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How to Choose the Best Day Nursery in Your Area

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Finding the right day nursery is a big decision for any parent. It’s about ensuring your child’s safety, happiness, and development while you’re at work or fulfilling other responsibilities. With so many options available, making the right choice can feel overwhelming. Here's a simple guide to help you choose the best day nursery in your area. What to Look at When Choosing a Nursery? Choosing the right nursery is a critical step for your child’s early development. It’s essential to evaluate factors like location, safety, staff, and facilities to ensure your child receives the best care in a supportive and engaging environment. Location and Accessibility Start by looking for a day nursery near me that’s conveniently located. Consider whether the nursery is close to your home or workplace, making drop-offs and pickups easier. For parents in London, areas like day nurseries in Wimbledon are popular due to their accessibility and high standards. Safety and Cleanliness Visit the nurse...

Best Puzzles to Improve Fine Motor Skills in Kids

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Puzzles are a fantastic way to keep children entertained while helping them develop important skills. Among these, fine motor skills are essential for young children as they form the foundation for tasks like writing, buttoning, and using cutlery. Choosing the best puzzles for kids can make all the difference in supporting this development. What Games Are Good for Fine Motor Skills? Games that encourage kids to use their hands and fingers in precise ways are excellent for fine motor skill development. Puzzles are one of the best options, as they require children to grasp, twist, and fit pieces together. Jigsaw puzzles, shape sorters, and pegboards are ideal examples. For younger kids, chunky puzzles with large pieces are a great starting point. They help little hands build strength and coordination. As children grow, more complex puzzles with smaller pieces can challenge their fine motor abilities while boosting their problem-solving skills. In addition to these children’s games and p...

5 Exciting Sensory Alphabet Crafts for Preschoolers

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Alphabet crafts for preschoolers​ Learning the alphabet can be a fun and interactive experience for preschoolers, especially when sensory activities are involved. Sensory alphabet crafts not only make learning enjoyable but also help young children develop fine motor skills and creativity. Here are five exciting alphabet crafts for preschoolers that are simple, engaging, and perfect for little learners. Alphabet Sand Tracing Fill a shallow tray with sand, salt, or even colourful rice. Provide your child with flashcards showing letters and encourage them to trace the letters in the sand. This tactile activity is perfect for introducing letter shapes while letting kids enjoy the sensory element of touching the sand. It’s a brilliant way to combine play with learning. Playdough Letter Moulds Playdough is a firm favourite in many nursery schools in Wimbledon . Use alphabet cookie cutters or guide children to shape letters with their hands. Playdough crafts help strengthen hand muscles, imp...

Activities for Teaching Young Children About Emotions

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Emotional development in children Helping children understand and manage emotions is key to their growth. This is why, by introducing playful and interactive activities, parents and educators can support young minds in developing crucial social and emotional skills. These below-mentioned fun and engaging methods not only make learning about emotions enjoyable but also help children build self-confidence, empathy, and resilience. In this blog, discover simple yet powerful ways to promote  emotional development in children  through fun activities. How to Teach Children Emotions​? Here are some effective strategies to encourage emotional development in children: Emotion Sorting Games Create colourful cards showing different facial expressions like happy, sad, angry, and surprised. Let children sort these cards into emotion categories. This playful activity helps kids recognise and name feelings, which helps build their emotional vocabulary and understanding of ho...

When Should Children Start Nursery? A Guide for Parents

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Starting a nursery is an important milestone for both children and parents. Choosing the right time and understanding your child’s readiness can make the transition smoother and more enjoyable. If you’re wondering what age to start Nursery UK, this guide is here to help. What Is the Best Age to Start Nursery? There isn’t a one-size-fits-all answer to the best age to start nursery. Every child is unique, and their needs and development should guide your decision. However, many nursery schools in Wimbledon accept children from as young as six months old, while others recommend starting at around two to three years of age. For children under two, nurseries or daycare settings provide opportunities for social interaction and gentle routines that can support early development. If your child is older, they may benefit from the structured activities, group play, and early learning programs nurseries offer. Key Factors to Consider When deciding the right time to enrol your child, consider the...

Why Storytelling Matters for Preschooler Development

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Storytelling for preschoolers Storytelling has been an integral part of childhood for generations, captivating young minds with tales of adventure, kindness, and imagination. For preschoolers, storytelling is more than just entertainment; it plays a crucial role in their development. Whether through bedtime stories, storytelling activities in nurseries , or creative play, this age-old tradition nurtures essential skills and helps children grow emotionally, socially, and intellectually. The Benefits of Storytelling for Preschoolers Storytelling offers much more than entertainment for preschoolers. It plays a key role in shaping their language, creativity, and social skills. Here are some incredible benefits of storytelling that contribute to the holistic development of young minds. Improves Language Skills Storytelling for preschoolers helps build a strong foundation in language. Hearing stories improves vocabulary, comprehension, and listening skills. By repeating phrases or asking qu...

Top 5 Tips to Encourage Nursery Children to Read

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  Children's nursery Let's face it - in today's world of tablets and telly, getting little ones interested in reading can feel like quite the challenge! As experts at Wimbledon House Nursery , we understand that fostering a love for reading early on is absolutely crucial for a child's development. The million-pound question many parents ask us is " what age do children learn to read ?" our answer is that While every child develops at their own pace, it's never too early to start nurturing those reading skills.   Creating a Cozy Reading Corner Picture this: a snug little nook with soft cushions, warm lighting, and a basket full of exciting books. Evrryone who loves reading will know how much a cozy environment adds to the story, and At our children's nursery , we've seen firsthand how a dedicated reading space can work wonders. It's never just about the books - it's about creating that special atmosphere where reading feels like a treat ...