Open Classroom

Please join us in Nursery for our Open Classroom event on Monday 17th July 3:15-4:30pm.

We will have some activities set up to promote fine motor skills and mark making. Mark making is the first step in enabling children to learn to write. Developing fine motor skills helps children with activities such as writing and getting dressed.  Pupils may find it useful to have a go at some mark making or fine motor activities over the summer holidays in preparation to starting Reception. 

Next week's learning (w/c 17th July 2023)

As it is our last week we will be ...

• revisiting our favourite stories
• revisiting our favourite songs and dances
• revisiting our favourite games
• talking about moving to Reception and what the children are most excited about

Next Week's Learning (w/c 10th July 2023)

Next week we will be... 

• doing a range of 'transition activities'
• revisiting favourite rhymes
• learning the NSPCC Pants Rule

   

Resources for next week...

If you have any kitchen role tubes please bring them to nursery so we can use them for craft.

Thank you

Next Week's Learning (w/c 3rd July 2023)

Next week we will be... 

• solving real life number problems ( number of children on a bus) 
• continue to learn about different occupations
• making ice lollies and learning about freezing and melting

Book of the week

The children will be voting for the book they would like to read and discuss. All the books are about different occupations. We will continue this over the next  couple of weeks. 

Next Week's Learning (w/c 26th June 2023)

Next week we will be... 

• continuing to blend sounds together (c-a-t is cat)
• learning about different occupations
• learning the actions and words to a new rhyme
• making fire engines using different shapes and describing them

Our story of the week is: When We Grow Up

People in our Community

Nursery are learning about 'People in our Community' and we would like to have some guest speakers to talk to us about their jobs. If any parents or family members have a role or job in the community and would like to come and give a 10 minute talk to our children about their role, please speak to Mrs Farrant or Miss Kinsella. 

(Some examples of roles in our community: nurse, dentist, doctor, vet, firefighter, train, bus driver, train driver, paramedic, post officer.)

Summer Fair Dance- 24th June

Nursery are excited to dance for you at the Summer Fair on Saturday 24th June.

Children can wear their own summer clothes. 

Please drop children to the school office at 11:40 am ready to dance at 12:O0pm.

They will be dismissed back to parents as soon as the dance has finished.

Next Week's Learning (w/c 19th June 2023)

Next week we will be... 

• continuing to blend sounds together (c-a-t is cat)
• exploring whether objects float or sink (and making predictions) 
• exploring weight and comparing the weight of different objects (and using the vocabulary: light, lighter, lightest, heavy, heavier, heaviest) 

Our story of the week is: Barry the Fish with Fingers

Next Week's Learning (w/c 12th June 2023)

Next week we will be...

• blending sounds together
• discussing what we enjoy in Nursery
• talking about how we look after our teeth and the role of a dentist
• making a 'cafe' in the garden for role play

Our story of the week is: The Selfish Crocodile

This week's learning (w/c 6th June 2023)

Farm Week

We are very excited as this week the farm will be visiting Nursery! Thank you for your contributions. 

We will be learning...

• about the animals that live on a farm

• how to be safe around the farm animals.

• about the importance of handwashing after touching the animals

We will also be having a Global Goals lesson and talking about how we can help look after the world. 

Our book of the week is : ’10 Things I Can Do To Help My World’ by Melanie Walsh

Sun Safety 

Now that the warmer weather is here, we need to think about sun safety. 

Please provide your child with a named sun hat and ensure that they have a named plastic water bottle (with sports cap opening). 

If your child requires sun cream, please ensure they apply it before school. If you wish them to reapply sun cream before breaktimes, lunchtimes or outdoor PE, please provide them with a named bottle. Staff are not allowed to apply sun cream to children, so please ensure that your child can apply it themselves.  

Next Week's Learning (w/c 22nd May 2023)

Next week we will be...

• making sounds with our voices to tell a story ( The Three Billy Goats Gruff)
• drawing different minibeasts
• looking after all our plants in the nursery garden
• learning a new nursery rhyme

Our story of the week is: 'Aaarrgghh Spider'

Relaxed performance of Wicked

Relaxed performance of Wicked the Musical on Thursday 1^st June at 1.30pm, it's run by Go Live Theatre Projects (formerly Mousetrap Theatre Projects), a theatre education charity that helps young people and families with additional needs to experience the joy of live theatre. If you're interested check out their link below:

https://golivetheatre.org.uk/wicked-tickets/

NAS Sutton Sessions

Indoor climbing at Yellow Spider - Sunday 4^th June - sessions for 5-6yr olds as well as 7-14yrolds. Over 14s session at 4.30pm, so adults are more than welcome to come try it out! Email to book in: sutton.branch@nas.org.uk

Session 1 – 10:00 - 11:00 

6 spaces for 7 - 14 year olds

6 spaces for 5-6 year olds

Session 2 – 11:15 – 12:15

12 spaces for 7 -14 years old 

Session 3 – 12:30 – 13:30 

12 spaces for 7 -14 year olds 

Session 4 – 14:00 – 15:00 

6 spaces for 7 - 14 year olds

6 spaces for 5-6 year olds

Session 5 – 15:15 – 16:15

12 spaces for 7 - 14 year olds

Session 6 – 16:30 – 17:30 

12 spaces for anyone over 14 years old

NAS Sutton Sessions

Lego Club is this coming Sunday 21^st May from 2-4pm for children under 14 years old, if you'd like to attend please use the link below to book.

https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/21523-nas-sutton-lego-club-members-only-tickets-636255255597

Next Week's Learning (w/c 15th May 2023)

Next week we will be...

• making sounds with our voices for example, make your voice go down a slide – wheee;  make your voice bounce like a ball – boing, boing; sound really disappointed – oh  
• painting beanstalks and leaves
• playing parachute games 

Our story of the week is: 'Jasper's Beanstalk'

Our new rhyme is : 'A Tiny Seed'

Next Week's Learning (w/c 8th May 2023)

Next week we will be...

• mark making using chalk
• playing parachute games
• learning facts about snail/slugs

Our story of the week is: 'Norman the Slug with the Silly Shell'.

We will be revisiting favourite rhymes 

Coronation Day Celebrations

What a wonderful day! Everyone looked amazing in their red, white and blue. We have posted lots of photographs on Tapestry. 

 We hope you all have a glorious coronation weekend.

This week is Deaf Awareness Week (2nd-5th May 2023)

Please click on the document below to find out more information about how to be deaf aware.

It is important that everybody, no matter who you are, feels valued and included within a community.

Next Week's Learning (w/c 2nd May 2023)

Next week we will be...

• matching objects to their initial sound ( playing 'I Spy')
• revisiting favourite Nursery Rhymes
• preparing for the coronation celebrations on Friday (making crowns; making jam sandwiches; learning songs) 

Thank you to Mrs. Botterill, who spent the afternoon putting all of your lovely letters and pictures to King Charles in envelopes, addressing them, and putting on the stamps.

They have all now been sent to Buckingham Palace.

Coronation Song for Schools: The Sound of the Trumpets

The children will be learning a specially commissioned coronation song for schools so that we can all sing it together as part of our celebrations on Friday 5th May. 

The link is below if your child would like to practise at home! 

Dear Avenue Pupils,

You are cordially invited to celebrate the coronation  of King Charles III on Friday 5^th May 2023

Dress Code: Red, white and blue (sensible clothing for a day in school).

Events:

Morning: A lovely morning in class making flags and crowns and learning about King Charles III.

10.45 – 11.30 Parade: The whole school will join together on the field to show off their crowns and wave their flags.

Lunchtime: Lunch will be at the usual time in the hall.

Afternoon: More fun coronation activities in class.

Hometime: The usual Friday hometime

Next Week's Learning (w/c 24^th April 2023)

Next week we will be...

• planting sunflower seeds and discussing what a seed needs to grow
• having a pop-up shop and writing shopping lists
• sharing weekend news and talking about Eid

Our story of the week is: 'The Giant Turnip

We will be revisiting favourite rhymes 

Please click on the document below if you would like support with you child's anxiety or challenging behaviour: 

Thank you!

A massive thank you to you all for raising an amazing £650.81 for Comic Relief.

Online donations: £204.00

Cash Donations: £446.81

Please see below how your money is helping others:

Next Week's Learning (w/c 27th March 2023)

Next week we will be ...

• talking about the changes we see in spring
• using different media for spring craft
• introducing rhyming words

We will be listening to the different stories of the half term and voting for which one we want to listen too. We will also be revisiting all of the nursery rhymes from the half term.  (Please look at earlier posts for links to these.)

The Holy Month of Ramadan

For any member of the school community observing the holy month of Ramadan, Young Minds has some excellent resources and advice that might be useful. (although I has youth in the title, it is relevant to all ages).

Please click on the link below:

Next Week's Learning (w/c 20th March 2023)

Next week we will be...

• making super hero masks and cuffs (and using them to roleplay)
• looking at photographs in nursery and talking about what we are doing 
• continuing and making patterns

Our story of the week is: 'There's a Superhero in your Book' by Tom Fletcher

Our rhyme of the week is: We will be revisiting favourite rhymes 

Red Nose Day: Friday 17^th March 2023

We will be celebrating Red Nose Day this year on Friday 17^th March.

The children are invited to wear their usual school uniform, and a red accessory, for a donation of £1

The accessory could be a hair accessory or a red t-shirt or red socks or a red hoodie…

Children can also wear their red noses, but please be aware that comic relief have issued  the following warning: Please note, Noses are not suitable for children under 7 years of age due to small parts.

We encourage you to make your donations via the schools Just Giving Page:

https://www.justgiving.com/fundraising/rednoseday23-avenue-primary-academy

If you would prefer to donate cash, there will be buckets on the gates at drop off and pick up. (Teachers will not be collecting money).

Thank you for your continued support

Next Week's Learning (w/c 13th March 2023)

Next week we will be...

• exploring colour mixing to make butterlies
• matching numerals to quantities and vice versa
• recognising and writing our names

Our story of the week is: Monkey Puzzle

Our rhyme of the week is: If you're happy and you know it...

British Sign Language Week WB 13/03/23

Next week is British Sign Language Week.

Challenge: Can you learn to sign your name?

Click on the link below to take you to the British Sign Language Alphabet (Left and Right handed)

Next Week's Learning (w/c 6th March 2023)

Next week we will be...

• continuing and making repeating patterns using toys and body percussion
• drawing 'The Gruffalo'
• revisiting stories and voting for our favourite

Our story of the week is: The Gruffalo

Our rhyme of the week is: Sleeping Bunnies

Next Week's Learning (w/c 27th February 2023)

Next week we will be ...

• making 'teddy bread' using honey, raisins and bananas
• talking about the nursery rules and how they help us learn and keep us safe
• going on a 'book hunt' and talking about our favourite books

Our story of the week is: Where's My Teddy 

Our rhyme of the week is: revisiting familiar rhymes

World Thinking Day and Founders Day

Wednesday 22nd February

Wednesday 22nd February, is the annual Thinking Day, where all members of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts are encouraged to celebrate, reflect on and renew the promise that they make shortly after joining.

This means that any child who attends a Girlguiding Rainbow, Brownie or Guide unit is invited to wear their uniform to school on that day should they wish to. 

Wednesday 22nd February is also Founders day for the Scouting movement and any child who attends Beavers, Cubs or Scouts is invited to wear their uniform to school on that day should they wish to. 

Coffee Mornings

We are delighted to invite Parents/Carers to their year group coffee mornings on the following dates and times:

Nursery & Reception: Monday 6^th March 8.30 – 9.00

Years 1 & 2: Tuesday 7^th March 8.30 – 9.00

Years 3 & 4: Wednesday 8^th March 8.30 – 9.00

Base: Thursday 9^th March 8.45 – 9.30

Years 5 & 6: Friday 10^th March 8.30 – 9.00

Please wait to be let in at the Avenue Road entrance

World Book Day

(Date change due to possible strike action on Thursday 2^nd March)

The main school will celebrate World Book Day and dress up as their favourite book character on Friday 3^rd March (the base have a different date, please check their webpage for details)

Book Swap Friday 3^rd March

Children should also bring in a book on Friday 3^rd March that they will hand in to a member of the PTA in the morning. The following Monday they will have the opportunity to chose a book to take home (in exchange for the book they brought in).  
 

Next Week's Learning (w/c 20th February 2023)

Next week we will be ...

• exploring different textures
• going on a 'bear hunt' and marking how many bears we find 
• identifying and matching instrumental sounds

Our story of the week is: We're Going on a Bear Hunt 

Our rhyme of the week is: revisiting familiar rhymes

Next Week's Learning (w/c 6th February 2023)

Next week we will be ...

• practising our cutting skills 
• telephoning different story characters (recognising numbers to 5) and asking/answering questions 
• going on a sound walk outside 

We will be listening to the different stories of the half term and voting for which one we want to listen too. We will also be revisiting all of the nursery rhymes from the half term.  (Please look at earlier posts for links to these.)

Dear Parents, 

Our Language of the Month for February is Urdu. 

Below are some links and ideas that you could use to help your children learn some new vocabulary and a few facts about Pakistan. 

I hope you all enjoy the activity suggestions! 

Mrs Dray😊

Next Week's Learning (w/c 30th January 2023)

Next week we will be ...

• painting Trolls (linked to story of the week) 
• strengthening our hands and fingers by doing dough disco 
• matching numerals and amounts

Our story of the week is: The Three Billy Goats Gruff 

Our rhyme of the week is: Old Macdonald had a Farm

Next Week's Learning (w/c 16th January 2023)

Next week we will be ...

• talking about Chinese New Year and celebrations
• learning a new action song using claves
• mark making in sand

Our story of the week is: Goldilocks and the Three Bears 

Our rhyme of the week is: Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear Turn Around

Happy Chinese New Year to any families celebrating this weekend

Next Week's Learning (w/c 16th January 2023)

Next week we will be ...

• counting objects and to numerals ( 1-5)
• listening to and naming everyday sounds
• learning how to say 'Hello' in Cantonese

Our story of the week is: The Gingerbread Man.  

Our rhyme of the week is: Five Gingerbread Men.

LANGUAGE OF THE MONTH

Dear Parents,

Our Language of the Month for January is Cantonese.

Please find attached some links and ideas that you could use to help your children learn some new vocabulary and a few facts about China. 

I hope you all enjoy the activity suggestions! 

Mrs Dray😊

Next Week's Learning (w/c 9th January 2023)

Next week we will be ...

• using different media to make houses (from our story of the week)
• mark making as we sing 'The Wheels on the Bus'
• finding our name cards when we come into nursery

Our story of the week is: The Three Little Pigs.  

Our rhyme of the week is: This Little Piggy went to the Market.

Friday 16th December 2022

We would like to thank you all for your lovely gifts and kind words. We are so proud of all the children for finishing their first term at Nursery. Wishing you all a restful and safe holiday- we look forward to welcoming you back in the new year (4th January 2023). 

Merry Christmas from us all!

Miss Kinsella, Mrs Farrant, Mrs Wyld, Miss Sadler  and Mrs Zutshi

Class Party Update: If children are wearing a Winter or Christmas top or accessory tomorrow, they can wear it to school rather than bring it to change in to. 

Class Parties : Thursday 15^th December

The children will be having their class parties on Thursday 15^th December. Children must come to school in full uniform, but can bring in their Winter/Christmas top and or accessory from last week to change into if they wish.

The children do not need to bring in any food or drink.

REMINDER

Winter Top Day: Thursday 8^th December

The children are invited to wear a winter or Christmas themed top or hair accessory on Thursday 8^th December (with normal school uniform bottoms and shoes).

This is not a fundraising event and children do not need to bring any money.

Next Week's Learning (w/c 5th December 2022)

Next week we will be ...

• singing songs with shakers and bells
• decorating the nursery with winter/Christmas crafts
• learning the importance of handwashing

Our story of the week is: Snowball by Sue Hendra. 

We will be revisiting our rhymes from the term and singing Jingle Bells. 

Next Week's Learning (w/c 28th November 2022)

Next week we will be ...

• setting up a stage so we can perform songs and dances
• decorating the nursery with winter crafts
• moving in different ways outside ( to keep warm!)

Our story of the week is: Sammy Squirrel (this is a puppet story and the children will be joining in with the repeated refrain: "Night, night Sammy, sleep tight." . 

Our rhyme of the week is: Two Little Dickie Birds.

Next Week's Learning (w/c 21st November 2022)

Next week we will be ...

• practising our cutting skills
• learning a new nursery rhyme
• making obstacle courses outside ( to keep warm!)

Our book of the week is: One Snowy Night 

Our rhyme of the week is : Five Little Ducks

Wellbeing Award for Schools 2022-2025

We are delighted to say that on 17/11/22 Avenue were re-accredited with the Wellbeing Award for Schools. This is truly a whole school effort and is an external validation of what we already knew: that Health and Wellbeing is at the heart of our school and influences everything that we do. Thank you to all the Parents and Carers who filled in surveys for the award at the end of last year and the start of this year. 

Winter Top Day: Thursday 8^th December

The children are invited to wear a winter or Christmas themed top or hair accessory on Thursday 8^th December (with normal school uniform bottoms and shoes).

This is not a fundraising event and children do not need to bring any money.

Remembrance Parade

Miss. Walls, Mr. Burke and our Avenue Ambassadors attended the Remembrance Parade yesterday and laid a poppy wreath on the Belmont Cenotaph.

The Ambassadors also sold poppies at the school gates every morning last week.

Thank you for representing our school, we are very proud.

Next Week's Learning (w/c 14th November 2022)

Next week we will be ...

• exploring pattern using different toys
• making bubble paintings
• discussing how to show kindness

Our book of the week is: Ketchup On Your Cornflakes? 

Our rhyme of the week is: Hickory Dickory Dock.

Odd Socks Day for Anti-Bullying Week:

Monday 14^th November

Next week is Anti-Bullying Week and the children are invited to wear odd socks to school on Monday 14^th November. Wearing odd socks is a great way of celebrating what makes us unique!

Poppy Appeal 2022

Dear Parents/Carers,

On Tuesday 8^th and Wednesday 9^th of November our Avenue Ambassadors will be selling poppies on Avenue Road Gate and Dorset Road Gates 8.10 – 8.20 (if they have any stock left, they will be there on Thursday and Friday morning, but stock sells fast).

Paper poppies are sold for a donation of your choice, but please be aware that many items have a set price which range from £1 to £3.

Thank you, on behalf of The British Legion Belmont Branch

Next week's learning (w/c 7/11/22)

Next week we will be...

• talking about fireworks and making firework paintings
• starting 'dough disco' (shaping dough to music to develop fine motor strength)
• joining in with a puppet story about Sammy Squirrel, who needs our help to go to bed 

Next week we will be learning a new rhyme called 'There's a Dinosaur'. Click on the link below to sing along. 

Last week our story of the week was ' The Very Helpful Hedgehog'. 

REMINDERS

Nursery Parents Consultation 2nd and 3rd November 2022

If you have not yet booked an appointment please do so via your school Arbor.

Thursday 3rd November:

School will finish early for all pupils. 

• There will be no afternoon Nursery session on this day.
• Morning Nursery and 30 hours children will finish at 11:10 and will need to be collected from the school office. 

Next week's learning (w/c 17/10/22)

Next week we will be...

• looking at signs of Autumn
• revisiting our favourite nursery rhymes
• moving in different ways ('Stop' by Debbie Doo)

Our story of the week is 'Marvin Gets Mad' by Joseph Theobald. We will be using props to tell and retell the story throughout the week. We will also be talking about our own feelings.

Health and Wellbeing: YogaBugs

I am delighted to inform you that we now have the YogaBugs Virtual Programme for our school, and this includes access to YogaBugs videos and mindfulness techniques for you and your children.

On the YogaBugs Parent Portal you will have access to yoga and mindfulness videos, chair yoga for you to try, along with helpful mindfulness activities and visualisations that you can use for you whole family.

Please look out for an email from school with details of how you can access the parent portal.

Black History Month

Throughout the year there are months that celebrate the history of different groups of people. These months help us to learn more about people, their history and their importance to the wider world. Black History Month is celebrated each year in October. It is a chance to celebrate the achievements of black people in the past and present.

Next week's learning (w/c 7/10/22)

Next week we will be learning...

• how to use different shapes to make a rocket
• how to print using paint 

We will also be talking about what makes us feel happy and sharing our ideas with friends. 

Our 'story of the week is 'Whatever Next! by Jill Murphy. We will be using props to tell and retell the story throughout the week. 

Our rhyme of the week is 'Teddy Bear, Teddy Bear, Turn Around'

Next week's learning (w/c 3/10/22)

Next week we will be learning ...

• how to sponge paint to make owls
• how to move our body in different ways 
• how to shape the playdough to make parts of the face 

Our story of the week is 'Owl Babies' by Martin Waddell. 

We will be reading and telling the story using props and encouraging the children to join in with repeated phrases. 

Our rhyme of the week is 'Round and Round the Garden'. 

World Mental Health Day Monday 10^th October

This World Mental Health Day, people across the country are coming together to say #HelloYellow. We are inviting the children to join in to show them that how they feel matters.

Children are invited to wear a yellow accessory on Monday 10^th October.  Examples could be a hair accessory, socks or a hat.

Waterproof Coat

Dear Parents/Carers,

Now that the weather has turned, please ensure that your child wears a waterproof coat to school every day. If you need assistance purchasing a coat, please don’t hesitate to speak to the school as we would be happy to help you.

Thank you for your continued support.

Next Week's Learning (w/c 26th September 2022)

Next week we will be learning to...

• follow the nursery routines
• talk about what we like playing with
• learning to listen to each other

Our 'Rhyme of the Week' is Heads, Shoulders, Knees and Toes.

Our 'Book of the Week' is Things I Like by Anthony Browne.

Please visit this website if you would like advice on talking to your child about the Queen’s death ahead of the coverage of her funeral this weekend.

https://www.winstonswish.org/supporting-you/supporting-children-death-of-queen/

The Avenue Primary Academy community is deeply saddened by the news that Queen Elizabeth II has passed away.

Today, and next week, we will mark this significant event by reflecting on her remarkable life and service.

A book of condolence will be opened for the children next week.

WELCOME TO NURSERY

We are all really looking forward to meeting the children on Monday 5th September or Tuesday 6^th September at their Stay and Play visit. Each child will have their own one hour slot and start date already sent to them. We will then welcome the children as they start their first session at Nursery.

A reminder of Nursery drop off and pick up times:

Morning drop-off: Please drop off your child at the Dorset Road gate. The gates will be open 8:10am – 8:30am. Please take your child to the Nursery gate.

If you also have a child in year 3-6 please drop and collect your children off via the Dorset Road gate and they can make their way to their classroom. Please note, only children with siblings in Nursery to Year 2 should use the Dorset Road gate.

Uniform

Please remember that children must be in the correct school uniform which should be clearly labelled with their name and class. (see our school website for full details of the uniform policy).

Summer Homework  

• Could you take photos, make a scrap book or draw a picture to show your new class?   

       Can you try some of these? 

• Read books  

• Play a board game 
• Stay up late one night and watch the sunset 
• Cook with your family 
• Have a water fight 
• Play outside 

• Ride a bike or scooter 
• Go on a picnic 
• Build a den or a hideout  
• Search for mini beasts 
• Go on a treasure hunt 

• Create an obstacle course 
• Learn about a country or place you would like to visit 
• Try cloud gazing – what shapes can you find? 
• Create a video - on your own or with friends – sing, dance, read a poem 
• Learn an interesting fact to share with your new teacher 

• Be kind and helpful 

We look forward to working with you and your child next year.

Mrs Hilton

Head of EYFS and Year 1