Nursery (2-3 year olds)
Welcome to Blue Butterflies
We are delighted to launch our brand-new provision for 2-year-olds within Blue Butterflies.
At Wellfield, we believe that every child deserves to feel safe, loved and well-nurtured, and our youngest learners are no exception. Guided by our school vision and the values of The Wellfield Way, we create a warm, caring environment where children can settle, grow and begin their learning journey with confidence.
Starting nursery is a big step for both children and their families. At Blue Butterflies, our two-year-old provision at South Wellfield First School, we understand that every child is unique and that this may be their very first experience of being away from home.
That’s why we take a gentle, nurturing and individual approach to settling in. We work closely with parents and carers to build strong relationships from the very beginning, helping every child feel safe, secure, happy and ready to explore. We take the time to get to know your child, their interests, their routines and what makes them smile!
Our days are carefully planned to provide a wonderful balance of child-led play, play-based learning and purposeful adult-led activities. Children are given plenty of time and space to follow their own interests, make choices and develop their independence, alongside opportunities to learn new skills and discover something new.
Every week brings a new focus and lots of exciting opportunities. Children might explore messy play, creative activities, physical development, cooking, music and movement, outdoor learning or our much-loved forest school experiences.
Our activities are thoughtfully planned around the three prime areas of the Early Years curriculum:
- Personal, Social and Emotional Development
- Communication and Language
- Physical Development
We believe that young children learn best when they are happy, engaged and having fun. Everything we do starts with the child. We follow their interests, listen carefully to their ideas and use these as opportunities to extend their learning and development.
A love of stories
We are passionate about developing a lifelong love of books and stories. Each school week has a different focus book, which becomes part of our learning and play. Stories, rhymes and songs are woven throughout our day, helping children to develop their communication and language skills while encouraging imagination, curiosity and a love of reading.
Learning through communication
Communication is at the heart of everything we do. We provide lots of opportunities for children to talk, listen, sing, share ideas and express themselves. We are also proud advocates of Makaton, using signs alongside spoken language to support communication and help every child make themselves understood.
Learning through play
From imaginative role play and our cosy home corner to construction, creative activities, sensory and messy play, our outdoor classroom and adventure zone, there is always something to discover.
Our aim is simple: to ensure every child shines brightly, giving every child the very best start, helping them to feel confident, valued and excited about learning, while making special memories along the way.
If you would like to find out a bit more about our curriculum please click here.
Additional Support
For more information and guidance from trusted organisations, visit:
- Home | The Lullaby Trust – Expert advice on safer sleep for babies and support for families.
- Toddler (2-4 years) - Best Start in Life – Practical information to support your child's learning, development, health, and wellbeing.
A day in the life of a Blue Buttterfly
A Day in the Life of a Blue Butterfly
Every day at Blue Butterflies is a little different, because every day is shaped by the children. Here’s a little taste of what a typical day might look like.
Good morning, Blue Butterflies!
As children arrive, we have plenty of time to settle in, say hello and explore. Our carefully prepared areas of play are ready for children to choose where they would like to begin.
Perhaps they’ll spend time in our extensive role-play and home corner, explore the doll’s house, build a railway or get creative with one of the activities we have set up.
There is no rush. We want children to feel comfortable, confident and excited to begin their day.
Story and song time
We then come together for some story and song time. We might share our focus book, sing favourite nursery rhymes whilst always using Makaton alongside our songs and stories.
Then it’s back to exploring, and our creative and messy play opportunities open up. This could be a giant art installation, a messy play animal mud pit or some sticking and sorting on our ’talking table’.
Snack and chat
Snack time is much more than having something tasty to eat!
It is a lovely opportunity to sit together, chat and develop our speech, language and listening skills. Children are encouraged to talk about themselves, share their ideas and listen to their friends.
Of course, there may also be another story, a favourite song or two, because we believe you can never have too many stories and songs!
Adventure Zone
Next, it’s time to head outside and get active in our Adventure Zone.
Children can challenge themselves on our obstacle course, zoom around our bike and scooter yard, build giant towers and enjoy a whole host of physical activities.
Outdoor play gives our children the opportunity to develop their gross motor skills, coordination, balance and confidence, all while having lots of fun.
Theme Time
Back inside, we come together for our special theme time.
This might be cooking, messy play, a creative activity or perhaps an adventure at forest school. Our activities change regularly, ensuring that there is always something new and exciting to explore.
Lunchtime
Before we know it, our morning children are getting ready to go home, while our children staying for the full day settle down for their packed lunch.
After lunch, some children may enjoy a peaceful nap or quiet time, while others head outside to our outdoor classroom and nursery garden.
Squiggle and Wiggle
Afternoons are often filled with one of our favourite parts of the day — Squiggle and Wiggle!
This could be a lively Dough Disco, music and movement, or fun activities designed to help children develop their gross motor skills, coordination and ability to cross the midline.
And finally
Finally, after our afternoon snack, it’s time for a little more child-led exploration, with a focus on helping those children who are ready to develop their early numeracy skills, discover colours, shapes and sounds, and begin to understand and explore the wonderful world around them.
And before we know it, it’s home time! We come together once more to talk about our day, share our experiences and enjoy one last favourite story before it’s time to say or sing goodbye.
Another busy day of playing, exploring, creating and shining brightly has flown by!
If you would like to find out a bit more about our curriculum please click here.
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