Inspirations

What's On-Christmas in Leeds

Child Friendly Leeds

Leeds has just celebrated 10 years of being a child friendly city with His Majesty the King in attendance to mark the occasion. There are several partners across Leeds working together to create better outcomes for children and young people in Leeds. The Child Friendly Leeds team are responsible for coordinating some of the key work strands that support our citywide ambition to be Child Friendly Leeds. These include communications, events, ambassador engagement, play and enrichment activities and opportunities. They work in partnership with teams and organisations across the city, helping develop connections and partnerships that contribute
towards the outcomes of the Leeds children and young people’s plan and Child Friendly Leeds Wishes.

One of the wishes the child friendly team have, is that children have safe spaces to play, hang out and have fun. Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on The Rights of the Child (UNCRC) states that children have the right to have rest and leisure, including playing and recreational activities. Play is a vital part of healthy development for children and something we have identified at Inspirations too.

Stay in the loop this Christmas

The Child friendly team create a ‘Families’ catalogue every few months to showcase everything that’s going on in Leeds for those months. Included is an educational section, festive events, local news and even Christmas food ideas in November/December.  Follow the link below to see this seasons addition and why not sign up to receive your free copy.

https://issuu.com/familiesonline/docs/fleedsnd23print

Ice Rink at White Rose centre- One I am very excited about is the ice rink opening at the White Rose centre, where they are advertising parent and toddler or quiet sessions. Ice skating is quite an adventurous sport; it requires focus, dedication, and discipline. It also helps with developing concentration skills, as well as being a good leg strengthening workout.
Christmas Markets- You may have seen the Christmas markets are spread across the city this year. Traditional Christmas Markets will be making use of different spaces in the city, which includes the annual market at
Millennium square where they will be hosting ‘winter magic’ from 24th November – 31st December. Expect another ice rink, Bavarian style market stalls and a children’s festive themed funfair featuring the ‘30 metre high Starflyer’ and illuminated wheel of Light. The markets will be open:
Monday to Wednesday 10am-7pm
Thursdays to Saturday- 10am- 9pm
Sundays- 10-6pm

Nutcracker Trail- As part of the Christmas markets, Leeds are hosting a ‘Nutcracker Trail’. You can collect your trail map from the Leeds Christmas markets office located in the corn exchange Christmas chalets. Locate
the nutcrackers around Leeds to be in with the chance of winning a voucher! Can you find them all to and solve the magic Christmas word?

Theatre- Between the Carriage Works and the Playhouse there are some lovely productions showing at the theatres; one of which our preschoolers are going to on the 18th December.

https://leeds-list.com/culture/the-pantomimes-christmas-shows-in-leeds-you-wont-want-to-miss/

Horsforth Christmas Lights Switch on is happening this Saturday 2nd December at 5pm, with choirs, live music, dj's and markets from 12pm- 7pm

The Farsley Christmas lights switch on is happening tomorrow night, Wednesday 29th. For other festive markets and choirs here's the link-
https://www.visitleeds.co.uk/winter-season/christmas-markets/

Of course, there’s also the big man himself that everyone wants to see. He will be located at lots of different places across Leeds, that may require booking, please check first. There is an opportunity to write to him to let him know your wishes for this year. You can send your letter to arrive by 30th November to:

Santa,

Santa’s Grotto,

Reindeerland,

XM4 5HQ.

Make sure you include your name and address inside and remember a stamp on your envelope to ensure it gets to him and Santa should reply!

For the adults, there are also festive brunch ideas and lists where all the festive food and drinks are. Including the tipis which will provide the ‘best hot chocolates’ and cosiest spot by the fire under shelter.

Let us know what you get up to by adding to your child’s tapestry journals! The children love sharing this with their friends and the adults at nursery. The older children can tell us more about their always experiences and are really excited to show us what they get up to when they have that quality time with family.

-Kayleigh

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Exploring Nature's Classroom

The Benefits of Forest School for Preschoolers

In an age where technology dominates many aspects of our lives, the concept of Forest School offers
a breath of fresh air, literally. Inspirations Forest School for preschoolers is a unique and innovative
educational approach that takes learning beyond the walls of a traditional nursery and into the heart
of nature. In this blog, we'll explore what Forest School is, its benefits for preschool children, and
why it's gaining popularity around the world.

What is Forest School?

Forest School is an educational approach that originated in Scandinavia in the 1950s and has been
steadily gaining traction worldwide. The primary goal of Forest School is to foster a deep connection
between children and nature, instilling in them a sense of curiosity, respect, and love for the
environment. Unlike traditional schools and nurseries, Forest School takes place outdoors, often in
forests, woodlands, or natural settings.

Nature Connection: One of the most significant benefits of Forest School is the profound connection
children develop with the natural world. Preschoolers are encouraged to explore, observe, and
interact with the environment, which helps them develop a sense of wonder and respect for the
earth.
Physical Health: Spending time outdoors in a natural setting encourages physical activity.
Preschoolers can run, jump, climb, and engage in other physical activities that promote motor skills
development, strength, and coordination. They experience whole body learning, building neuron
pathways through whole body connections.
Emotional Well-being: Nature has a calming and soothing effect on children. Forest School activities
often include mindfulness and relaxation exercises that help children manage stress and anxiety. The
outdoors also provides a space for emotional expression and self-regulation.
Social Skills: Interacting with peers in a natural environment promotes teamwork, cooperation, and
social skills. Children learn to communicate, share, and problem-solve while engaging in nature-
based activities.

Cognitive Development: Forest School promotes hands-on learning, sparking children's curiosity and
critical thinking skills. They observe plants and animals, explore scientific concepts, and develop a
better understanding of the world around them.
Creativity and Imagination: The natural world serves as a limitless source of inspiration for creativity
and imagination. Children can build forts, create nature-based art, and invent their games, fostering
their creativity.
Environmental benefits: Forest School encourages a sense of responsibility and respect for the
environment. Children learn about conservation, sustainability, and the importance of protecting the
natural world for future generations.
Independence and Resilience: Forest School promotes self-reliance as children learn to make
decisions and solve problems in an outdoor setting. They also develop resilience by facing and
overcoming challenges that nature presents.

Sensory Development: Nature provides a rich sensory experience. Preschoolers engage their senses
by touching leaves, listening to bird songs, and smelling flowers. These experiences enhance sensory
development.
Long-lasting Memories: The memories created in a natural environment often become cherished
childhood memories. These positive experiences can influence a child's relationship with nature
throughout their life.

Inspirations nurseries believe that Forest School for preschoolers is more than just an educational
approach; it's a transformative experience that fosters a deep and lasting connection between
children and the natural world. By providing a holistic and hands-on learning environment, Forest
School helps preschoolers develop physically, emotionally, socially, and intellectually. The benefits
are numerous, and the memories created in these natural classrooms can shape a child's lifelong
relationship with the environment. Forest School is an inspiring way to give children a meaningful
start on their journey of learning and environmental awareness along with our Reggio Emilia inspired
learning approach within our nursery settings.

Deborah and Becky
Adel Inspirations

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Harvesting Memories: Pumpkin Picking

History

Inspirations day out

On Wednesday the 18th of October, the preschool children begun their pumpkin adventure! The day consisted of a tractor ride, wheelbarrows, blue and pink pumpkin pickings and examining the squashed pumpkins. Throughout the day the children explored their curiosity into pumpkins asking questions about their shape, size, colour and texture, following their interest and enhancing their language.

Importance

Their are many impotence's to pumpkin picking for children, here are a few key points:

Activities

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The Golden Season

Importance of autumn:

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Buzzing with Bees

In this blog, we'll explore why bees are so important for our environment and why it's great for children to learn about them.

What are bees?

Bees are essential pollinators that help plants grow and produce the food we eat. Teaching children about bees can foster a love for nature, encourage environmental stewardship, and inspire curiosity about the natural world. From honeybees to bumblebees, carpenter bees to sweat bees, there's a wide variety of bees out there, each with its own unique characteristics and roles in the ecosystem. Bees have different roles within their colonies. The queen bee lays eggs and leads the hive, while worker bees gather nectar, make honey, and care for the colony. Male bees, called drones, mate with the queen. Each role is essential for the survival of the hive! This is what the children have been exploring through different materials and with lots of imagination!

The first interest in bees happened when one kind bee came to visit us in the art studio and stayed with us throughout the session.

Children's quotes:

"Is the bee our friend?"

"Did you ask the bee to come visit the art studio?"

" Has the pesky pirate brought the bee here?"

The project:

Therefore, the interest blossomed into a 4 week project. In the art studio, the children were buzzing with excitement as they dived into the world of bees. They used their creative skills to construct intricate bee hives out of kindly donated recycled egg cartons, adding pops of colour and intricate details to make them come alive. With clay and other loose parts, they sculpted their own unique bees, paying attention to details like wings, stripes, and fuzzy textures.

The children also incorporated role play into their bee exploration. They used their crafted bee wings to buzz around, immersing themselves in the world of bees. They even invented a game called "Sting," where they pretended to be busy bees collecting nectar and avoiding obstacles and of course stinging their friends and Art Studio Jess ! It was a way for them to engage their imaginations, develop social skills, and deepen their understanding of bees through interactive play. The art studio truly became a hive of creativity and fun!

How to help the bees:

Here are some ways in which we can all help Bees thrive in our world the way they help us thrive too!

1. Plant a Bee-Friendly Garden: Get your hands dirty and create a buzzing paradise by planting flowers, herbs, and shrubs that attract bees. Sunflowers, lavender, and wildflowers are just a few examples of bee-friendly plants that can provide a nutritious food source for these important pollinators.

2. Build Bee Hotels: Help provide shelter for solitary bees by constructing bee hotels. These can be made from simple materials like bamboo or drilled wooden blocks. Hang them in your garden to offer nesting sites for these beneficial insects.

3. Avoid Pesticides: Teach children about the harmful effects of pesticides on bees and encourage them to choose natural alternatives for pest control in the garden. This way, we can create a safe environment for bees to thrive.

4. Learn About Beekeeping: If you have the space and resources, consider exploring the fascinating world of beekeeping with your children. It's a hands-on experience that allows them to learn about the life cycle of bees, the importance of honey production, and the role of beekeepers in supporting bee populations.

5. Spread Awareness on the fascinating things that Bees do!

By involving our children in these activities, we not only help bees thrive but also foster a deeper appreciation for nature and the environment. Together, we can make a positive impact on bee populations and create a brighter future for these incredible creatures

In conclusion, the art studio became a vibrant space where children explored the vibrant colours and patterns of bees, learning about their importance in the environment while having fun with art. It's a delightful way for children to connect with nature and foster their artistic talents!

Jess Snaddon.

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The Importance of Litter Picking in Early Years

In early years, fostering a clean and safe environment is crucial for the well-being and development
of young children. One effective way to instil a sense of responsibility and environmental
consciousness is through litter picking activities. As a community, Horsforth have a litter picking
group that dedicates time to cleaning the neighbourhood. At Inspirations, we try to get involved with
the community and litter picking is something we are passionate about. The children in our
preschool get involved quite frequently with our forest school practitioners.

In this blog, we will explore the significance of litter picking in early years and how it benefits both
children and the community.

1. Promoting Environmental Awareness:
Litter picking introduces children to the concept of environmental responsibility from an early age.
By engaging in hands-on activities, such as picking up litter, children develop an understanding of the
impact of their actions on the environment. They learn that their small efforts can make a big
difference in keeping their surroundings clean and preserving nature.

2. Encouraging Physical Activity:
Litter picking is not only beneficial for the environment but also for the physical development of
children. It provides an opportunity for them to engage in physical activity, promoting gross motor
skills and coordination. Walking, bending, and reaching to pick up litter helps children develop their
muscles and improve their overall fitness levels.

3. Developing Fine Motor Skills:
Litter picking involves picking up small objects, which helps children refine their fine motor skills. The
act of grasping and manipulating different types of litter, such as paper, plastic, or leaves, enhances
their hand-eye coordination and dexterity. These skills are essential for various tasks, including
writing, drawing, and self-care activities.

4. Teaching Responsibility and Empathy:
Engaging in litter picking activities teaches children about responsibility and empathy towards their
environment and community. They learn that they have a role to play in maintaining cleanliness and
taking care of their surroundings. By understanding the consequences of littering, children develop
empathy towards the environment and the impact it has on others.

5. Encouraging Teamwork and Cooperation:
Litter picking can be done as a group activity, fostering teamwork and cooperation among children.
Working together to achieve a common goal promotes social skills, communication, and
collaboration. Children learn to take turns, share responsibilities, and support each other, creating a
sense of unity and belonging within the group.

6. Connecting with Nature:
Litter picking provides an opportunity for children to connect with nature and explore their
surroundings. As they engage in the activity, they may discover different types of plants, insects, or
animals. This hands-on experience helps them develop a sense of curiosity and appreciation for the
natural world, fostering a lifelong love for the environment. Exploring our natural surroundings is a focus of ours at Inspirations and we feel passionate in doing so. Our pre-schoolers have the option to
explore the stunning Hunger hills woods twice a day. We are very lucky that the nursery is situated
in a location with beautiful surroundings with lots of nature for us to explore.

7. Building a Sense of Pride:
When children actively participate in litter picking, they develop a sense of pride in their
accomplishments. Seeing the positive impact of their efforts, such as a cleaner and tidier
environment, boosts their self-esteem and confidence. This sense of pride motivates them to
continue engaging in responsible behaviours and taking care of their surroundings.

In conclusion, litter picking in early years childcare is a valuable activity that promotes environmental awareness, physical development, responsibility, empathy, teamwork, and a connection with nature. By
incorporating litter picking into the curriculum, educators can instil lifelong values of cleanliness and
environmental stewardship in young children. We will also be getting involved in the community
composting project in Drury fields. This will support us in educating the children about the world and
helping to keep us cleaner. Help us encourage the next generation to be responsible citizens who
actively contribute to a cleaner and healthier world.

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