Prior to the second lockdown being announced, we weren’t sure whether the early years sector would remain open, but we are exempt from the restrictions and therefore remain open and available to all children and families. The arrangements for keeping the children, the team and families safe remain in place, and we are grateful to our families for adhering to our risk assessment and thereby helping us to remain open and available to offer care and education to the young members of our local community.

The majority of children started at the setting in September, some returning after a long period at home during the first lockdown; others starting on their early education journey for the first time. We are always struck by how adaptable and resilient young children are. With the support of our lovely team of Early Years Educators, all children have managed the transition back in to the setting and are learning, playing and having fun, even with all of the new guidance in place.

The run-up to Christmas is usually a very busy time for the setting, with rehearsals for our annual Christmas show well and truly in full flow but, of course, we simply can’t have a Christmas show this year. This is sad for the parents, as it is very special seeing your child dressed up, singing and maybe even doing a little acting – some of the funniest moments happen when the children just do their own thing – but for our young children, all of this is irrelevant. They just need to be free to explore, play and have fun. They need to learn how to be with other children again, sharing, turn-taking, negotiating. They need to run around in the fresh air and let off steam in a safe and stimulating environment. This is still available to them at the Pre-school. So yes, it is a very different run-up to Christmas this year, but for the young children who attend the setting, every day is filled with fun, laughter and learning.

If you would like any further information about the Pre-school, please contact Sam or Donna on 01322-865469 or email office@anthonyropernursery.co.uk.