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Choosing the right nursery in Leyland is one of the most important decisions for your child’s early years. Parents looking for preschool or childcare in Leyland often want a setting that feels warm, nurturing and inspiring while also supporting school readiness and development. What Makes a Good Nursery in Leyland? When choosing a nursery in Leyland, families often look beyond opening hours and fees. A high-quality early years setting should provide calm, well-organised space

Finding the right nursery for your child is a big step, and understanding nursery funding can make this journey easier and more affordable. Many parents don’t realize there are government-funded options that help cover the cost of early years childcare. This guide explains how nursery funding works, when and where to apply, and what it covers — so you can make informed decisions for your family. What Nursery Funding Covers Nursery funding supports the basics of early years ed

Starting school is a major milestone for every family. Preparing your child for this new chapter can feel overwhelming, but understanding what school readiness really means can make the process clearer and more manageable. At Yewlands, we believe that helping children develop the right skills before they enter school sets the foundation for lifelong learning and confidence. This post explores practical ways parents can support their children’s readiness for school, drawing on

Getting your child to sleep well can feel like a daily challenge. Many parents face bedtime struggles that leave everyone feeling tired and frustrated. Sleep is essential for children’s growth, mood, and learning, so finding ways to improve their sleep habits is crucial. This post offers practical advice to help parents create a calm, consistent bedtime routine and understand the role of daytime rest in supporting better nighttime sleep. Why Sleep Matters for Children Sleep a

Creating a nursery that supports a child’s growth involves more than just choosing colorful toys and soft furniture. Introducing breakable items into a nursery environment can play a surprising role in helping young children develop important skills. While it might seem risky at first, using carefully selected breakables under supervision encourages learning through exploration, responsibility, and fine motor skill development. How Breakables Encourage Exploration and Curiosi

Young children explore the world in unique ways. One powerful way they learn is through schemas —patterns of play and behaviour that help them make sense of their experiences. When parents understand schemas, they can better support their child’s natural curiosity and development both at nursery and at home. This post explains what schemas are, how nurseries use them to guide learning, and practical ideas parents can try at home to encourage exploration and growth. What Are S

Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) sets the foundation for children’s learning and development from birth to five years old. Understanding the seven areas of learning in the EYFS helps parents support their child’s growth effectively. When combined with the Curiosity Approach, these areas come alive through exploration, wonder, and hands-on experiences. This post explains the seven areas and how the Curiosity Approach brings them to life, giving parents practical ideas to nu

Many parents face questions about whether to give their baby a dummy and how it might affect their child’s speech and oral health. Dummies, also known as pacifiers, can soothe infants and help them feel secure. Yet, concerns about their long-term effects on speech development and dental health often arise. Understanding when it is appropriate to use a dummy and how it influences a child’s growth can help parents make informed decisions. How Dummies Affect Speech Development B

At Yewlands Day Nursery, we believe that early childhood education should be a journey of discovery, calm, and emotional support. Our approach centres on the Curiosity Approach, a philosophy that values real-life play and nurtures children’s natural desire to explore. This post explains what the Curiosity Approach means in practice, why calm, real-life play matters, and how we support children emotionally every day. If you want to learn more about our nursery and the differen

Starting school is a big step for young children and their families. The transition can feel overwhelming, but preparing children to be ready for school helps them feel confident and eager to learn. One effective way to support this readiness is through the Curiosity Approach. This method encourages children to explore, ask questions, and engage deeply with their environment, building skills that matter for school success. What Is the Curiosity Approach? The Curiosity Approac

When children create art at Yewlands, the focus is not on producing a perfect final piece. Instead, the emphasis is on exploring, experimenting, and enjoying the creative journey . This method, known as the Curiosity Approach, values the process of making art more than the finished product. For parents, understanding this approach can help appreciate the unique and meaningful experiences their children have during art activities. What Is the Curiosity Approach? The Curiosity

Toilet training is a major milestone for both children and parents. It marks a step towards independence and can bring a sense of achievement for your little one. Yet, knowing when your child is ready to move on from nappies can be confusing. Every child develops at their own pace, and pushing too early or waiting too long can cause frustration. This guide offers clear signs to watch for, practical tips, and advice to make the transition smoother for your family. Signs Your C

Young children today grow up surrounded by digital devices. Tablets, smartphones, and computers offer fun and learning opportunities, but they also bring risks. For parents of children up to age five, understanding how to keep little ones safe online is crucial. This guide offers practical advice to help parents protect their children while encouraging healthy digital habits. Understand the Risks for Young Children Online Children under five are naturally curious and may not

Helping young children develop early maths skills sets a strong foundation for their future learning. Parents play a crucial role in this process by creating fun, simple, and meaningful activities at home. From babies to pre-schoolers, maths can be introduced through everyday moments and playful experiences. This post shares practical ideas to support parents in nurturing early maths understanding in their children. Maths for Babies: Exploring Numbers and Shapes Even before b

Helping your child develop early reading skills can feel overwhelming, especially when it comes to phonics. Phase 1 phonics lays the foundation for reading by focusing on listening skills and sound awareness. Supporting your child at home with simple, fun activities can make a big difference in their confidence and progress. This post offers practical ideas to engage your child in phase 1 phonics learning without pressure or stress. Phase 1 phonics letter and sound cards on t

Outdoor play offers more than just fun for young children. It plays a crucial role in their growth and development, influencing physical health, social skills, creativity, and emotional well-being. Understanding these benefits can help parents, caregivers, and educators create environments that support healthy childhood development. Running and playing games Nature walks and exploration Creative play with natural materials Group activities that foster teamwork Physical Health

Curiosity drives discovery. In early childhood education, nurturing this natural impulse can shape a lifelong love for learning. The Curiosity Approach offers a fresh perspective that puts children’s wonder and exploration at the heart of their development. This blog post explores why educators choose this approach, its core principles, examples of curiosity-driven activities, and the benefits it brings to both learners and teachers. Why Choose the Curiosity Approach in Early

The Magic of Loose Parts and Natural Resources in Nursery At Yewlands Day Nursery , we believe that children are naturally curious, imaginative, and eager to explore the world around them. That’s why we embrace loose parts play and natural resources as key elements in our learning environment. Unlike traditional toys with fixed purposes, loose parts —such as wooden spools, shells, pinecones, and fabric scraps—allow children to use their imagination, develop problem-solving

Weaning at Home and Nursery: A Smooth Transition for Your Little One Weaning is an exciting milestone in your child’s development, marking the journey from milk feeds to solid foods. Whether you're just starting out or moving towards more independent eating, the transition between home and nursery can feel like a big step. But don’t worry—by working together, we can make weaning a positive and stress-free experience for both you and your child! At Yewlands Day Nursery , we su

Starting nursery is a big milestone—for both children and parents! It’s exciting, nerve-wracking, and filled with new experiences. If you’re feeling a little anxious about how your child will adjust, you’re not alone. But what if we approached this transition through the lens of curiosity? The Curiosity Approach to early childhood education encourages a child-led, exploratory learning environment that nurtures independence, creativity, and confidence. By using this philosoph