Two thousand and eighteen has been a year full of development and hard work and I would like to take this opportunity to say a massive thank you to my wonderful, hardworking team! Some members have been with me since the beginning (or very near to) and I value and appreciate them beyond measure as I know you do too. The love and care they show the children is the thing I am most proud of! Without their continued passion and support, all we have achieved this year would not have been possible.

And our achievements have been huge.

Early in the year plans began to take shape to change our name from Dolphins Day Nursery to Inspirations, a decision not taken lightly but one I felt needed to be done to carry us into the future. I was sad to say goodbye but also extremely proud of everything we had achieved in the fifteen years we had been.

Inspirations Nurseries and Forest School was a concept that has slowly evolved. Through staff’s continual professional development, new ideas, thoughts and pedagogical approach started to emerge and influence our practice. Concepts such as child led learning, loose parts play, the benefits of teaching through art and of course forest school and outdoor learning. We began by Introducing ‘Forest School Lisa’ who came to deliver forest school one day a week, changed our environments to include loose parts and discarded our plastic toys.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Every time I turned the corner into nursery the overgrown messy land out the front (which at that point didn’t belong to us) would stare me in the face and I would think ‘what a waste’ So, I contacted Leeds City Council and managed to include this space into our lease agreement with them. Building work began in May and today I look out our window and see all the physical hard work Colin, my Husband has put in for me over the year. Again, I find myself having to say a big thank you to him. Utilising his skills and knowledge has saved me thousands and thousands of pounds and I know, without him, nursery would never have been able to afford what he has so amazingly built for us.

But, there is still lots to do…

Although building work is almost complete, staff are still working hard to embed new practice and routines. They will continue reviewing and adjusting practice according to the needs and wellbeing requirements of the children. Staff throughout Inspirations will continue their journey of professional development and learning, and we will continue to endeavour to deliver the best childcare in the area!

We are all really looking forward to the year ahead and taking on all the new and exciting challenges a new year brings. Our children have another year of learning opportunities and I and my team will be here to support, encourage and enhance each educational experience so that your children are school ready and raring to go.

Finally, I would just like to say thank you too, to our children who, every day bring joy, laughter and inspiration to us all!

Best wishes for a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.
Nicola MacGregor