Dear Parents and Carers,

Now that most children have begun their journey with us, I would like to extend a very warm welcome to everyone this autumn term. Although we have enjoyed some lovely late summer weather, autumn is certainly on its way, with colder, darker mornings becoming the norm.

For families who are new to the nursery, I know there is a lot of information to take in. Please do not hesitate to call into the office or speak to a member of staff if you have any questions or concerns. We are always happy to help. We have recently experienced a few issues with our computer and payment systems, but these are now largely resolved, so you should begin receiving emails and text messages as normal.

The children have settled incredibly well into nursery life. A small number may still find saying goodbye to parents and carers challenging, which is completely normal. Strong attachments are an important part of early childhood, and some children simply need a little longer to build confidence and trust with new adults. Please be assured that our educators are experienced in supporting both children and families through this transition and will provide plenty of care and reassurance along the way.

Our Values

At George Dent and Borough Road Nursery Schools, everything we do is guided by six core values:

• Children at the Centre – We celebrate every child as unique and ensure learning is carefully tailored to meet their individual needs.
• Play as a Right – We believe play is fundamental to learning and development, providing children with meaningful opportunities to explore, discover and grow.
• Inspiring Creativity – Rich environments and exciting experiences encourage children to imagine, create, problem-solve and think independently.
• Building Self-Worth – We nurture confidence, emotional well-being and a strong sense of belonging from the moment families join our community.
• Developing Resilience – Children are encouraged to be independent, take appropriate risks, learn from mistakes and persevere through challenges.
• Respectful Relationships – We work in close partnership with families and the wider community, fostering kindness, inclusion and respect for all.

Our Curriculum

Our curriculum is built on a belief that childhood should be valued, celebrated and enjoyed. Through play, exploration and creativity, children develop curiosity, confidence and a lifelong love of learning.

We aim to provide every child with the knowledge, skills and experiences they need for their next stage of education, helping them become happy, creative, capable and confident citizens of the future.

Sustainable Practices

Sustainability is an important part of our everyday practice. We place great value on the learning process rather than the finished product, encouraging children to explore, experiment, create and collaborate. As a result, your child may not bring home a painting or craft item every day, but they will be engaging in rich experiences that support their development.

Autumn offers wonderful learning opportunities. Our outdoor environments are filled with natural treasures such as leaves, sticks, seeds, apples and conkers. These resources inspire imaginative play, mathematical thinking, language development and early mark-making while helping children develop an appreciation of the natural world around them.

Supporting Learning at Home

Each week, educators will share a planning sheet or newsletter highlighting some of the experiences and learning opportunities available in nursery. Your child may not have taken part in every activity featured, as children engage with different experiences at different times and often revisit learning throughout the term.

These newsletters provide a useful starting point for conversations at home. Looking at photographs together, naming objects, talking about experiences and encouraging children to explain their thinking are all valuable ways to support learning and language development.

Census and PDEC Forms

Thursday is Census Day, so we kindly ask that all PDEC forms are returned by Wednesday at the latest. This will ensure our records are up to date and that we have the correct information for families accessing the extended entitlement through the 30-hour funding offer.

Half-Term and Holiday Club

We break up for half term on Friday 23 October. Children accessing the stretched offer will continue to attend throughout half term ,as normal during this period, but at George Dent School. Borough Road children will also attend George Dent. 

If you require a paid place, please contact the office as soon as possible, as spaces are limited.

Looking Ahead

Many of you may already be aware that this will be my final term as Executive Head of the Federation. I am delighted to share that Cheryl Theakston, who currently serves as Deputy Executive Head Teacher, will be taking on the role. This will ensure a seamless transition, and I will provide further information as the term progresses.

Thank you for your continued support. We look forward to a wonderful term of learning, discovery and growth together.

Kindest regards,

Helen Dummett
Executive Head Teacher
Federation of Darlington Nursery Schools