EHT New Years Letter - 2026

Dear All,

I wanted to take this opportunity, before we return to nursery school on Monday, to wish you a Happy New Year and thank you for the kind wishes and many gifts we received. Whether you are one of our amazing children, a parent or carer, a member of staff, a governor, student or volunteer, or a professional coming into school, we are appreciative of everything you do and hope you enjoyed the festivities over the Christmas holiday. I would also like to say a special thank you to the team of wonderful people around me who help to ensure the nursery schools provide the very best care and education for your child/ren.

It can always be a little unsettling returning or joining after the Christmas break as it is such a family time. Please don’t worry, we will take good care of your children and help settle them back into nursery as quickly and as smoothly as we can. We really do hope 2026 is a year full of optimism, fun and happiness.

The early years is a precious moment in your child’s life when they suddenly realise that there are people who can care for them, look after them and help them learn outside their home. For some it can be a very rapid period of change and for others it can take a little longer. As Early Years Educators building a learning community which values childhood, celebrates play and welcomes creativity is important to us.

Securing a strong sense of self-worth is also important to us as we know that when we feel good about ourselves, we have the resilience and capability to nurture mutually respectful relationships, which helps our children to become thoughtful and successful, independent learners. We recognise the invaluable role our families have to play in supporting children to achieve well. Through working together, we learn to appreciate a child’s uniqueness, and listen and respond to their strengths and interests, so we can provide the appropriate care and education they need to grow and achieve.

We aim to build long and lasting memories. During their time with us, your child will be offered a great many opportunities that will broaden their view and understanding of the world around them, so that those ‘precious moments today’, support the development of our ‘creative children tomorrow’.

For those of you new to school we use something called Teachers2Parents to share communications with you in the form of texts and emails. Please ensure that we have the correct details for you so that we can keep you up to date with what is happening in nursery. As well as the weekly newsletters you will get from your child’s room, we also try to send out a termly letter or newsletter. We use Facebook to share many of the wonderful experiences your child will enjoy but appreciate that not every parent will wish their child to be on Facebook so please let us know your preferences.

We hold Progress Meetings each term which provide you with an opportunity to find out what your child has been learning and doing and how you can support them at home. We also share information about the day at drop off and pick up. Should you want to speak to a member of staff, please let us know and we can arrange a convenient time. In addition, I operate an open-door policy and am happy for you to come and see me, at any time.

We welcome your input and your views. This term we will be sending out a Parent survey so you can share your views and helps support our future development. Once your child has settled into nursery, we will be inviting you in to join us for Rhyme Time events and Stay and Play. If you are able to join us, please do, as the children love having you come!

We are also working closely with the early years practitioners and the NHS team to encourage the development of healthy bodies and minds. With obesity levels on the increase in the under 5s, tooth decay at an all time high and lower levels of activity, we are hoping to encourage our children to think about making choices that can help them to consider healthier alternatives.

We offer a healthy snack every day, usually fruit and vegetables and water or milk and encourage a healthy packed lunch. We request that you avoid bringing sweets and chocolate to school as we encourage children to make as many healthy choices as possible and there lots of ways you can provide them with something sweet in the form of yogurts, fruit and biscuits. Sweets and chocolate bars are a treat that can be enjoyed at home! You can find more information on how to help your child grow healthy here: https://hdftchildrenshealthservice.co.uk/ourservice/growing-healthy-0-19-darlington/

Finally, a reminder about attendance. We know from time-to-time children will become unwell; however, it is important that you let the nursery know if your child will not be attending. We have a duty of care to ensure all of our children stay safe and free from harm and that we know where they are. Coming to school regularly helps your child to settle more easily, build stronger attachments, become more confident and independent and of course it means they get to enjoy all the wonderful experiences on offer.

Enjoy your weekend and we will see you Monday 5 January.

Kindest Regards

Helen Dummett

Executive Head Teacher