Plastic Free July
Do you ever ask yourself what you could be doing to reduce the use of plastic and ultimately contribute to a cleaner and greener future? Taking small steps in your everyday life, such as swapping plastic bags, straws, bottles and packaging are small ways you can help. By looking for reusable alternatives, shopping in bulk, and supporting businesses that offer plastic-free options this will all help to reduce the amount of plastic waste that ends up in landfills and oceans and ultimately protect the environment we live in and the wildlife suffering from this harmful pollution.
Plastic free July is a global movement that encourages individuals to reduce their plastic consumption. The initiative aims to raise awareness about the environment impact of plastic pollution and inspire people to make sustainable choices in their daily lives. Whether you are a seasoned environmentalist or new to the concept of sustainability, Plastic Free July offers an opportunity to make a positive impact and be part of a global community.
At Inspirations we do everything we can to contribute and educate the children for a more sustainable and eco-friendly way of living. Some of the changes we have made, and continue to make are:
- Recycling – we have recycling bins throughout the nursery to make sure items such
as paper, cardboard, aluminium and selective plastics, are disposed of appropriately
and safely. - Composting – we have 3 large composting bins that staff, children and parents
contribute to daily. We have caddies for families to take home and transport their
waste to Nursery. - Materials/resources – we try use materials for everyday activities that are safe to
recycle. We make our own Glitter as this is specifically damaging to the environment,
and sticking materials that are more sustainable. - Litter picking – We take out small groups to the local area and we encourage
families to participate in littler picking in their own time, lending pickers should they
need to use them.
These are just some of the ways in which we help, and we are constantly reflecting and learning of new ways to help the world we live in. When recycling plastic, reading the labels on the reverse of packaging is vital as to avoid the disposal of non recyclable items. Please visit What to put in your green bin
https://www.leeds.gov.uk/residents/bins-and-recycling/your-bins/green-recycling-bin
https://www.plasticfreejuly.org/take-the-challenge/ has lots of resources and ways to get involved. Take part in the challenge
this month and take steps towards a plastic free lifestyle.
-Ashleigh
Compost Collective
Inspiring Green Habits
At Inspirations Nurseries, we believe in nurturing not only the minds of our little ones but also instilling in them a deep sense of environmental responsibility. Thanks to Foodwise Leeds our latest initiative; 'Compost Collective' is underway and aims to educate children about the importance of composting and empower them to make a positive impact on the planet, starting from an early age.
Find out more about the amazing Food Wise-
In this blog post, we will delve into the significance of teaching composting to children and how educators play a vital role in fostering a sustainable mindset.
The Importance of Composting:
Composting is a natural process that transforms organic waste into nutrient-rich soil. By composting, we divert organic waste from landfills, reduce greenhouse gas emissions, and enrich the soil for future plant growth. Educating children about composting not only teaches them about the cycle of life but also installs in them an understanding of the interconnectedness of all living things. It helps children develop a sense of responsibility towards the environment and empowers them to take action to protect it.
Starting Early:
Children have a remarkable capacity for learning and absorbing information, making early childhood an ideal time to introduce them to the concept of composting. By exposing children to composting at a young age, we lay the foundation for a lifetime of environmentally conscious choices. Starting early also allows children to witness the entire composting process, from collecting food scraps to observing the decomposition and transformation into nutrient-rich soil. This hands-on experience fosters a deep connection with nature and enables children to appreciate the value of waste reduction and resource conservation.
Catalysts for Change: Educators
As educators, we have the privilege and responsibility to shape young minds and inspire them to become environmentally conscious individuals. By incorporating composting into our curriculum, we can create an immersive learning experience that goes beyond the classroom walls. Through interactive activities, storytelling, and gardening projects, we can engage children in meaningful discussions about the importance of composting and its positive impact on the environment. By involving children in the entire composting process, we empower them to become active participants in sustainable practices.
Benefits of Composting Education:
Teaching children about composting provides numerous benefits. Firstly, it instills in them a sense of environmental stewardship, nurturing a generation that cares deeply about the planet's well-being. Secondly, composting education encourages critical thinking and problem-solving skills as children learn about decomposition, nutrient cycles, and the science behind composting. It also promotes teamwork and cooperation as children work together to collect and manage compost materials. Additionally, composting education fosters a sense of responsibility and self-sufficiency as children take ownership of the composting process.
Inspiring a love for nature and sustainable practices in young children is a powerful way to create a greener and brighter future. By introducing composting education in early childhood, we equip children with the knowledge and skills to make a positive impact on the environment. At Inspirations Nurseries, our Composting Project aims to cultivate a sense of environmental responsibility, foster a deep connection with nature, and empower children to become agents of change. Together, let's sow the seeds of sustainability and nurture a generation that cherishes and protects our beautiful planet.
5 Ways To Encourage Creativity at Home
Encouraging creativity is really important to us at Inspirations, and this is evident in our Baby Rooms right up to when they leave us in Pre-school. It's also a great way to keep them busy and stimulate their curiosity and development at home, and it doesn't always have cost money or run the risk of staining carpets.
So here's a quick run down of 5 easy ways to encourage creativity at home-
Encourage Role Play
Toddlers love to imitate and explore other people. Encouraging role play can help your child develop their social skills, language, and creativity. Why not bring to life the characters from their favourite book? Provide props and dress-up clothes, and let your child take on different roles. You could even set up a pretend play area on theme. Remember, children have huge imaginations, you can simply provide tea towels, woolly hats, towels or just simple a change in voices.
Provide Open-Ended Materials
Have you been to SCRAP in Farsley? Scrap is an emporium of amazing resources diverted from landfill for art, play and education. Children love exploring and experimenting with different materials. Providing them with open-ended materials such as play dough, boxes, crayons, material and tubes can allow them to express their creativity and imagination in their own unique way. Give them a piece of packaging, ask them what they could do with it, or lay down textures material and walk over it with bare feet. Maybe you could use an old shelf as a car ramp?
Engage in Artistic Activities Together
Set aside some time each week to engage in a creative activity together, such as painting, drawing, or making a collage. Not only will this help foster your child’s creativity, but it will also create special memories for both of you. Simply save some cardboard from your next delivery and let that be your canvas. Take it in the garden if you're worried about mess.
Follow Their Lead
Young children are naturally curious and have their own unique interests. Follow their lead and provide opportunities for them to explore their passions. For example, if your child shows an interest in birds, buy some binoculars, go to the library and find some wildlife books. Book a trip to a bird sanctuary, make some bird food, print some pictures to take a closer look. If they're interested in flowers why not go for a nature walk and bring back some natural resources for them to explore when home, flowers for the mud kitchen, pinecones to make pinecone pies.
Create a Safe Space for Movement
Messy play, movement and den building is a great way for toddlers to engage with their senses and explore their world. Use an old table cloth or shower curtain as a stage to create a show with singing or movement. Or why not provide some bed sheets and sofa cushions to make a den.
So there you have it 5 simple ways to encourage creativity in your home. Make use of old boxes and packaging, there are so many house hold objects that can be used in many different ways. Don't forget to ask open ended questions along the way, and let us know if you try any of these at home.
-Nathalie
Experimenting with Materials
Current Projects in the Art Studio
'Even a scribble is Art- (Ella 4)
Unlocking Potential
The Impact of Environment on Early Years Development
In the vibrant world of early years settings, every corner holds the promise of discovery and growth. As a manager in this dynamic field, I've had the privilege of witnessing firsthand the transformative power of an enriched environment on children's development.
Recently, our toddler room underwent a rejuvenation, with fresh walls and a wealth of new resources. The response from the little ones has been nothing short of inspiring. They've eagerly immersed themselves in the revamped space, their curious minds ignited by the endless possibilities.
One of the highlights has been the introduction of a role play area, where children can step into imaginary worlds and explore different roles and scenarios. From playing house to dressing up in tutus, this space sparks creativity and social interaction, laying the foundation for essential life skills.
Another favourite is the potion making station, where young alchemists concoct mixtures of imagination and curiosity. As they pour and mix, they're not just creating potions; they're also honing fine motor skills, learning about cause and effect, and exercising their scientific curiosity.
But it's not just about the activities themselves; it's about the rich tapestry of experiences they offer. Through diverse play opportunities, children engage with various schemas, building neural connections and making sense of the world around them. Every interaction, every exploration, is a chance to strengthen cognitive
abilities and foster holistic development.
As a manager, seeing these transformations unfold is the ultimate reward. Knowing that we're creating an environment where children can thrive, where their potential is nurtured and celebrated, is incredibly fulfilling.
At Inspirations, we believe that every space, every resource, has the power to shape young minds and hearts. By investing in environments that inspire curiosity, creativity, and connection, we're laying the groundwork for a future filled with limitless possibilities.
When the transformation is complete we will look forward to sharing many more photos with you, where we will give a shout out to the amazing staff of our toddler room. Tara has been working hard on the environment and working alongside the staff team to create an environment where the children can learn through the 100 languages of learning. The next step is the mezzanine to be moved this week! This will create more space in the room for us to add even more opportunity for the children.
Kayleigh
Spotlight on...Ladybirds Room
Our ladybirds room is our Pre-School Room, and in fact it isn't a 'room' at all. In 2018 our Pre-School moved from what is now the Toddler room, to become an outdoor setting across many areas.
We have the Mongolian Yurt which is our cosy warm round classroom, the outdoor classroom, the mud area, the Art Studio, the forest school garden and Hunger Hills Woods in its entirety. Every morning the educators, forest school practitioners and atelierista pitch to the children and following this they choose where they want to spend their morning, and then afternoon. So let's meet the team who run our 3 and 4 year old areas.
Lisa- Pre-School Manager
For 18 years this year I've been part of the Inspirations team, starting straight from leaving school as an Apprentice and gaining my Level 3 Qualification. I've worked in both the Toddler and Preschool rooms, spending around 7 years as a leader in the Toddler room before becoming Preschool Manager over a year ago. I find immense joy in engaging with the children during their play. It's incredibly rewarding to see them grow and prepare for school.I also think it’s such a privilege parents are happy to go to work, knowing their children are so happy and safe in our care. I am passionate about building a strong team of practitioners to create the best outcomes possible for the children.
Ellie-Pre-School Manager
I am one of the Preschool managers working Wednesdays and Thursdays. I have worked at Inspirations since 2018 where I started as an Apprentice. I then worked my way up with the support of our team and of course the children at Inspirations. I love watching the children grow and flourish during their time in the Preschool room and it gives me so much pride when they leave us ready to go to school. The thing I enjoy the most about my job is watching the children learn through exploration and wanting to share their achievements and news with us!
Phoebe- Deputy Room Leader
I have worked at Inspirations for almost 4 years, I started as an Apprentice when I was 18 after surviving lockdown (just about)! Since a young age I have always wanted to work with children as I enjoy being able to help others and believe I am a positive, fun, firm but fair role model to not only children but staff too. Fun fact about me is I am a home owner; I live with my brother Cameron and two cats Willow and Luna. Before Christmas I suddenly lost my mum. This completely turned my life upside down. Since losing her I have made it my life’s goal to make this world a better place and I want to help others in every way possible. Her passion was cooking, now I continue this at Pre-school as we cook and bake daily! At a mass dedicated to my mum a priest said food banks were running low, I saw this as sign, hence why I was so passionate about raising for the food banks the pre-schools helped me take.
Katrin- Apprentice
I am the Preschool apprentice and I have been working at Inspirations for almost 2 years after moving here from South Wales. I love being outdoors and appreciating nature, and I enjoy sharing these experiences with the children and encouraging their love of our environment.
Eleanor- Educator
I have been at Inspirations for three years working in the preschool room. I studied childcare since the age of sixteen and am currently level six qualified. I love working with this age and enjoy the fun conversations we can have throughout the day. I enjoy taking the children out into the community and love to see how they get involved with projects such as visiting and helping at the food bank. I have recently returned to work after maternity leave with my little boy who is now one. He is currently in the baby room which I find comforting knowing that he is here with me and being looked after by the wonderful Hedgehogs team. I enjoy seeing the setting as a practitioner and now also as a parent.
Natalie-Educator
I've been part of the Inspirations team since April 2022. I absolutely love working with children. One of my favourite parts of the job is engaging in conversations with them and sharing ideas to make their playtime even more exciting and enriching. I also enjoy exploring feelings and emotions with the children, hearing about their experiences, what they enjoy doing at home, and chatting about our families. It's incredibly rewarding to connect with the children on such a personal level and help them grow and learn in a supportive environment.
Zoe- Forest School
I embarked on my adventure with Inspirations Nurseries in October 2015, beginning in the toddler room. Since then, I've had the opportunity to work in all the different rooms. Four years ago, I transitioned to the Pre-School room, where my passion for the outdoors grew, leading me to explore working in Forest School. Engaging with the natural environment on a daily basis fills me with joy. I thoroughly enjoy sharing my knowledge with the children and witnessing the remarkable resilience they display when overcoming challenges. Observing their learning process is particularly rewarding, especially during activities like fungi spotting. The collective excitement we experience when discovering various fungi adds a special layer of satisfaction to the entire outdoor experience. Beyond the fulfilling aspect of watching children grow, what has kept me here at Inspirations for so long is the profound connection with the people here. The anticipation of work is not just about the tasks at hand but the genuine pleasure of being part of a supportive and great team at Inspirations.
Rachel- Forest School
I've worked at Inspirations for around 4 years starting in the Yurt as a Level 3 Early Years Educator and progressing to joint lead with Zoe, as Level Forest School Practitioners. I completed my training in September after studying for a year and completing 2 weeks practical training which involved tool work, fire lays, cooking, climbing, risky play and the associated health and safety around these areas. It also involved "seed setting" for imaginative play, shelter building, learning theories and meeting children's needs. I enjoy doing ID work with the children and listening to them share the things that they have learnt at forest school such as naming fungi, plants and knowing which ones they can forage for. I also enjoy seeing them enjoy their time in the woodlands developing their care and concern for the world around them; plants animals and the environment.
Nathalie- Atelierisa
Hi I’m Nathalie from the Art Studio, although fairly recently back from maternity leave I’ve worked at Inspirations since 2010, shortly after getting my BA Honours in Photography and Video at De Montford University. I originally started as maternity cover in the Baby Room before leaving to run the art department at a summer camp in Maine, USA for 4 summers. I returned to Inspirations after backpacking each year and nannying for a professional footballer in Germany. Inspirations always had me back and so over the years I have worked in all the rooms, until 2018 when the Art Studio was built and I was hired as the Atelierista. I always said I would never be able to find a job where I could combine my love for children, art, sewing, painting, pottery, ukulele and photography, but here we are; the job does exist! I'm often blown away by the capabilities of our children when given the space, time and resources to create anything out of nothing.
Creative Projects in Adel
Our Atelierista Julie over at Adel Inspirations works closely with the children following their interests through child led project based learning. So this week for our blog are taking a look at their most recent project.
The Foods and Shop Project
The children first became interested in food when we started creating collages out of food magazines. Beyond refining their fine motor skills, the food collages sparked up conversations about food, diet and flavours. “My favourite fruit is watermelon”, “Last time we were baking we used a bit too much sugar.” This was the starting point in which our project began.
Even when collaging, each child had their own unique approach when it came to cutting, arranging and selecting pieces. Some focused on categorising different types of food, whilst others gravitated towards certain colour palettes. For some of the older children, they took interest in letters found in the magazines and were able to arrange names and other words with support.
Based on the different conversations about the flavours found in food, the project flowed from collage to spices and clay. The spices allowed the children to utilise their senses, smelling and using touch to figure out how to integrate the spice into their clay creations. They even walked around the room with different spices, inviting other children to smell and make associations. “This one smells like chocolate”, “It smells like oranges!”. During this process, some children also asked where the spices were from. This led us to talk about where our food comes from, and one of those familiar places would be shops.
With the idea of shops in mind, the children thought it would be a good idea to build a food shop together using cardboard boxes and tape. Before beginning construction, the children shared their own shopping experiences with each other. We also used videos and photographs to inform our plan for the shop. This discussion opened up new vocabulary associated with shops, such as ‘cashier’, ‘cash register’ or ‘scanning’. The children ended up deciding that a fridge, shelf and trolley would be the first things to build. Aside from building fine motor skills and engaging in team work, the process of constructing encouraged problem solving. The children discussed and made decisions together about the best way to arrange and construct, sometimes using trial and error to see what would work.
When the shop’s components were built, this area became open for different types of role play. Some children role played as waiters and customers in the cafe area, whilst other children role played as cashiers, scanning products on the checkout machine we had made. This opened up opportunities for maths, where the children bought items and paid with loose parts, counting the correct amounts. Role play allowed for them to explore different roles in society, integrate their own experiences and engage in literacy and maths through play.
The project is yet to be completed, but there are so many directions in which it could grow and expand. Rather than having a strict and set curriculum, following the interests of the children created deeply engaged and proactive learners. With the hundred languages available at our disposal, the opportunities for learning are endless.
Julie
Spotlight on...Butterflies Room
The Butterfly Room
The Butterfly Room is our second baby room, right next door to our other baby room Hedgehogs. Originally the Butterly Room was our Toddler Room, until 2018 when we transitioned to a Forest School. This transition meant we moved our Pre-schoolers to an outdoor provision, meaning the Toddlers could move into the much bigger Pre-school room therefore opening up space for a second Baby room- Our Butterfly Room.
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Both baby rooms open out into the same garden and outdoor area meaning the children can mingle when playing outside. There are little differences between to the two rooms other than staff, and instead of the climbing bridge and slide it has a sensory light room. So let's meet the amazing team that make this room an exciting, safe and loving room for your baby to join Inspirations.
Let's meet the team
Maddie
Hey, my name is Maddie and I’ve worked at Inspirations since April 2023. I started as the Deputy Room Leader in the Hedgehog room. In December 2023, I was promoted to Room Leader of the Butterflies room. I really enjoy working at Inspirations, it's a great atmosphere. My favourite thing about working with children, is watching how they progress at different speeds, and I really enjoy getting involved in messy play with the children.
Holly
Hi, my name is Holly, I am the Deputy Room Leader of Butterflies. I have been here since December 2019. I started as an apprentice in the hedgehog room and then I worked my way up to become Deputy in the Butterflies room. I love working with the babies and seeing them grow and watching them achieve their goals. I love the fact we build such a close bond with the parents and their children.
Ashrya
I’m Ashrya, I am the room apprentice and I have been working here for over 6 months doing my Level 3 in childcare.
I studied at Leeds Arts University specialising in fine art and sculpture, I love working with children, learning their interests and being hands-on. I like doing creative activities with the children and watching their development and their personalities grow in the short time we get to spend with them in our room.
It’s such a pleasure to be able to work with under 2s, my favourite thing about my job is being able to work together with parents to support their child’s learning.
Lynne
I'm Lynne, I started working at inspirations in 2019 as an Early Years Educator. I enjoy helping and encouraging children to reach their developmental milestones and seeing them progress through the various activities we do.
Over the coming weeks we will focus on the staff from each room, finding out how long they have been with us and what they love most about working with children. Why not look through this blog at home with your children? This is a great way to promote discussion for the more vocal age groups, and for familiarity with the younger ones.
Embarking on an Eco-School Journey
In today's world, it is crucial for educational institutions to cultivate a sense of environmental responsibility among young minds. Inspirations Nurseries and Forest Schools have a unique opportunity to install a love for nature and sustainability in children from an early age. By focusing on key areas such as waste management, biodiversity, and litter reduction, we can create a positive impact on both their immediate surroundings and the wider community.
In this blog, we will explore the initiatives we have taken so far and our plans for future projects as we embark on our eco-school journey. For our first 3 topics we have chosen waste, biodiversity,and litter.
Waste Management:
One of the essential aspects of becoming an eco-school is effectively managing waste. Our nursery school has already implemented exciting projects like the "Battery Hunt" to raise awareness about proper battery disposal. This initiative not only educates children about the importance of recycling but also encourages them to actively participate in collecting and disposing of hazardous waste.
Building upon this success, our next project is to establish a community litter pick. We will learn about different types of waste, their impact on the environment, and innovative ways to reduce, reuse, and recycle. By involving the local community, we aim to create a sustainable waste management system that fosters a sense of ownership and responsibility among us all.
Biodiversity:
Preserving and promoting biodiversity is another crucial aspect of our eco-school journey. We believe that connecting children with nature from an early age helps them develop a deep appreciation for the environment and its inhabitants. To achieve this, our nursery has already participated in initiatives like the RSPB's birdwatch, encouraging children to observe and learn about local bird species.
Moving forward, we will focus on creating a biodiversity-rich environment within our premises. We plan to establish wildlife-friendly habitats such as bird boxes, bug hotels, and butterfly gardens. These initiatives will not only provide a haven for local wildlife but also serve as valuable educational resources for our children. By nurturing biodiversity, we aim to create a harmonious ecosystem that fosters learning, curiosity, and a lifelong love for nature.
Litter Reduction:
Litter is a common environmental issue that affects both urban and rural areas.
Inspirations Nurseries and Forest are committed to tackling this problem head-on. In addition to the community litter pick, we are also committed to reducingsingle-use plastic consumption by opting for plant-based alternatives to dairy where we can, refilling bottles, suchas cleaning products, hand soap and washing powder.
As part of our ongoing efforts, we will be launching a community composting project. This project aims to divert organic waste from landfills and transform it into nutrient-rich compost. By involving the local community, we hope to raise awareness about the benefits of composting and encourage sustainable practices at home and in the wider community.
By actively engaging in waste management, biodiversity conservation, and litter reduction initiatives, our nursery is paving the way for a greener and more sustainable future. Through these projects, children not only learn about environmental issues but also develop a sense of responsibility, empathy, and stewardship towards the planet. As we continue our eco-school journey, we hope to inspire other nurseries and forest schools to join us in creating a better world for generations to come.
Tara
Meaningful Art
At Inspirations Nurseries all of our rooms have a focus on creativity, and our Pre-School room have access to our Reggio Emilia Inspired Art Studio, where the children and the Atelierista follow interests to develop and learn through all forms of expressive art. But what should children's art look like? And what makes meaningful art?
I remember as a child being given a template to colour in at school, which is a lovely pastime, but looking back now it feels so hollow. Sure we were given the freedom to choose whatever colour we wanted, and the challenge of trying to stay within the lines, but are there any meaningful moments created here? I used to spend my weekends creating dolls houses from cereal boxes, recording my own radio shows and even creating sculptures from the babybell cheese wax. It was in these moments of creating something out of nothing where meaningful moment were made.
Children express themselves in so many ways, we call this the 100 languages of learning. When it comes to children's creativity, the adult can sometimes get in the way of the children's full potential, and sometimes the fear of 'mess' is a huge barrier at home. This is why the Art Studio is that place for children to create using their whole bodies, their senses, their hands and their voices.
What makes meaningful Art?
Well, to put it simply, meaningful art happens when the child is fully immersed in the process. We pin too much expectation on what children's art should look like, and put too much focus on a finished product to bring home and stick on our fridge. If we remove that preconceived idea of what a child's creation should look like, then the barriers come down and imagination is unlocked and learning really starts to happen. Art, much like learning is a process, a chance for them to test ideas out, experiment with colour, embrace mistakes, learn the properties of materials, and sure, none of this can happen without mess!
Removing our preconceived ideas of the process or end result doesn't mean the activity is without intent. At Inspirations our activities are open ended, but there's always intent behind it. When setting up any activity, as the educators we ask our selves 'what do we intend them to learn?' and 'how will we implement this?'
Art is not about conforming, the very essence of art is to be free and explore. You may have noticed at Inspirations we don't send children home at christmas with crafts, we don't line our children up in a production line to make valentines cards with a template thought up by an adult. This is because we always put our children at the centre of their own learning, it is their ideas that are to be tried and tested, their mistakes that are learnt from, and their experiments that are creating the blueprint to their future brain connections. When we provide the space, the time and the materials and follow their lead the results are magical, and the process leaves a lasting impression.
-Nathalie