Happy Journeys Day Nursery

What an exciting moment! Our preschool children were delighted to see the butterflies emerge from their cocoons after carefully observing their incredible life cycle. This hands-on learning experience helps children develop patience, curiosity and an understanding of the natural world. Watching the transformation from caterpillar to butterfly encourages scientific thinking, observation skills and a sense of wonder as they witness real-life change and growth.

Children explored rainbow blocks by looking through the different coloured lenses and observing how colours changed their view of the world around them. Linking their learning to *The Colour Monster* story, they discussed how colours can represent different emotions, suggesting that someone who looked yellow through the lens might be feeling happy. This activity supported children's understanding of emotions, encouraged meaningful conversations, and developed their curiosity as they explored colour and light.

Our little ones enjoyed a sensory painting activity using edible paint made from Greek yogurt and food colouring. They explored colours, textures and mark making using brushes and their hands, showing curiosity and creativity throughout the experience. This activity supported their sensory development, fine motor skills and hand eye coordination while encouraging self-expression and exploration in a safe and engaging way.

Every smile shared, every story listened to, and every reassuring cuddle helps build the foundations for a child's future.

At Happy Journeys, nurturing isn't just something we do, t's at the heart of every interaction. We create meaningful relationships that help children feel safe, secure, and valued, giving them the confidence to explore, learn, and be themselves. ✨

Planning a family picnic this summer? Here are a few simple ways to make it a little kinder to our planet. 🌱

A picnic is a wonderful opportunity to slow down, enjoy the outdoors, and teach little ones how to care for the world around them.

Small choices can make a big difference.

Babies thoroughly enjoyed a beach-themed sensory play experience. They explored a variety of materials including sand, water, bubbles and sea creatures, using their hands to touch and investigate the different textures. This activity helped support children’s sensory development, curiosity and fine motor skills as they scooped, poured and explored.

Toddlers explored creativity by making art on cardboard using a variety of recycled materials. Through hands-on play, they investigated different textures, shapes, and materials while learning how to use glue to create their own unique designs.

This activity encouraged language development as children learned new vocabulary related to materials and the creative process. Using recyclables also helped promote environmental awareness and positive attitudes toward reusing everyday items, inspiring imagination while supporting sustainable practices.

Our Infants enjoyed a wonderful heuristic play experience using a variety of open-ended wooden and natural resources. Heuristic play encourages children to explore, investigate, and learn through their senses, supporting cognitive development, creativity, and problem-solving skills.

Children enjoyed building towers with wooden materials and experimenting with sounds using wooden sticks, helping to develop their fine motor skills and understanding of cause and effect. The treasure baskets were a favourite activity amongst children, which offered a range of natural and everyday objects with different textures, shapes, and sounds. Through sensory exploration, Infants discovered the unique properties of each item, supporting their curiosity, concentration and overall learning and development.

Ready, set, brush! Our Pre-Schoolers welcomed Pritesh from Church Road Dental, who taught our children how to correctly brush their teeth in a fun and engaging way. From a dentist-themed tuff tray to having a go at brushing their teeth in our toilet area, our Pre-Schoolers brought home the best tips and tricks!

At Happy Journeys, nature is at the heart of our learning and everyday experiences. 🤍

We believe that time outdoors helps children grow into curious, confident, and independent learners who feel connected to the world around them.

These experiences support resilience, imagination, and a lifelong love of the natural world.