As we come to the end of another term, we’ve been noticing the signs of spring and the new growth happening around us.

We’ve experienced typical March lion and lamb weather, with bitterly cold winds alongside some beautiful sunshine while we were tree planting, Easter egg hunting and birch tree tapping to see the sap flowing — a real confirmation that spring is on its way.

We’ve seen our children continue to grow in confidence, independence and curiosity over the past several weeks. They’ve been working together, exploring numbers and mark making through play, and learning about personal space and how to stay safe while using tools. This is what our curriculum is all about: real experiences, time to explore, and space to learn through the natural world.

Behind the scenes, our own journey continues too. Not everything grows quickly — and our plans to become a fully outdoor nursery have sadly reminded us of that. But moments like our recent visit from Learning through Landscapes have given us the chance to pause and reflect. We received some lovely feedback about the calm, supportive environment and the very quality interactions between staff and children — something we are really proud of.

We are now heading into the Easter break with a forecast of storms and even snow! Thankfully, the signs of spring are already here — and we know there is always more growing to come 🌱

Whatever the weather this weekend, see what signs of spring you can spot — buds on trees, birds, or even changes in the sky. You might also notice numbers, patterns or opportunities for mark making along the way.

We had a brilliant time in the woods today tapping birch trees

After learning how to spot birch trees by their shiny white bark, we carefully used tools to make a small hole and add a tap. The children remembered how to keep safe by giving each other space while tools were being used.

Then came the best part… watching the sap slowly drip out! We collected it in cups and of course had a little taste – fresh from the tree… and it got a big thumbs up.

A lovely reminder that nature is the best teacher – full of curiosity, wonder and hands-on learning

TeamCVN had a wonderful morning out in the woodland, working alongside the amazing volunteers from the Development Trust. Staff and children worked together to plant trees in an area that had recently been cleared.

It’s great to support our children to learn how to care for their environment, be part of their community, and understand how small actions can help things grow.

Last weekend it felt as though spring had finally arrived. The sun was shining, the air felt warmer, and it was easy to imagine that winter had quietly slipped away for another year. But this week the weather reminded us that winter isn’t quite ready to retire just yet. Wind and rain returned, puddles formed, and the woodland quickly became thick with mud once again.

For the children, this changing weather creates endless opportunities for exploration. Wet ground invites experimentation as mud becomes something to mould, shape, squash and transform. Children quickly discover that the materials around them behave differently depending on the conditions.

Wet ground invites experimentation as mud becomes something to mould, shape, squash and transform. As they play, children discover that the materials around them behave differently depending on the conditions — wetter, stickier, heavier or smoother.

Outdoors itself becomes part of the play. Children notice textures, surfaces and patterns as they move through the space, experimenting with how materials interact with the natural environment around them. In places like our woodland, learning often begins with the environment itself, inviting children to explore, test ideas and gradually come to understand the landscape around them.

When the wind arrived later in the week it brought a completely different set of possibilities. Gusts became something to play with, investigate and even measure, turning the weather itself into part of the learning experience.

Weeks like this are a reminder that nature doesn’t present children with neatly planned activities. Instead it offers possibilities. Wind, water, mud and natural materials all invite children to explore, experiment and test their ideas.

And one this was very clear, Spring may be on its way — but winter clearly wanted to remind us it wasn’t quite finished yet!

Next time it rains try catching a raindrop on your tongue and see what it tastes like!

It’s usual for me to reflect on children’s learning, but this week it feels right to think about adult learning too — and what children gain from seeing it in action.

I spent the early part of the week with colleagues undertaking a peer review. This was challenging for everyone involved: those being reviewed, and those carrying out the review. It required openness, thoughtful questioning, and honest professional dialogue. In doing this work, it became clear that those of us completing the review learned just as much as those being reviewed.

Later in the week, Katie reached the final stages of her Forest Leader Level 8 qualification and was assessed by her course tutor. Being observed is always stressful, but with the support of the children and our staff team, she absolutely aced the assessment, and we are incredibly proud of her.

Both experiences show that meaningful learning often involves challenge and uncertainty.

When adults are willing to keep learning and push themselves despite this, children benefit in two ways: through strengthened practice, and by seeing learning modelled as something positive, worthwhile, and exciting.

As we head towards the half-term break, it feels like a good moment to recognise the value of adults continuing to learn, even when it feels hard. When children see this, they learn that learning is something to enjoy, not something to fear.

Choose one small thing to learn alongside your child this week — tying a knot, learning a new word, fixing something simple, or following a new recipe. Let your child see you practise, make mistakes, and keep going.

We are delighted to have been selected as a runner up in Gumtree’s Small Business Blast Off competition!

The judges told us :

“Ethical, sustainable, community at heart. Fresh approach to learning and education. After lockdown the opportunity for more children to learn through nature would be hugely valuable.”

We are looking forward to seeing our children back in nursery tomorrow, both our returners and new-starts.

We wish all of our leavers a happy and exciting day tomorrow as they start at school. We’d love to see you in your uniforms, pop in to say hello or send us a photo!!

The lunch menu for session 2021/2022 is now available here. We are delighted that we can again serve hot meals. Lunches are provided free of charge to eligible/funded children and can be purchased at a cost of £2.20 for fee paying children.

Lunches are made in Cambusbarron Primary School kitchens which has a silver food for life catering mark and transported down to us in the community centre every day.

Note that when we are in the woods a packed lunch is served (this is usually the “green” tray option).