Growing Places

15/10/2026

The children at Morelands engaged in autumn-themed sensory play with a tuff tray in the garden.

We invited the children to practise their fine motor skills by moving and sorting leaves, conkers, and fir cones into different containers.

The introduction of tweezers and tongs added an extra level of challenge and physical control.

'Look how shiny my conker is.' said Niamh, 3.

'Squeeze!' replied Hudson, 2.6, as he held the tongs.

Interacting with nature fosters language development, as children naturally acquire descriptive words to explain their observations.

This in turn boosts self-confidence and pride in their physical abilities and discoveries.

13/10/2026

We've been exploring our 'sense of self' at Merryfields and the children have loved talking about what makes them unique ...

We traced the children's outlines so they could add their own features. Rosie, aged 3.9, said:

'I have blonde hair so going to use yellow crayon.'

'I have a white top on so I'm going to colour my body white like my top.' Replied Luca, 3.8

Millie, 3.11, spent time looking in the mirror, and announced;

'My eyes are two colours.' She then used crayons to colour one eye blue and the other eye green.

To support self-recognition, we also created personalised puzzles by cutting up printed photographs of the children.

They were then challenged to find their own features and reassemble their pictures.

Whilst looking through the picture parts Hugo, 4, observed;

'That's not my hair because my hair is brown.'

He then picked up a picture with blonde hair on it.

The children really enjoyed learning all about their facial features, and recognising their differences and similarities to their friends.

06/10/2026

When children help something grow, they discover that they can grow too.

A tiny seed. A little soil. Curious hands. And plenty of time to wonder, explore and discover.

At Growing Places, we believe children are born curious, capable and competent.

When children plant, nurture and care for growing things, they’re not simply learning about nature — they’re developing confidence, responsibility, resilience and a deeper connection with the world around them.

We give children the time and freedom to ask questions, make choices, get their hands dirty, make mistakes and see what happens next.

Sometimes we guide. Sometimes we listen. And sometimes, we simply step back and let the children lead the way.

Because growing isn't just about what happens in the garden.

It’s about giving children the roots, space and confidence to flourish.

04/10/2026

What happens when we let children lead the way?

Sometimes the most meaningful learning begins when we pause, observe and listen — rather than deciding in advance where the learning should go.

Children’s questions, play, movement and interests can open up pathways we may never have planned. Our role isn’t always to direct the journey, but to create space, offer support, ask thoughtful questions and gently expand what might be possible.

When we trust children to lead, there may be no single ‘end product’. Instead, there are discoveries, new skills, stories, relationships and those wonderful moments of accomplishment.

What might become possible if we stepped back and trusted children to lead?

04/10/2026

Children flourish when their worlds connect 🌱

This weekend, Jackie & Carlie headed to Coventry for the Childcare Expo, where they had the privilege of speaking alongside the incredible Alice Sharp Training.

They talked about something that sits at the heart of everything we do at Growing Places — the power of connection. Connecting children, families, community, nature and learning to create places where everyone can flourish.

We’re so grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with a group of forward thinking, change makers who each offer something wonderfully unique, special & essential for childhood. Hayley Peacock Education LEYF Nurseries Sleepy Hollow Group North Cornelly Community Playgroup Poppins Daycare - Sarah Sharpe Registered Childminder Kirktonholme Childcare Naturally Learning Ready Generations Nursery Hope Education

03/10/2026

03/10/2026

Special connections with our elder friends at Pear Tree Court 💗

30/09/2026

Children from Oak Meadow baby room enjoyed a trip to the shops to pick up treats for our tortoise, Jessica.

We used our petite wagon to walk from nursery down to the shops, taking in the sights of the falling leaves, dogs and people we saw along the way.

Ella, 1.7, and Zoe, 1.8, picked lettuce and spinach out of the fridge and placed in the basket.

We also spotted a food donation box so decided to buy some items to place in the box to help give back to our community.

The children really enjoyed the process of collecting items off the shelves before taking them to checkout.

Oakley, 1.3, waved 'bye bye' to his tin as he placed it into the donation box.

28/09/2026

The children enjoy investigating the change in season, this array of foraged items left plenty of room for exploration along with tongs, tweezers and containers.

Aside from hand-eye coordination and strengthening hand muscles, tongs are also a great way for children to practise quiet focus and learn persistence and independence!

27/09/2026

Helping children to feel a part of the changing seasons fosters a wonderful connection with nature.

It also teaches the concept and of change and adaptability, helping to build a sense of resilience in our ever-changing world.