Bonny Downs Nursery opened its doors on 31 January, and we caught up with our colleagues – Stacey Cordery, Director of Children, Youth and Families Provision and Andrea Teixeira, our Nursery Manager, to find out how the first few months have gone…

So, how is it going at the new Nursery?

Stacey: “It’s going really well. It’s been lovely getting to know the children and their individual personalities, strengths and what they enjoy doing. Parents have also told us they’re very happy at how quickly their children have settled in.”

Andrea: “The kids are really enjoying it and it’s been a joy to watch them make new friendships together, and bond with our staff. Families have also told us they appreciate our flexible hours – we’re open from 8am to 6pm – so they can get to work and plan around other commitments.”

What sort of things have the children been doing?

Stacey: “There’s been lots of singing, reading, creative activities and playing games. We’ve also been baking together – from a birthday cake to banana muffins!”

Andrea: “Each month we focus on a different book – and in February it was The Very Hungry Caterpillar. The children made a fantastic huge caterpillar using green paint and toilet rolls, and they’ve have been making other colourful artwork for the walls and garden as well!”

What are the children like?

Andrea: “We’ve got a great mix of boys and girls. They’re a beautiful reflection of our diverse borough, with children from Asian, African, British and Eastern European backgrounds. We’re currently hosting 2-4 year olds at the nursery with a good mix of ages, and we’re looking forward to under-2s joining us from April.”

What’s your favourite thing about the new nursery?

Stacey: “I love our ‘mud kitchen’ in the nursery courtyard, where the children can get creative, make various concoctions and blow off some steam! It’s based around a wooden structure handmade by one of our volunteers and furnished with pots and pans donated by our supporters. I also love how the kids are taking ownership of the different spaces in the nursery, helping to decorate them and making them their own.”

Andrea: “I absolutely love our new nursery team – they are awesome! They’re a diverse bunch, they really care passionately about making sure the children are happy, and they bring together a great variety of talents which they’re putting use by leading different activities – from music and singing to reading and games.”

What have you got in store for the spring?

Andrea: “Our current theme is plants and growing things! As the days get longer and warmer, we’re looking forward to getting more active outdoors. We’ve also been making a ‘living plant wall’ together for outside the nursery and visiting our nearby East Ham community garden to observe the changing seasons and the green shoots of Spring.”

Where can I learn more and register my child?

Stacey: “We’ve just launched a new website where you can learn more about our Nursery and other childcare services, including our curriculum, timetable and fees. You can also apply for a place for your child quickly and securely online, in less than 5 minutes!”

Visit our new childcare website today!