It was with some trepidation that we returned to being fully open to all children from 3rd September. We had had some experience of being open prior to the summer holidays to a few of the children who were making the transition to primary school and this had been a really positive experience. However, the prospect of supporting all children to return, including new children and those who are just two, was quite a challenge. However, with lots of forward planning and a risk assessment spanning many pages, I can safely say that the team, the children and families have made it as smooth as we could hope in this very unusual situation in which we find ourselves.

To reduce the risk of cross-contamination as much as possible, we have maintained two ‘bubbles’, with two separate teams of Early Years Educators. All parents were supplied with a social story to share with their child and comprehensive information about how we are managing the setting, with virtual tours, social distancing measures and working with the school around entering and exiting the site. There were the inevitable hiccups along the way, but we are all getting used to the new normal.

The children have shown their resilience by adapting to the new way of doing things but there are inevitably some who find being away from their families for the first time in what, for some, has been six months, emotionally difficult. We are therefore currently concentrating on those really important aspects of child development, emotional wellbeing and physical health.

We are looking forward to continuing with our Education for Sustainable Development Award and focusing on the vitally important role our young children will play in the future of the planet.