Wee Mack’s Nursery

⚽️ World Cup Fun! ⚽️

Children of all ages at Wee Mack’s have been showing an interest in the World Cup, so here is a round up of the activities they have enjoyed so far. From kicking a ball, to waving flags, to creating flags and making international bunting, there are so many learning opportunities being explored!

👟 Physical Play - kicking, stopping and throwing balls all aid motor skills and encourage teamwork
🔢 Early Numeracy - keeping scores and counting goals incorporate maths seamlessly into play
🌎 Understanding the World - learning about different countries and how far away they are helps children to understand different cultures
🗣️Communication - talking about the competition, learning the language around it, cheering our friends on and waving flags are all forms of communication
🎨 Creativity – designing and making flags, banners and bunting encourages children to express themselves through art and explore colours, shapes and patterns

It’s fantastic to see the excitement the World Cup has brought to Wee Mack’s! ⚽🌍🏆

⭐️ PREPARING FOR NEXT STEPS ⭐️

June is always a special time at Wee Mack’s as we begin preparing our children for their next big adventure. For many, that means starting school.

This is now the third year we’ve gifted our leavers a very special book, written in-house and created exclusively for Wee Mack’s children. ‘Wee Mack Goes to School’ follows our otter mascot as he navigates his first day at school - meeting new friends, getting to know his teacher, enjoying story time, and discovering all the exciting things that make up a school day.

We love being able to give our children something so personal to help with the transition. Not only does it support them as they prepare for school, but it also becomes a keepsake of their time with us.

Alongside their book, our leavers receive some stationery to help them get started on their next chapter, and we celebrate together by learning a special song about life’s journey and the people we meet along the way.

Have you been lucky enough to receive a copy of ‘Wee Mack Goes to School’? 📚

And if we were to expand the Wee Mack book collection, what adventures would you like to see next? We’d love to hear your ideas in the comments! 💙🦦✍️

Wee Mack is on top of the world… because it’s World Otter Day! 🌎🦦💚

But did you know what makes our otter mascot so special?
Otters are curious, inquisitive, a little bit mischievous, active and adventurous - just like little children. They also live in communities and have a strong sense of family so they reflect our values perfectly.
Wee Mack is a river otter, his natural habitat is the Water of Leith. But as a coastal otter, he is so well equipped for marine life that he often ventures out to sea, just like a sailor! Children recognise he is a sailor, because he has a hat, of course! ⚓️🦦⛴️

Happy World Otter Day to all children and their families, and all river and sea-faring otters 👶🦦💙

⭐️ STAFF DEVELOPMENT ⭐️

We have a busy training calendar here at Wee Mack’s and sometimes that calls for a Saturday session. Our team were brushing up on their knowledge of Child Protection and Adult Informed Trauma this weekend, led by manager Tricia in our meeting and training room.
It was a very informative workshop and during breaks staff were able to relax in their spacious lounge or enjoy a game of table tennis 🏓

Well done to all for their active participation in supporting each other’s learning 🥰🦦🥰

🌳 FOREST FRIENDS UPDATE 🌳

What can be better, than time spent in the forest with your Wee Mack friends?
The weather may have been changeable lately yet all of our children enjoy forest learning - come rain or shine!
From blowing dandelions and exploring books on our walk, to creating with playdough and natural materials, every session is full of creativity and discovery.

Changing weather can add to the sense of adventure, with puddle splashing, bug hunting, and den building for a cosy snack together!
🤗🦦🤗

A wonderful reminder that outdoor learning is for every child - and every kind of weather! 🌧️🌞

It’s a beautiful day for outside play!
Mack Tots and Mack Babies were this morning practising their language skills, working on balance, sharing with their friends, building on their gross and fine motor skills and playing in the sand!
But they also got vitamin D, boosted endorphins, enjoyed fresh air, improved their sleep for later and built up an appetite for lunch!
What a wonderful way to start the week!
☀️ 🦦 💚

⭐️ FRIDAY THOUGHTS ⭐️

We are reflecting on our Mack Babies positive approach to transitions - and it’s all in the environment.

From The Beach to The Ocean, The Meadow to The River, our babies are choosing where to go next, as capable, curious individuals in control of their own learning. The free-flow environment allows them to move naturally between carefully designed spaces, building their independence and confidence.

These small, everyday movements mean they are constantly practising transitions:
🌿 leaving one experience
🌿 exploring something new
🌿 managing change at their own pace

Because of this, their experiences are:
• gentle rather than abrupt
• familiar instead of overwhelming
• led by the child, not imposed on them

This helps our Mack Babies to:
💛 head outside with confidence
💛 move on to Mack Tots more smoothly
💛 embrace adventures like Forest Friends
💛 adapt to new spaces and routines with resilience

At Wee Mack’s, babies are learning to manage transitions better through play, movement, and exploration.
It’s wonderful to share in their growth
✨🦦👣

⭐ Welcome to THE HOLT 🌙

Inspired by the quiet, comforting world of otter burrows, our newest area in Mack Babies is a gentle, nurturing space designed for rest and peaceful dreams.

Our little ones are welcomed into a calm, cosy environment where they can truly relax and drift off peacefully.

Alongside rest, The Holt offers space for soft play, allowing babies to safely explore, just like baby otters tunnelling their way to cosy beds!

A little sanctuary for our smallest explorers 👶🦦💤