their two-year-old’s language development.

Autumn Term 2 at Niton Preschool – Frost, Flour and Festive Fun — Embracing Change This Term!

‘Big Niton Preschool’ Welcome to all our new children and parents.

Niton Preschool Staff Renew Paediatric First Aid as New Safety Standards Are Here

Staff complete accredited training to align with strengthened EYFS Nutrition and Safer Eating Guidance effective from September 2025.

Potty Training: A Positive Step Towards Independence

Gentle, positive tips to help your toddler build confidence and independence during potty training.

1. Look for Signs of Readiness

2. Make It Positive and Pressure-Free

3. Pick the Right Time

4. Dress for Success

5. Create a Routine

6. Celebrate Progress, Don't Stress Setbacks

7. Be Patient with Night Training

8. Be consistent

9. Encourage Good Hygiene

Bonus Tip: Lead by Example

Every Child Is Unique

Autumn Term at Niton Preschool – Pumpkins, Play and Preschool Adventures this Autumn

‘Big Niton Preschool’ Welcome to all our new children and parents.

Taking Turns, One Giggle at a Time

Good simple, easy ways to encourage turn taking…

Good simple, easy ways to encourage turn taking…

For Infants (0-12 months)

For Toddlers (1-2 years)

For Preschoolers (3-4 years)

General Tips for Encouraging Turn-Taking in Young Children

Big Bubbles, Colour Hunts, and Blanket Forts: Outdoor Fun for Little Explorers

Easy outdoor play ideas for babies, toddlers, and preschoolers to enjoy at home or in the garden.

Top 5 Takeaways

For Babies & Young Toddlers (0–2 years) ﻿

For Toddlers (2–3 years)

For Older Toddlers & Preschoolers (3–4 years)

Summer Term at Niton Preschool – Exciting News & Upcoming Events

‘Big Niton Preschool’ Welcome to all our new children and parents.

Springtime Adventures at Niton Preschool – Exciting News & Upcoming Events

‘Big Niton Preschool’ Welcome to all our new children and parents.

Child Care Support Expansion and what you need to know.

The UK government is expanding childcare support to assist working families with young children.

Embracing Sustainability at Niton Preschool

At Niton Preschool, we believe that teaching our little ones about sustainability is crucial for their development and for the world they will inherit.

Why a Sustainability Charge?

How Your Contribution Makes a Difference

Thank You for Your Support!

Niton Preschool Autumn Term Newsletter 2023

Niton Preschool Autumn Term Newsletter 2022

Brighstone preschool Spring Term Newsletter 2022

Brighstone preschool Spring Term Newsletter 2022

Welcome

Useful Resources

Niton preschool Spring Term Newsletter 2022

Niton preschool Spring Term Newsletter 2022

Welcome back

Collection of Children

Useful Resources

Dates for your diary

Week One Parent Ideas

This week's activities for you try at home with your child

Send a song

Feeling faces

Copy me!

Today!

Finger Gym

Stories

Superpowers

Clapping

Healthy and Fun Lunch Box Tips and Ideas

10 tips and ideas to make packed lunch healthy, fun and enjoyable!

Keep It Balanced

Keep It Cool

Don't Overpack

Use Cookie Cutters

Mix Things Up

Save The Treats

For Babies & Young Toddlers (0–2 years)