Vale Play

21/08/2026

18/08/2026

Every day our nursery is set up firstly, so it’s an inviting and fun space for all children, with many different areas of play.
Secondly, so children can learn and build on their skills.
When play is enjoyable and helps children feel relaxed, secure and happy.
Playing with familiar adults helps develop strong, trusting relationships and gives children opportunities for meaningful interactions.

15/07/2026

Leavers week is always a busy and emotional one. To all our leavers, nursery and year 6, it has been a pleasure to look after you all. Watching you grow, develop friendships, become more confident children has been a wonderful. Wishing everyone a lovely Summer ☀️ Love all the team at Vale Play🍦

13/07/2026

I would like to share some feedback from our final flying start visit of the term with you 🎉☀️

Child-led learning and sustained shared thinking
• Staff consistently followed children's interests and extended learning through meaningful conversations rather than directing play.
• Examples include extending discussions about sandcastles, shells, colours, ice cream, Toy Story, and the World Cup.
• Staff used open-ended questions and commentary to deepen thinking rather than testing children.
High-quality interactions
• Interactions were warm, playful, and reciprocal.
• Staff showed genuine enjoyment in engaging with the children.
• Humour was used effectively to maintain engagement (e.g., "Have you pinched my sand?", "Do I need to call the fire brigade?").
• Staff consistently modelled language and encouraged conversation.
Promotion of independence
• Children independently chose where to play through free-flow provision.
• Children self-served snacks and drinks.
• Children tidied resources.
• Children washed their own cups and plates after snack.
• Staff encouraged children to solve problems rather than completing tasks for them.
Welsh language embedded naturally
• Welsh was incorporated meaningfully within play and routines rather than being taught in isolation.
• Children appeared confident responding to Welsh colour and number vocabulary.
Inclusive and nurturing environment
• Staff supported emotional literacy when discussing the squashed sandcastle.
• Children were treated with respect and their views were valued.
• Staff sought children's permission before taking photographs.
• Home-setting links were evident through Betsi Bear and conversations about children's experiences.
Risk management
• Staff actively managed the risks associated with hot weather while still enabling children to access outdoor provision.
• Sun safety and hydration were promoted naturally.

09/07/2026

Thank you very much Seeds & Beans, St Athan for your very kind donation of fruit to us 🍊🍎the nursery did some wonderful drawings of the fruit & enjoyed it at snack time. Our after school club, loved making fruit kebabs. Thank you your fruit was delicious 🍌🍓

06/07/2026

🍦Ice cream-themed messy play offers many developmental benefits for young children🍦

Messy play encourages children to explore different:

* Textures (smooth, sticky, fluffy, cold)
* Temperatures
* Colours
* Smells (if scented materials are used)

This helps develop sensory processing skills.

Scooping, pouring, squeezing, mixing, and filling cones or cups strengthen the small muscles in the hands and fingers, supporting:

* Pencil grip
* Cutting with scissors
* Dressing independently

🍦Messy play encourages new vocabulary & early maths skills. Children naturally explore concepts such as:

* Counting scoops
* Comparing sizes
* Sorting colours
* Measuring ingredients
* Full and empty
* More and less

🍦Social skills - When playing together, children learn to:

* Share resources
* Take turns
* Cooperate
* Communicate with others
* Develop confidence in group play

🍦Problem-solving. Children experiment with:

* Mixing colours
* Filling containers without spilling
* Balancing scoops
* Finding different ways to create their pretend ice creams

🍦Emotional wellbeing. Messy play can be calming and enjoyable, allowing children to:

* Express themselves freely
* Build confidence through exploration
* Develop resilience by trying new ideas without fear of making mistakes

An ice cream-themed messy play activity also supports learning about:

* Colours
* Seasonal themes (summer)
* Healthy conversations about treats and foods
* Following simple instructions
* Cause and effect (e.g. “What happens when we mix these together?”)

30/06/2026

Theme of the week based on the story The Rainbow Fish 🐡🐠🐟

29/06/2026

Beautiful bags created by after school club today 💙

24/06/2026

Paint and ice pops 🎨🫟🧊