Ninas Nursery High Lane

28/08/2026

When Loose Parts Become Music…
Our preschoolers have been getting creative and making their very own wind chime using buttons, natural loose parts, sticks and twine.
This open-ended experience encouraged children to explore how different materials could be combined, threaded, tied and arranged to create something completely their own. As they experimented, they developed fine motor control, hand-eye coordination, problem-solving and perseverance, carefully working out how to connect their pieces and make their wind chimes balance.
But the learning didn’t stop there! As the breeze moved their creations, the children discovered that their loose parts could create sound and movement, encouraging them to listen, observe and wonder about cause and effect.
Using reclaimed and natural materials also provided an opportunity to talk about sustainability and caring for our environment — showing children that everyday objects can be given a new purpose through creativity and imagination.
A simple collection of loose parts became a beautiful opportunity for creativity, discovery, STEM learning and environmental awareness.

27/08/2026

26/08/2026

As we say goodbye to some of our older children as they head off on their next big adventure, we couldn’t think of a more perfect final large-scale construction project to celebrate their time with us. 
Using crates, tyres, tubes and our collection of large construction loose parts, our preschoolers worked together to design and create their very own giant car! 
From planning and problem-solving to building and testing, they worked together, shared ideas and brought their vision to life. This project is more than just a car- it's a symbol of
how far they've come, the skills they've developed and the friendships they've made
You will always be part of our Curious Tribe and we can't wait to see where your next adventure takes you.
Drive forward, dream big and never stop being curious!
Nina's nurseries

25/08/2026

Have you ever looked at an empty cardboard box and thought, “What’s next?” In the eyes of a toddler, the possibilities are endless. At nursery we love transforming everyday items like cardboard boxes into tools for exploration, creativity, and unstructured play. We find when our children engage with open-ended materials like boxes, their imaginations flourish.
Cardboard boxes are an invitation for imagination to take the lead. The transformative experience cardboard boxes can provide are endless, limited only by their own creativity. Large cardboard boxes invite social connections too, simply sharing the joy of hiding in and jumping out, these strengthen friendships and communication skills. Collaborative play fosters teamwork, empathy, and a sense of belonging—all vital skills for young children.
Perhaps one of the best parts of cardboard box play is its sustainability. Repurposing a box not only supports eco-consciousness but also aligns beautifully with the Curiosity Approach. It’s a chance to show children the value of reusing and recycling while creating meaningful, child-led experiences, something as simple as a box can spark endless joy and discovery.
The Curiosity Approach reminds us to see the beauty in the ordinary and the magic that comes from trusting in our toddlers natural curiosity.

26/07/2026

As we get ready to start another new week across both the High Lane settings we thought we would share a small insight from our under 3s provision from the last few weeks. Where awe and wonder is at the heart of every curious opportunity for discovery.

24/07/2026

There is something truly magical about giving children the freedom to create without limits. Our donated bench became the canvas for a large-scale clay invitation, where children explored, sculpted, rolled, pressed and transformed the surface using their own ideas and imagination.
Inspired by Friedrich Froebel's belief that children learn through hands-on play and creativity, this open-ended experience encouraged curiosity, self-expression and problem-solving. As children manipulated the clay, they strengthened the small muscles in their hands, developed bilateral coordination and refined the fine motor skills needed for future writing, all while exploring texture, shape, pattern and three-dimensional design.
One of the most wonderful moments was watching our preschool children naturally support our Rising 3s. Through gentle guidance and encouragement, they demonstrated how to climb safely onto the bench and carefully add clay to every surface. These meaningful interactions beautifully reflected Lev Vygotsky's theory of learning through social interaction, with more experienced children scaffolding the learning of their younger peers. Confidence blossomed as friendships grew, communication flourished and children learned from one another in authentic, child-led ways.
At Nina's Nursery, we value large-scale, process-led experiences that celebrate creativity over outcomes. By trusting children with real resources and meaningful opportunities, we create environments filled with awe and wonder, where every child can explore, collaborate and discover at their own pace.

19/07/2026

Yesterday celebrated our wonderful Preschool Graduation Class of 2026.

One last celebration of awe and wonder before our preschoolers begin their next adventure at school.

It has been a privilege to watch each child grow in confidence, curiosity and independence. We are so proud of everything they have achieved and know they will continue to shine wherever their journey takes them.

Congratulations, Class of 2026 – keep exploring, keep wondering, and enjoy your next adventure!

17/07/2026

Today reminded us that children are natural problem-solvers when given the freedom to think, explore and lead their own learning.

One of our curious learners became fascinated by our nursery laundry drying rack. Armed with a handful of magnets, he carefully explored how high he could place them. When he realised he couldn't quite reach the top, he paused, thought about the problem, independently found a chair, climbed safely with practitioner support, and proudly achieved his goal.

There was no adult telling him what to do or how to do it—just time, space and trust. This moment was rich in critical thinking, perseverance, spatial awareness, risk assessment and problem-solving. He planned, adapted his approach and celebrated his own success.

At our Curiosity Approach nursery, we know that the most meaningful learning often comes from the simplest provocations. Everyday objects become invitations to investigate, explore and discover, empowering children to become capable, confident and independent thinkers.

Curiosity fuels learning. Independence builds confidence. Wonder inspires lifelong learners.

14/05/2026

RSPB Bronze Wild Challenge

As part of our RSPB Bronze Wild Challenge, preschool children took part in an environmentally friendly invitation to play by creating compostable bird feeders for our outdoor area. The children used leftover orange peel halves as natural containers and filled them with a mixture of lard and bird seed to help support local birds and wildlife.

Throughout the experience, the children explored the textures and materials with curiosity and enthusiasm. They independently mixed, scooped, pressed, and filled the orange peels while engaging in conversations about the birds that may visit our garden. The children discussed how birds need food, water, shelter, and care and began to develop an understanding of how humans can help protect wildlife and the natural environment.

This invitation to play provided valuable opportunities for the children to learn about sustainability and caring for the world around them. By reusing leftover orange peel instead of throwing it away, the children were introduced to the concept of recycling and reducing waste in a meaningful and hands-on way. They showed excitement when learning that the feeders were fully compostable and safe for nature.

The children strengthened their fine motor skills through mixing and handling the ingredients while also developing communication and language through discussions about birds, habitats, and the environment. The invitation to play encouraged cooperation, turn-taking, and a shared sense of responsibility as the children worked together to create something that would benefit living creatures.

The completed bird feeders were placed within the preschool outdoor environment where the children will continue to observe visiting birds and engage in ongoing discussions about local wildlife and conservation. This experience reflects our commitment to promoting environmental awareness, sustainability, and positive relationships with the natural world through meaningful, child-led experiences.