8 Signs Your Child is Suffering From Back-to-School Anxiety

Posted on September 1, 2022August 8, 2022 by schoolhouse

September can be a stressful time for our children. And understandably so! Returning to school after six weeks can be a daunting prospect. So it’s not uncommon for some children to suffer from back-to-school anxiety.

To help you identify whether your child is stressed about returning to school, we’ve outlined 8 symptoms of back-to-school anxiety. But don’t worry – our advice doesn’t end there. We’ve also included a few suggestions to help soothe your child if they are experiencing any anxiety.

1. Difficulty sleeping

Irregular sleeping patterns often signify your child is suffering from back-to-school anxiety. So keep an eye out for any sudden changes. For example, if your child has trouble falling asleep or is waking throughout the night, they may be anxious or overwhelmed.

2. Abnormal appetite

It’s no secret that stress can affect our appetite. So make sure you’re paying attention to your child’s eating patterns. If they are overeating or undereating, it could be a sign they’re feeling stressed about school starting.

3. Aches and pains

If your child continually complains of aches and pains, but you can’t detect any signs of a physical illness, it may be because they’re suffering from anxiety.

4. Lack of confidence

Often when our children suffer from back-to-school anxiety, they lose a lot of their confidence. So be aware if they become increasingly insecure, apologetic, or doubtful of their abilities.

5. Trouble focusing

If your child is struggling to focus for more than a few minutes (whether that’s when they’re playing, reading or watching television), it may be because they’re preoccupied with worrying about school.

6. Easily irritated

When dealing with complex emotions like stress and anxiety, it’s not uncommon for our children to lash out. Why? Because they don’t know how else to deal with these emotions. So, if your child misbehaves more than usual, consider the fact they could be (subconsciously) crying for help.

7. Withdrawn and disengaged

It’s always concerning when our bright, bubbly children disengage with their friends and favourite activities. Granted, we all have good days and bad days. But if their withdrawn behaviour becomes more frequent, it may be because they’re suffering from back-to-school anxiety.

8. Constantly seeking reassurance

When we feel vulnerable, we often seek reassurance from our close friends and family. So if your child is acting unusually clingy or is constantly asking questions about school, it may be that they’re nervously seeking reassurance.

Easing your child’s anxieties

If you think your child is worried about returning to school, try not to panic. It’s natural for us to feel anxious at times – especially when we’re going through transitional periods. With that said, there are some steps we can take to try and soothe their back-to-school anxiety.

Address any negative self-talk – it’s okay for your child to feel nervous about school. However, you don’t want their anxiety to get out of hand and impact their self-image. So always address negative self-talk by reminding them they are loved, valued and capable.

Be attentive – pay close attention to your child’s behaviour and monitor their eating and sleeping habits. The quicker you can identify their back-to-school anxiety, the sooner you can help them through it.

Discuss how you can help – every child has different needs. So make sure to talk to your child about what support they need. They may want to visit their classroom, talk about their feelings, or simply spend quality time with you before school starts.

Reassure them – instead of avoiding talking about school, try to reassure your child by discussing the positive aspects. Talk about their favourite lessons and play times with friends. It may not be a fix-all solution, but it can certainly soothe their anxieties.

(For more advice, read: Starting School: 10 Tips to Help Smooth their Transition)

This too, shall pass

It’s heartbreaking to see our children suffering. But (with any luck), their anxiety should subside once they’re back at school. So try not to worry too much.

With that said, if their anxiety persists, don’t be afraid to seek professional advice. Every child requires a different level of support, so focus on helping your child with their back-to-school anxiety.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

Prepare For Starting School: A Guide for Anxious Parents

Posted on August 8, 2022August 8, 2022 by schoolhouse

Preparing your child for starting school is a scary experience – not just for them, but for you too! So we wanted to talk through our favourite tips to ensure you feel calm and collected on their first day.

Here are 5 strategies to help soothe your anxiety:

Take care of the logistics

There’s a lot to organise for your child’s first day of school. Transport, uniforms, lunches – the list goes on. So it’s understandable if you’re feeling stressed. The good news is that you can eliminate these anxieties by tackling your to-do list.

Start with the essentials (buying uniform, practising the school run) and continue until you feel content with your preparations. For example, if you’re worried your child won’t like their lunches, enquire about the school menu or practice preparing packed lunches they will enjoy.

Talk to their teacher

Often, our anxieties come from our fear of the unknown. So, it can help to have someone available to answer our questions and address our concerns. And who better to ask about preparing your child for starting school than their teacher?

Not only can they provide all the information you need, but meeting the person who will be caring for your child can be incredibly reassuring.

(With that said, try to save only the most specific questions for their school teacher. A quick Google search can usually address a lot of your queries.)

Check in with your child

It’s natural to worry about our children. What if they don’t enjoy school? What if they struggle to make friends? However, it’s important that we don’t project our own worries and concerns onto them.

The best way to assess how your child is actually feeling is to talk to them! If they are unhappy or have any concerns, they will let you know. Otherwise, try your best not to worry! Instead, focus on preparing your child for starting school by encouraging excitement and discussing what to expect.

Seek support from your partner or other parents

Sometimes, all you need to do to alleviate your anxiety is to talk to someone who understands how you’re feeling. So don’t bottle it up.

Share your concerns with friends, family members or even other school parents. Whether they can relate to how you’re feeling, offer some valuable advice or simply calm you down, a problem shared is always a problem halved.

Develop coping strategies

Although the main source of your anxiety is about preparing your child for starting school, that doesn’t mean your anxiety will disappear once they’ve settled in. Therefore, it’s a good idea to develop coping strategies to help manage your stress regardless of the circumstances.

Whether you trial different breathing techniques, channel your energy into exercise or talk to a professional – the goal is to find something that makes you feel good.

You can’t pour from an empty cup

It’s so easy to get swept away when preparing your child for starting school. But you must remember to prepare yourself for this transition too! So surround yourself with supportive people, don’t be afraid to ask questions and, most importantly, remember to take care of yourself!

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

Starting School: 10 Tips to Help Smooth their Transition

Posted on August 4, 2022August 8, 2022 by schoolhouse

Imagine being told you have to start spending your weekdays in an unfamiliar place with people you don’t know. Scary stuff, right? Well, that’s what starting school can feel like for our children!

So to help smooth their transition and ease any anxieties, we’ve listed our top 10 tips to prepare your children for school:

1. Engage in lots of different activities

Your child will be involved in lots of different activities once they start school. So they will need to learn how to transition from one task to another.

By engaging in various activities at home (reading, playing, snacking), you can practice moving from one task to another whilst stimulating their brains in preparation for school.

2. Encourage independence

Although your child will have the help and support of their teachers, they won’t receive the undivided attention they’ve previously had at home. So it’s always a good idea to encourage them to become a bit more independent before starting school. You can start with simple tasks like putting their coat on or tidying away their toys.

3. Arrange play dates

Recognising a familiar face on the first day of school can really reduce your child’s anxiety. So, try acquainting them with the other children attending their school! Sparking friendships before term starts can make the whole transition much easier.

4. Take time apart

If your child is used to spending all their time at home, the thought of starting school may be even scarier. So instead of throwing them in the deep end, try scheduling some time apart. Afternoons spent with friends or family will help them adjust to spending time away from you and their usual environment.

5. Practise putting on their school uniform

For many children, the first day of school will be the first time they wear their uniforms. But it doesn’t have to be!

Allowing your child to practise putting on their uniform will help eliminate unnecessary stress on their first day.

6. Visit their school

Taking your child to visit their school is a great way to get them excited about this new adventure.

Most schools offer official open days, but if not, you can always call up and ask to take a look around. That way, you both have the opportunity to familiarise yourselves with this exciting new environment.

7. Create a morning routine

A consistent morning routine can be a great comfort to your child – especially when they’re going through so much change. So try and ensure each morning looks the same during the run-up to starting school.

8. Tackle toilet training

Not every child will be fully toilet trained by the time school starts – and that’s okay! However, it is a helpful skill to have. So try and tackle toilet training before term starts. It will encourage your child to become more independent whilst also teaching them valuable lessons like how to wash their hands.

Read: How to Master Potty Training: the Ultimate Guide

9. Talk about it

Change is scary – no matter how old you are. So make sure you’re talking to your child about starting school. Answering their questions can simultaneously ease their anxieties and encourage excitement!

10. Take care of yourself

Your child isn’t the only one going through a transitional period. So make sure you’re taking care of yourself too!

Try using this time to focus on other positive outlets like work or hobbies. And don’t forget to talk to other parents. They’re going through the exact same thing, so you may find comfort in their solidarity.

Read: Prepare For Starting School: A Guide for Anxious Parents

Embrace the next chapter

Although change is scary, it’s also the start of a brand new adventure! So try your best to embrace the change and enjoy all the new experiences school can offer you and your child.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

Family-Friendly Places to Visit in Wales

Posted on July 4, 2022July 4, 2022 by schoolhouse

Searching for some summer inspiration? Then look no further! We’ve created a list full of exciting activities for the whole family to enjoy! And the best part? They’re all here in wonderful Wales!

So, whether you’re looking to explore the great outdoors or acquaint yourselves with some exotic animals, we have an adventure for you!

Here are our suggestions for family days out in Wales:

GreenWood Family Park

GreenWood Family Park is an oasis for outdoor activities! With rides, slides and rivers to excite the entire family, you can enjoy endless amounts of fun in this magical forest!

Located near Snowdonia National Park, GreenWood Family Park is one of the most popular family attractions in North Wales! So it’s certainly worth a visit.

Or, if one day simply isn’t enough, you can always treat yourself to an overnight stay in one of their luxury Tipis!

Snowdon Mountain Railway

If you’re looking for family days out in Wales, why not take a trip up our world-famous mountain?

With views stretching as far as Scotland and Ireland (on a clear day), Mount Snowdon is a sight to behold! You can soak up some of the local history by taking a trip on the traditional steam locomotive or even walk up if you’re feeling adventurous!

So what are you waiting for? This Welsh mountain isn’t something you’ll want to miss!

Cefn Mably Farm Park

Our list of family days out in Wales wouldn’t be complete without a trip to the farm. And Cefn Mably Farm Park is the crème de la crème of farmyard fun!

Perfect for children of all ages, you can visit the petting zoo, ride the Cefn Malby Railway or even play a round of mini-golf! There really is something for the whole family!

Manor Wildlife Park

Manor Wildlife Park is a magical location for a family adventure! Suitable for children of all ages, you can immerse yourself in the wildlife walkthroughs, interact with exotic animals and enjoy hours of fun exploring the indoor play areas.

So, whether you pack a picnic or tuck into some treats from cafè, we can assure you that exploring Manor Wildlife Park isn’t an experience you want to miss!

Barmouth Beach

We couldn’t write about family days out in Wales without mentioning our beautiful beaches!

Barmouth beach is one of our most famous beaches, making it the perfect spot for some family fun. Whether you choose to paddle in the sea, visit the arcades or see how many sandcastles you can build – we know you’ll have a whale of a time enjoying our wonderful Welsh beaches.

Start making some precious memories!

So there you have it – five family days out in Wales we know won’t disappoint.

Whether you choose to do one, none, or all of the activities we’ve mentioned, remember to enjoy your time together! Soak it all in, take lots of photos and continue making precious memories whether your children are four or fourteen!

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

5 Ways to Make Happy Memories this Summer

Posted on July 1, 2022June 21, 2022 by schoolhouse

Planning six weeks of activities can feel like a mammoth task (especially when you’re feeling uninspired). So we’ve created a list of memories to make with your children so you can start planning the perfect summer holidays!

Whether you’re jetting off into the sunset or staying home for the six weeks holidays, we’re confident we have a summer suggestion for you. Here are 5 ways to make happy memories this summer:

1. Plan ahead

Time flies when you’re having fun. So, it’s a good idea to map out your summer holidays before they begin. Otherwise, you could blink and miss the whole thing!

Start by scheduling play dates and day trips – we recommend planning at least one activity for each week. That way, you’ve always got something to look forward to!

These activities don’t need to be expensive or extravagant – it’s more about creating concrete plans to spend quality time with your family.

2. Book a trip

We couldn’t discuss which memories to make with your children without mentioning the classic summer holiday!

Summer holidays provide us with the perfect opportunity to step away from our daily distractions and really soak up some time with the kids.

Again, these breaks don’t need to be expensive. Just try and find a holiday the whole family will enjoy – whether that’s camping for the weekend or visiting a resort that hosts a kids club!

3. Spend time outside

Nothing says summer like a bit of British sunshine! So make the most of the warmer weather and spend lots of time outdoors.

You could plan a family picnic, plant a vegetable patch or even purchase a paddling pool!

Whatever you get up to in the garden, make sure you’re using sun protection. That way, you can enjoy all the benefits of playing outdoors without the risk of burning yourselves!

4. Have fun with your daily chores

I bet you didn’t expect to see household chores on our list of memories to make with your children this summer, did you?

But the truth is, trivial chores can be a lot of fun if you put some thought into them!

For example, try making your next family shopping trip into a treasure hunt! Let your child lead the way as you scour the shelves for their favourite cereal.

It’s actually surprisingly easy to make memories out of mundane tasks – you just need to use little imagination.

5. Ask your children what they want to do

Sometimes we’re reluctant to ask our children what they want to do during the summer holidays just in case they say something wild or wacky (or way too expensive). But letting your children decide for themselves is a great way for them to establish their interests and develop some independence.

So, try setting aside one day a week where your child is allowed to choose the activity for the day. It could be playing their favourite sport, watching their favourite film or going to the local park.

Whatever they decide, your child will always remember the day they were allowed to do whatever they wanted (within reason).

Enjoy your time together

So there you have it – 5 different memories to make with your children over the summer holidays!

Whatever you choose to do this summer, whether you’re staying home or going away, remember to cherish your time together. Because before you know it, it’ll be time to take them back to school! So enjoy every second, soak up the sun and make memories that will last a lifetime.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

5 Benefits of Sharing A Family Meal

Posted on June 1, 2022May 25, 2022 by schoolhouse

With everyone juggling such busy schedules, sharing a family meal can seem like a rare luxury these days.

But what if we told you that family mealtimes could greatly benefit your child’s development? Would you still reserve them for special occasions?

Here are 5 benefits of sharing a family meal to make you reconsider makeshift mealtimes:

1. Better communication skills

Family meals are the perfect opportunity for children to practice their communication skills. Sitting around the dinner table, asking questions and listening to one another teaches your children how to retell stories, express their emotions and develop their vocabulary.

Mealtimes are also an ideal opportunity to teach your child about manners. For example, sharing, turn-taking and saying please and thank you are all habits that will benefit your child far beyond the dining table.

2. Teaches your children about food

Food is a crucial part of our everyday lives. So it only makes sense that we teach our children about it.

And what better opportunity is there to teach our children about food than when cooking a family meal?

By involving your children in the process of preparing a meal, they get to learn about:

Where their food comes from
What it takes to prepare a meal (cooking, cleaning, laying the table etc.)
Basic nutrition

As a result, your children can develop a healthier relationship with food (and pick up some helpful habits along the way).

3. Boosts self-esteem

Setting aside an hour each day to share a family meal can significantly improve your child’s self-esteem. Why? Because you’re creating space in your schedule to focus entirely on them. As a result, you’re showing your child that you value and respect them – and that you genuinely want to hear about their day.

With that said, we understand that daily dinners aren’t always realistic – especially for our working parents. So for the busy bees amongst us, try sharing a bowl of cereal over breakfast instead!

4. Strengthens relationships

We all wish we had more quality time with our families. And yet, few of us take advantage of mealtimes.

By making a daily habit of sharing a family meal, you can create a tradition that will last a lifetime. Whether your child is two or twenty, you’re creating daily opportunities for your children to communicate with you and share their struggles. (Which is particularly important as they grow older and become more independent.)

In fact, studies show that 72% of children feel closer to their parents when they share a meal. So, if you want to strengthen your familial bond, we suggest you start prioritising family mealtimes.

5. Promotes routine

Here at Schoolhouse Daycare, we work hard to create daily routines that will support your child’s development – and mealtimes are a major part of that!

You see, consistent mealtimes can help to ground your child as they continue to grow and change. They also offer daily opportunities to improve their fine motor skills whilst enjoying delicious, nutritious homemade meals.

Start scheduling family dinners!

So there we have it – our top 5 benefits of sharing a family meal!

Whether it’s breakfast, lunch or dinner, we strongly recommend slotting family meals into your schedule. After all, the benefits aren’t exclusive to your children! So why not switch off the TV and start making precious memories during your family mealtimes?

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

How Young Children Can Help in the Kitchen

Posted on June 1, 2022May 25, 2022 by schoolhouse

As adults, cooking is a part of our everyday lives – so it only makes sense to get our children involved in the kitchen. After all, we’ve all got to eat! So we may as well make some memories in the process! To show you how young children can help in the kitchen, we’ve put together a list of simple tasks and techniques for you to try based on your child’s age and abilities.

So, without further ado, let’s dig in:

0-18 months

Although your infant may not be old enough to participate in the cooking process, there’s plenty you can do to make them feel involved.

Start by setting them up in a highchair so they can safely watch you work. Once they’re settled, offer them a handful of ingredients to touch, smell and play with. If you’re experimenting with baby-led weaning, you can also give them some small (soft) ingredients to taste!

The aim is to spark their interest by appealing to their senses. So don’t just talk through what you’re doing – allow your children to interact with ingredients and involve themselves in the process.

2-3 years

As they get a little older, your children can start getting involved with some safe, simple tasks. For example:

Washing fruit and vegetables
Finding ingredients in the fridge or cupboards
Adding ingredients to bowls or mixtures

Although these are only small contributions, they are great examples of how young children can help in the kitchen. (Especially when they’re first finding their feet and establishing some independence!)

3-4 years

In most cases, by the age of 3 or 4, your child will be able to walk, talk and follow instructions. So they can certainly afford to be a bit more hands-on in the kitchen. Just remember, they’re still developing their fine motor skills at this point- so avoid any tasks that are too tricky/intricate. Instead, get them involved with:

Mashing soft foods (i.e. potatoes, bananas)
Measuring dry ingredients using cup measures or scales
Stirring cool mixtures
Making simple sandwiches/packed lunches

These tasks will allow your toddler to become actively involved in the cooking process without risking hurting themselves.

4-6 years

At ages 4-6, your child will have developed greater dexterity, meaning you can start introducing them to some more advanced cooking techniques. For instance:

Chopping
Spreading
Folding
Sieving

Whether you’re buttering toast or baking a birthday cake, these are all great examples of how young children can help in the kitchen. Just make sure you have plenty of plastic knives on hand!

Kitchen chores that don’t involve cooking

If cooking doesn’t interest your children (or you’re concerned about them injuring themselves), there are plenty of other ways they can help out in the kitchen. For example, you could ask them to help you lay the table, wipe down surfaces or wash up after dinner. That way, they can still contribute at mealtimes without causing chaos in the kitchen.

Find the fun in cooking

You don’t need to be a chef to teach your children about cooking. The only aim is to have fun and (hopefully) pass on some life-long skills. So what are you waiting for? Roll up your sleeves and start making some memories!

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

Creating a Daily Routine For Toddlers At Nursery

Posted on May 2, 2022May 2, 2022 by schoolhouse

As adults, we’re often told that having a daily routine can improve our productivity and wellbeing. But what about our children? Would they benefit from a daily routine? And if so, how do we go about creating one?

If you’re not sure where to start, don’t panic! Here’s all you need to know about creating a daily routine for toddlers:

Why is routine so important?

Creating a daily routine for toddlers isn’t easy. It requires patience, consistency and a lot of trial and error. Yet, despite its many challenges, a well-established daily routine can be incredibly beneficial to your child’s development and wellbeing.

Here are just a few of the many benefits of creating a daily routine for toddlers:

Stability – during their early development, children experience a lot of change. Having a daily routine can help ground them and prevent them from becoming anxious or overwhelmed.

Independence – once children become familiar with their daily routine, they can start performing some of their tasks independently (i.e. dressing themselves), allowing their confidence to grow as they develop a sense of autonomy.

Habit formation – creating a daily routine for toddlers provides them with the opportunity to hone important skills like washing their hands and brushing their teeth.

How to create a routine for your toddler

Unfortunately, there is no one-size-fits-all solution to creating a daily routine for toddlers. After all, every child has different needs, and we all have various responsibilities.

So, instead of outlining a rigid (and wholly unrealistic) routine for you to follow, we want to explore how to develop the best routine for you and your toddler.

Here are 3 fundamental elements to creating a successful daily routine:

1. Get organised

Despite our varying circumstances, we can all benefit from some good old fashioned organisation. (After all, the easier it is to follow a routine, the more likely you are to maintain it.) So here are some organisational tips to help you master your daily routine:

Organise yourself first – You can’t hope to create a consistent routine for your child if you can’t maintain one yourself. So, before you set unrealistic expectations for yourself, take a good look at your own schedule. Remember, the perfect routine for your toddler is one that suits your lifestyle.

Plan ahead – If you ever hope to maintain a daily routine, you need to start planning ahead. Simple tasks like laying out your child’s clothes and preparing lunches the night before can save you so much valuable time.

Create a routine chart – Creating a checklist can help ensure you (and any other caregivers) remain consistent with your toddler’s daily habits and rituals. You can even get your child involved and make them their own chart filled with small tasks they can complete themselves.

2. Work with your nursery practitioners

Creating a routine is essential for babies and young children as they can’t always communicate their needs.

Therefore, if you have a young child in daycare, please do not hesitate to share your routine with the nursery staff. Working together will ensure your child maintains some consistency whilst adapting to spending time away from home.

Alternatively, if your child is adapting well to their nursery schedule, don’t be afraid to alter your home routine to match. As we said previously, it’s all about finding out what works best for you and your child!

3. Accept that things won’t always go to plan

Whilst we strongly recommend creating a daily routine for toddlers, we want to acknowledge that not all days go to plan. And that’s okay! If every day looked exactly the same, life would lose its excitement.

So don’t worry if your routine goes out the window once in a while. As long as your child is healthy and happy, that’s all that matters!

Each day is a fresh start

So there you have it, our top tips and advice for creating a daily routine for toddlers.

Just remember, no routine is perfect. Every day presents new obstacles and challenges. But with the right support and organisational skills, you can create a consistent routine to comfort your child and support their development.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

Why Join a Schoolhouse Day Nursery?

Posted on May 1, 2022May 2, 2022 by schoolhouse

We at Schoolhouse Daycare are so proud of our community. We love nurturing our children, supporting their families and creating a fun-filled environment for all! But what is it that makes our Schoolhouse Day Nursery so unique?

Throughout this article, we will explore all you need to know about our nursery – from our accolades and achievements to our values and reviews.

So, without further ado, here’s an exclusive insight into our Schoolhouse Day Nursery:

Who are we?

Here at our Schoolhouse Day Nursery, we care for children of all ages by delivering fun daily activities and deliciously nutritious home-cooked meals. We also work closely with our parents and guardians to develop suitable routines, provide regular updates and offer daily support and reassurance.

Our mission is to provide your children with a safe and stimulating environment that nurtures their development, inspires confidence and encourages joy.

What makes our Schoolhouse Day Nursery so special?

Choosing childcare is one of the biggest decisions you will make as a parent. So to help you reach your decision, we’ve listed just a few of the reasons we think our Schoolhouse Day Nursery is so special:

Our values

There are 5 principles at the heart of Schoolhouse Daycare: Nurture, Inspire, Enjoy, Learn and Encourage. These values represent all we stand for at our Schoolhouse Day Nursery and create the perfect foundation for a healthy, happy learning environment.

Our daily reports

One of our parents’ biggest concerns is missing out on special moments or milestones. So we provide our parents with regular feedback, photos and daily reports to ensure they don’t miss a thing!

Our accolades

Here at Schoolhouse Daycare, we’ve been fortunate enough to receive many awards and accreditations. But one of our proudest achievements is being considered one of Wales’ leading independent providers of daycare.

Our team

Without our highly educated, experienced carers, Schoolhouse Daycare would not exist. After all, they play such a pivotal role in caring for our children and reassuring our parents. So we wanted to take this opportunity to celebrate our wonderful carers!

Why join a Schoolhouse Day Nursery?

Although we are very proud of our accolades and achievements, we know they aren’t always enough to convince some parents to enrol their children in nursery. And that’s perfectly okay!

For those parents who are still considering whether no not to send their child to nursery, here are some of the benefits your child could receive by attending our Schoolhouse Day Nursery:

Better immunity: being in a new environment around other children will increase your child’s exposure which will benefit their immune system in the long run.

Improved communication skills: your child will quickly learn to communicate their thoughts and feelings with their friends and carers.

Greater independence: as they spend more time away from home, your child will learn to complete small tasks on their own, helping to improve their confidence.

Regular exercise: here at our Schoolhouse Day Nursery, our days are filled with lots of fun activities to help improve your child’s stamina.

Preparation for school: the valuable skills your child will learn in nursery (like following instructions or socialising with other children) will help with their transition into school.

A few words from our parents

One of the most rewarding aspects of our job is hearing how much our parents and children value our nursery. To offer you an insight, here a just a few of the kind words our parents have said about our Schoolhouse Day Nursery:

“My daughter absolutely loves going to nursery. She has come on so much with her speech and language, toilet training and independence…I can’t thank the staff enough for the love and care they give her.”

“The staff are amazing and so friendly. The school app is also amazing as you are able to check up on your little one whenever you like. I honestly couldn’t recommend them more.”

“The staff are very caring, kind and always keep us updated on changing needs. Management has always been very responsive and helpful when we’ve needed to engage with them. Both my children are thriving in this environment!”

See more of our reviews here.

Join the Schoolhouse family

Here at Schoolhouse Daycare, we love welcoming families, creating new connections and nurturing young children. So, if this article has piqued your interest, please don’t hesitate to get in touch! We always enjoy meeting new faces and fostering new friendships.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.

Looking for more ideas and inspiration? See more from us here:

How to Teach Your Child about Charity

Posted on April 7, 2022April 7, 2022 by schoolhouse

Supporting charities is a great way to help those less fortunate than ourselves. With so many valuable skills to develop (like generosity, selflessness and gratitude), partaking in charity work can be a great learning experience for the whole family. But what about your young children?

If you‘re wondering how to teach your child about charity, here are 5 fun ideas to spark their interest:

1. Discuss what charity means

When we search the definition of charity, Oxford Languages provides us with two definitions:

‘an organisation set up to provide help and raise money for those in need.’
‘the voluntary giving of help, typically in the form of money, to those in need.’

So why is this important?

It’s important because being charitable doesn’t always mean donating to an organisation. There are many ways we can give back, whether that’s visiting someone who feels lonely or unwell, smiling at a stranger or helping with chores and errands.

So whilst the lesson is still centred around helping those in need, it shows our children that they can still be charitable, even if they aren’t old enough to make their own financial contributions.

2. Let them choose a charity

Sometimes, the question isn’t how to teach your child about charity, but rather how to get them excited about giving to charity. A fantastic way to do this is to let your child pick a charity they want to contribute to. Whether that means sponsoring an animal with WWF or donating their old clothes to charities like Bernardo’s, the goal is to find a charity that engages their interest and makes them want to help.

3. Set a positive example

Leading by example is one of the easiest yet most effective ways to teach your child about charity. By simply making a conscious effort to donate to charity shops and food banks, you’re showing your children that being charitable and helping others can be a small but significant part of our everyday lives.

4. Get them involved

Volunteer work is an incredible way to teach your children about charity. Why? Because, unlike most monetary donations, they can physically see how their contribution is making a difference. Plus, it reiterates to your children that they can still help others, even if they can’t afford to make a financial donation.

As we mentioned before, try and find a charity that interests your child. If they love animals, why not volunteer at an animal shelter for the afternoon? Or perhaps go litter picking if they’re enthusiastic about the environment!

5. Have fun fundraising

If you’re looking for more specific suggestions for how to teach your child about charity, then here are some fun fundraising ideas to get you started:

– Host a bake sale

– Run a car wash

– Do a sponsored walk

– Sell old books and toys

– Create a raffle

– Throw a barbecue

– Organise a charity football match

– Host a coffee morning

These events can help show your children that fundraising isn’t only a great way to support those less fortunate, but it can also be a lot of fun.

Be creative

So there we have it, five ways to teach your child about charity!

It’s so important that we help others and give generously, so we hope you feel inspired by our suggestions. Most importantly, we hope you have learnt how to teach your child about charity. The lessons they will learn through partaking in charitable activities are invaluable, and their contributions can truly change lives.

At Schoolhouse Daycare, we enjoy learning, encouraging confidence and we love life! If you think your child would enjoy life at Schoolhouse, then please do not hesitate to arrange a visit.