Georgie Porgie's Day Nursery

Children learn to write their names as an important step in early literacy development. Recognising and writing the first letter of their name helps them understand that letters represent sounds and have meaning. Through activities such as tracing, copying, and practising with different materials, children gradually gain confidence in forming letters correctly. Learning to write their name also promotes fine motor skills, hand-eye coordination, and a sense of identity and independence. Celebrating their efforts encourages motivation and supports their progress in becoming successful writers. ✍️

Children enjoy messy play with paints because it allows them to explore their creativity in a fun and hands-on way. As they mix colours, make patterns, and create pictures, they develop important skills such as hand-eye coordination, fine motor control, and self-expression. Messy painting activities encourage children to experiment without worrying about making mistakes, helping to build their confidence and imagination. The sensory experience of feeling paint on their hands and tools also makes learning exciting and engaging, turning art into an enjoyable adventure. 🎨

The children had a wonderful time taking part in face painting and creating England flags to show their support for England! Their faces were decorated with colourful red and white designs and football-themed artwork. The activities encouraged creativity, teamwork, and a strong sense of community spirit, making the day both enjoyable and memorable for everyone involved. ⚽️ 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Anger can be like a blanket. It can hide deeper feelings underneath it. Sometimes we notice the anger most. But underneath it, there may be pain, fear, sadness, or stress.

When we look beneath the anger, we understand the child better. We can’t truly help the behavior until we understand what is causing it.

Nobody tells you that one of the strangest skills you'll acquire as a SEND parent might be barbering.

I started by cutting my husband's hair years ago.

Then I had children.

And suddenly haircuts, nail clipping, hair washing and pretty much anything involving personal care became far more complicated than I'd ever imagined.

I remember taking my older son to a children's hairdresser when he was tiny.

The kind designed to make haircuts fun.

Bright colours. Child-friendly chairs. Lots of distractions.

It didn't matter.

Very quickly he became distressed.

The screaming started.

And I remember thinking, "We can't do this."

So I abandoned the idea and decided I'd do it at home instead.

After all, I'd been cutting my husband's hair for years.

As it turns out, home wasn't easy either.

I can still remember the screaming.

The squirming.

Trying to get it done as quickly as possible.

Trying to keep him calm.

Trying to reassure him.

Trying not to make things worse.

I remember worrying that a neighbour would hear what was going on and think something terrible was happening.

Nothing terrible was happening.

I was just trying to cut my son's hair.

The truth is that I've probably blocked a lot of those haircuts out.

There were so many of them, and they were so stressful, that most have blurred into one long memory.

This weekend we decided to try again.

We did the research.

We found a barber who had been recommended as autism-friendly.

We explained the boys' sensory difficulties beforehand.

We hoped that perhaps, now they are older, we could start helping them get used to having their hair cut by someone else.

The barber was brilliant.

Patient.

Kind.

Understanding.

The boys coped.

By any sensible measure, it was a success.

But I've been sorely reminded of all those old memories this week.

Not because there was screaming.

Not because there was panic.

But because both boys really dislike their haircuts.

I let their hair grow longer than usual.

Now it looks different.

And for children who often find change difficult, different can feel enormous.

So now I'm sitting on the sofa crying.

Not because the barber got it wrong.

Not because the boys got it wrong.

Not because I got it wrong.

Just because sometimes SEND parenting is exhausting.

You spend years adapting to one challenge.

You think you've found a way forward.

Then something as ordinary as a haircut reminds you how much energy you've spent carrying it all.

The hair will grow.

The boys will be okay.

I'll be okay too.

But today, if I'm honest, I'm just sad.

🏐 FREE Family Fun Days in Parks🌳

Saturday 20 June, 10am - 1pm.

There's activities taking place in parks across Manchester for children of all ages this weekend, to round off Baby Week

Think: face-painting, dance, sports, parachute games

For more👉 https://orlo.uk/Free_Family_Fun_Days_in_Manchester_Parks_uIXcb

Fun Summer STEM Activities for Little Learners 🧪☀️

👶 Manchester Baby Week - until 20 June 🧸

There's loads happening this week for expectant parents and families with babies and toddlers.

This week is all about our littlest Mancs - with an action-packed week of FREE, fun activities.

Think: storytime, baby yoga, baby massage, messy play, sensory play, music and dance...and much more.

It's all going on this Baby Week 👉 https://orlo.uk/Free_activities_and_events_for_babies_and_toddlers_pZBsf