1. Establishing good oral hygiene for children

Tooth decay can be a big problem among young children, affecting almost a quarter of youngsters. The good news is that it is largely preventable.

If you teach your child habits such as brushing their teeth twice a day (once just before bedtime and once in the morning) and flossing from a young age, it sets them up for a lifetime of strong, healthy teeth and gums.

Healthy teeth support speech development and chewing. Baby teeth also act as placeholders for adult teeth, so maintaining their health is crucial for correct alignment and future oral health.

To make routines easier, you can even introduce fun activities like allowing your child to choose their own toothbrush or incorporating a brushing timer to help these habits become second nature.

2. Don’t forget sleep hygiene for children

Good personal hygiene for children doesn’t stop with physical cleanliness; it extends to promoting healthy sleep habits.

Sleep hygiene is about creating an environment and routine that supports restful sleep.

We recommend making sure your child’s sleep space is clean and comfortable, and you should establish a consistent bedtime routine where possible to help get prepared to fall asleep.

Limiting screen time before bed, incorporating a calming activity like reading, and keeping the room dark and temperature comfortable will help your child get the rest they need to maintain their physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

If you’re looking for more stress free bedtime tips, we’ve got you covered in our recent blog.

3. Creating a daily hygiene routine for children

Here’s a simple plan for promoting good hygiene for children 5 years and under:

Hand washing

Teach children to wash their hands before meals, after playing outside, and after using the toilet. Show them the correct way to wash their hands: with soap and water for at least 20 seconds.

Brushing teeth

Ensure your child brushes their teeth for two minutes, twice a day, once in the morning and again before bed. Parents can help younger children with brushing until they develop the motor skills to do it effectively on their own.

Bathing

Regular baths or showers help maintain clean skin, remove sweat, dirt, and bacteria, and promote overall freshness. Encourage your child to bathe or shower daily, especially after active play or outdoor activities. Rember that young children should never be left to bathe unattended.

Nail care

Keeping nails trimmed prevents the build-up of dirt and bacteria that could lead to infections. Make nail trimming a regular part of your child’s routine and teach them to gently clean beneath their nails to ensure proper hygiene.

Hair care

Brushing hair daily helps to distribute natural oils from the scalp, keeping hair healthy and shiny while preventing tangles and knots. Depending on your child’s hair type, regular washing with a gentle shampoo is also important to remove dirt and excess oils.

4. Get in touch for more information

As a leading nursery chain operating in the Southwest of England and South of Wales, helping young children prepare for school with purpose-built facilities and a specialist curriculum of learning, we’re no strangers to expert child care.

We’re passionate about supporting the development of the children in our care both when they’re at nursery, and when they’re at home, sharing effective tips and guidance for parents.

Get in touch if you have any questions by calling 0800 783 3431 or emailing enquiries@happydaysnurseries.com, or use our Find a Nursery tool to see which of our nurseries or preschools is closest to you!

1. Get your children more involved in the kitchen and meal preparations

One effective way of encouraging children to eat their five a day is by involving them in the cooking process. Children love to feel like they’re helping you and allowing them to help in the kitchen can help to foster interest in their own meals.

Invite your toddler to join you while you chop vegetables or stir ingredients. You can even create simple tasks that they’d be able to achieve, such as washing vegetables or tearing lettuce leaves. Alternatively, if you have a garden or greenhouse, you could consider growing your own vegetables and your children can get invested before eating the final product!

When children actively participate in preparing meals, they develop a greater appreciation for the food on their plate, and a hands-on approach can make veggies seem less intimidating and more appealing to toddlers.

2. Combine new foods with food they already know

Introducing new vegetables to toddlers out of the blue is never easy, especially if they’re already starting to pick their favourite foods. To make it a little easier, try pairing unfamiliar vegetables with familiar foods that your child already likes.

For example, if your child already likes pasta, try including finely chopped vegetables, like spinach, mushrooms, or carrots, into their favourite pasta sauce. At first, they may not notice them, but if you gradually increase the number, you put in, they will start to identify and get used to the tastes and textures.

If they still refuse to eat the smaller vegetables in the sauce, you could try blending it all together to help introduce the flavours first. This means that they can explore and understand new flavours and textures while still enjoying the comfort of familiar foods.

This can help if you aren’t sure how to sneak fibre into your child’s diet, too!

3. Be a role model by eating healthily yourself

Children often mimic the behaviours of adults, especially their parents, so it’s essential to set a positive example when it comes to healthy eating. Make a conscious effort to include a variety of vegetables in your own meals and demonstrate enthusiasm for trying new foods.

During mealtimes, describe the vegetables on your plate positively, highlighting their colours, textures, and how good they are for you. This can help change the negative ideas your child may have of healthier food.

Encourage your child to take small bites and praise them for their efforts, even if they’re hesitant at first. This encouragement and support can help instil healthy eating habits that will benefit your child for years to come and make them more explorative in future.

4. Let children play with their food

How many times have you heard someone say, “stop playing with your food?” Turns out, playing with their food might help them eventually eat it!

Children are curious and intuitive. By creating a fun and interactive eating experience, maybe by arranging colourful vegetable sticks or shapes on their plate, your child can explore and experiment with different textures.

Also, touching their food will often make a child more inclined to try it as they can get used to the texture, smell, and feel before putting it in their mouth. It can also be helpful to provide dipping sauces or spreads to provide new flavours and encourage the use of your child’s hands.

5. Make fruit a treat instead of unhealthier options

Chocolate, sweets, and cakes are the stereotypical “reward” foods, but you could provide sweet fruits, like strawberries, mangos, and bananas, as a healthier alternative.

By associating these flavours as treats, your child may be more willing to try similar foods, and you can help reduce the number of unhealthy snacks they have each day. You can also do a lot of exciting different things with fruit for your children, including blending them into smoothies and adding them to cereal or yoghurt.

6. Be patient!

Patience is crucial when it comes to encouraging toddlers to eat their veggies. It’s normal for children to be hesitant when trying new foods, and they might often outright refuse it, but don’t be discouraged if progress is slow! Offer small portions of new foods at mealtime and don’t give up, as it may take up to 12-15 exposures for a new food to be accepted.

Try to bring in new fruits and veggies for your children every few days using some of the methods above, without making the experience negative by forcing it on them. Sometimes, your child simply won’t like a particular food, but that shouldn’t put you off trying to give them new fruits and vegetables when possible!

7. Guarantee a Balanced Diet for Your Child with Happy Days Nurseries

We understand the importance of early childhood nutrition, which is why all the food we provide at our nursery is curated by a specialist early-years nutritionist on a four-weekly, seasonal basis.

We ensure that all dietary requirements are catered for and that the children in our care are exposed to a wide range of textures and flavours. We have a dedicated page on our website to help you find out more about our meal time and nutritional practices.

If you’re struggling to get your child to try new flavours, fruits, and vegetables, we are on hand to help. We can help support you and your child in your journey to a healthier diet. Call us on 0800 783 3431 or email enquiries@happydaysnurseries.com for more information!

1. The Benefits of Joining Early Years as an Apprentice

Stepping into the world of early years as an apprentice is not just about finding a job; it’s about making a difference. Working with children at such a formative age allows you to play a crucial role in their development.

Witnessing their first milestones, whether it’s taking their first steps or speaking their first words, is immensely fulfilling. As an apprentice, you’ll see these moments unfold and share the joy with parents, who appreciate your contribution to their child’s growth.

The experience gained from an early years apprenticeship is invaluable. You’ll learn about yourself and what you’re capable of achieving, along with giving you a fantastic entry point into the profession.

With us, you’ll gain practical experience, receive support for your studies, and be mentored on a one-to-one basis by mentors and assessors with a wealth of experience from various childcare roles.

Plus, starting early opens up significant career development opportunities, and as you grow in your role, you’ll find numerous pathways for advancement within the early years sector.

Listen to our dedicated podcast on this topic on Spotify.

2. How to Prepare for a Childcare Apprenticeship

Preparing for an apprenticeship at Happy Days is straightforward; all you need is a willingness to learn. We offer various levels of qualifications: Level 2 for Early Years Practitioners, Level 3 for Early Years Educators, and Level 5 for Lead Practitioners and Nursery Management.

A Grade C (or 4 under new gradings) in English and Maths is beneficial, but if you don’t meet these criteria, don’t worry—we’re here to support you with the functional skills portion of your development.

While a related GCSE can be advantageous, it’s not mandatory. For school leavers, we recommend seeking voluntary work or other experiences to ensure this is the right career path for you.

For mature candidates, it’s essential to consider your readiness for full-time employment and the commitment required for both the job and external study. Having a dedicated space for your studies at home can also be beneficial.

Listen to our dedicated podcast on this topic on Spotify.

3. Becoming an Early Years Apprentice

At Happy Days Nurseries, we look for enthusiasm and drive rather than prior professional experience. Whether you’ve done casual babysitting or volunteered in childcare, demonstrating a genuine interest in the field is crucial.

As this is a regulated role, you’ll need to undergo DBS checks and provide references. We offer full support throughout this process, which generally takes around 3-4 weeks from initial contact to employment.

Also, Happy Days is dedicated to providing personalised feedback if you are unsuccessful in your application, recognising that this may be your first job search experience. If the initial outcome isn’t successful, remember it’s never a final “no”, it is a “maybe later.”

Listen to our dedicated podcast on this topic on Spotify.

4. The Life of an Apprentice

As an apprentice, you’ll engage in hands-on learning, supported by mentors and regular one-on-one sessions. Your work will involve both practical and theoretical elements, with around six hours of off-the-job training each week.

This time is dedicated to studying, shadowing your mentor, and adapting to various challenges, such as onboarding new children or managing complex needs.

The role requires effective time management as you juggle your job responsibilities and studies. The unpredictability of working with children means you must also be adaptable and open-minded, and it provides an excellent opportunity to develop these skills.

Despite the challenges, the rewards are plentiful. You’ll develop skills, gain experience, and receive support from experienced staff, which will all contribute to your professional growth.

Listen to our dedicated podcast on this topic on Spotify.

5. Completion of an Apprenticeship

As you approach the end of your apprenticeship, the focus shifts to preparing for endpoint assessments. We provide extensive support to ensure you’re ready, including practice sessions and feedback on your off-the-job work. Our aim is to equip you with everything you need to succeed.

Upon successful completion, Happy Days guarantees a job offer in the role you’ve qualified for, allowing you to continue your career in a familiar environment. Additionally, you’ll have the opportunity to pursue further qualifications and career advancement through our internal promotion network.

Listen to our dedicated podcast on this topic on Spotify.

6. Common Misconceptions Surrounding Apprenticeships

There are several misconceptions about apprenticeships that we’d like to address to end this blog.

Firstly, the wages for apprentices are considered to be very low, often below the national minimum wage. However, Happy Days offers a competitive apprenticeship wage that exceeds the usual apprentice wage to reflect our appreciation for your work. In the second year, your salary will align with national working standards.

Apprenticeships are also not exclusively for young people; individuals from various age groups and backgrounds are welcome and a childcare apprenticeship could give you the perfect experience you need to switch industries if you aren’t happy in your current role.

Moreover, the early years education sector isn’t solely for women. Men can – and do – play a vital role in childcare, and it’s a rewarding career for everyone.

Plus, apprenticeships do not cost you anything! They are not like a degree or adult course where you pay your own fees, your employer (in this case, us) and the government cover all expenses, making it an accessible option for anyone.

Finally, there’s no need to wait for the next academic year to start. Our early years apprenticeships are flexible and do not operate according to the school year, so you can begin whenever you’re ready!

Listen to our dedicated podcast on this topic on Spotify.

7. Work With Us at Happy Days Nurseries

We’re excited about the future of childcare and look forward to welcoming passionate individuals who are ready to make a difference in the lives of children.

If you’re ready to embark on a fulfilling career journey, we encourage you to consider an apprenticeship with us. We recently produced a blog looking at the benefits of working with Happy Days and how we can support your career.

Fill out the application form on our website to select your preferred role and location and leave us your CV – your future in early years education starts here!

1. What does outdoor play consist of?

Outdoor play, despite the name, is more than simply playing outside. It is about taking the appropriate risks to experience exploration, discovery, inquisition, safety, the development of good habits, improving health, and much more.

Inquisitive & Ambitious Thinker within our curriculum focuses on outdoor play and was constructed using several different key ideas and inspirations. These include the Wanderlust Programme, which draws upon early education approaches in Scandinavia, Canada, and Austria, and the STEM learning programme, which helps to incorporate key areas of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics.

It is also an excellent opportunity to teach children about the natural world and preservation efforts, discussing the importance of our ecosystem, habitats, and wildlife, while also encouraging positive environmental habits like recycling and growing plants.

Outdoor play is a safe and enjoyable learning experience that can help develop several core components of Early Years learning.

2. Cognitive benefits of outdoor play

One of the most important developmental benefits of outdoor play is on the brain, helping to stimulate a child’s senses, and allowing them to feel more in tune with their body. Touch, sight, smell, and hearing are all stimulated through outdoor play with many of the things they interact with being new or interesting.

Additionally, outdoor play can help to increase focus in children, improving their attention span and encouraging them to find ways to engage themselves. This can also lead to a better understanding of problem solving, such as when a ball gets stuck in a hedge or toys in the mud.

Even better, outdoor play is often associated with a reduction in stress levels among children, which can help contribute to healthy development in other areas.

We have outdoor mindfulness and yoga sessions which are designed to help our children channel these positive aspects of outdoor play. Studies have found that yoga can help improve a child’s concentration levels, lead to better breathing, and increase happiness levels.

3. Emotional benefits of outdoor play

Outdoor play can be both a collaborative and independent venture, depending on the play session. When children play in a group, they can develop their social and communicative skills alongside bravery, exploration, and more. They will often work together to overcome obstacles or develop their understanding of key concepts like sharing.

When playing alone, outdoor play can foster a sense of discovery and independence within children, prompting them to explore these feelings in a positive way. They may investigate and look to find out more about small animals or plants they encounter.

These emotional and social skills are crucial in their transition to school, providing them with a strong foundation to boost their confidence, make their own friends, and adapt to their new environment quickly.

4. Health benefits of outdoor play

At Happy Days, we strive to encourage healthy habits for our children. A big part of our outdoor play curriculum is sun safety, and as a registered partner of Sun Safe Nurseries, we pride ourselves on the effectiveness of these teachings to prevent serious future health risks.

Outdoor play can also help boost the health of a child through the strengthening of their immune system. This can help prevent them from getting sick so often through childhood and can even help improve their health into adulthood.

Additionally, outdoor play helps to improve stamina, agility, balance, and strength – all key parts of early health development.

5. Physical benefits of outdoor play

Outdoor play can help the physical development of children through exercise and collaboration. Active outdoor play can help the development of motor skills and coordination while also building healthy exercising habits that can last a lifetime.

That’s why we have our “Let’s Move!” and “Let’s Kick It!” learning programmes, designed to encourage exercise within children through play activities like balance bridges and football matches.

These kinds of enjoyable but challenging activities help develop skills at a faster rate than adult initiated activities, providing a specific task that helps them stay active. This can help develop their bone density, large muscle groups, and stability while helping to maintain a healthy weight and reducing the chance of diabetes in later life.

6. Get in touch with Happy Days Nurseries

Do you think our look on outdoor could work well for your child? Have any questions regarding our Early Years outdoor learning? Interested in finding out more? Get in touch with Happy Days today and give your child the best possible start to their education!

Our team are available over the phone on 0800 783 3431 during the week or consider emailing us at enquiries@happydaysnurseries.com and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible!

1. Why a Good Start to the Day is Important

Starting off on the right foot can make a huge difference to your child’s day and yours, too. The morning routine is the most important aspect of this, and building one up can help reinforce positive habits, help them feel ready for nursery, and help save you time and stress.

A good morning routine can also help you build and maintain a positive parent-child relationship, building consistency, a sense of responsibility, and excitement for your child. It can also help your child develop several key life skills, including time management and independence.

A key part of any good morning routine is breakfast, and by incorporating this as a main part of the routine, you will help your child develop a healthy relationship with food and ensure they start the day with good nutrition. Both a good morning and evening routine go hand in hand both benefitting each other.

2. The Morning Routine Starts at Bedtime

Every morning routine starts the night before. Without enough sleep, any child will wake up tired, less engaged, and less likely to have the energy or concentration needed to engage with their routine.

They may also feel irritated and irrational, without necessarily knowing why, then be less likely to want to eat a healthy breakfast, leading to further tiredness, hunger, and irritation later on.

If you want your child to start waking up with energy and building a strong morning routine, getting enough sleep is crucial. For 3–5-year-olds, we recommend between 10 and 13 hours of sleep during the full day is recommended, including naps. For 1-2-year-olds, this is raised to between 11 and 14 hours.

For more information and some of our tips on perfecting that bedtime routine, check out our blog.

3. Example Morning Routines for 3 Year Olds:

The first stage of building a new morning routine is to start helping your child wake up at the same time every day. This will help their body clock adjust over time, making the routine easier to build and helping improve their energy levels.

Many toddlers will naturally wake up between 5:30am and 7:00am and trying to set and stick to a time that suits you and your own routine in the morning is important. To help establish this routine, you may want an alarm clock or light that is timed to turn on at a specific time each morning.

Next, consider setting up a morning routine checklist that you and your child can tick off each day to help organise their morning. This means you and they can see at a glance where they are and what they have left to do.

The first thing you might want them to do after waking up is wash their face and brush their teeth, as it can be a refreshing way to start the day. Dentists also strongly recommended to brush your teeth before breakfast, rather than after.

After a wash, it’s time to change into their clothes for the day. You may also want them to make the bed during this step, helping develop positive habits that they will carry with them for years.

Next, a balanced breakfast to help give them the energy they need for the day. You may want to consider laying the table the night before to help save time when you are busy in the morning.

Lastly, make sure that their bag is packed and ready to go with all the essentials they need for nursery and get their shoes on – you’re both ready to have a great day!

4. 5 tips to help children stay consistent:

Implement a Morning Routine Checklist

Hanging up a visual checklist for your child in their room will help them know what needs to be completed every morning and the order which they do it in. You could also liven it up with engaging stickers to help them be more involved!

Set an Alarm

Having an alarm clock or light source that turns on at the same time each day helps your child know that it is time to wake up and for the morning routine to start. Consider playing a song that your child enjoys to help them wake up in a positive mood, and think about using an alarm with a light in winter on those darker mornings.

Make the Bed

By encouraging your child to make their bed or organise their pillows, you will help encourage independence whilst also starting the day off with a sense of achievement. This is a habit that they will hopefully develop and continue into their teens.

Give Them a Nutritious Breakfast

Starting the day off with a filling and nutritious breakfast will help your child feel more energetic and ready for the day ahead, whilst also supporting their physical growth and development.

Creating a Calm Environment

A gentle start to the morning can help your child adjust to the waking world. Speaking in calmed voices and not rushing the morning routine will help your child to feel calm and relaxed for the day ahead, helping to eliminate any anxious thoughts they may have.

Get in Touch with Happy Days

At Happy Days Nurseries, we strive to ensure that your child gets the best support and care at nursery and home. Our purpose-built facilities along with a specialist curriculum for learning help prepare your child for school, and our close partnership with parents helps continue that preparation and development outside of nursery grounds.

To find out more about our nursery philosophy or for more help with your childcare needs, call our head office on 0800 783 3431 or email enquiries@happydaysnurseries.com. Alternatively, use our find a nursery tool to see which Happy Days nursery or preschool you are closest to!

1. What is Your Curriculum Like?

Possibly the most important part of nursery, the curriculum will detail what and how your child will be learning. For nurseries, it is crucial that the curriculum is carefully sequenced to enable children to build upon their learning over time. 

It is also important that it provides opportunities for children to make connections between newly learned facts and skills with what they already know. It should cover core life skills, promotes good habits, and helps to prepare them for a positive transition to school. 

The Happy Days “Where Children Shine” curriculum is split into four key aspects that help your child develop socially, physically, intelligently, and personally. These are:

• Strong and Confident Communicator – Supporting children to listen, understand and communicate.
• Inquisitive and Ambitious Thinker – Fostering curiosity, understanding and an appreciation of the natural world.
• Healthy and Independent Explorer – Developing active and healthy habits for the future to promote lifelong health.
• Resilient and Motivated Individual – This aspect of the curriculum develops a positive sense of self, supporting confidence, and developing strong relationships.

2. What Activities will my Child Participate in?

Nursery is all about creating safe and enjoyable learning experiences, so it’s important to know that your child will have a good time while they are there. Plus, children often learn best by doing, so ensuring that they have fun and relevant activities can help stimulate their brains and support their learning and development!

At Happy Days, we provide a wide range of learning opportunities as part of our daily teachings, including singing, outdoor play and exploration, cooking programmes, exercise, yoga, and more.

3. How do you Support Child Learning?

A child learns best if they are engaged and comfortable, and some may require additional support for various reasons. It is important to know how a Nursery will ensure your child feels safe, secure, and ready to learn every day. 

We instigate a range of procedures to ensure the children in our care feels happy and secure  at nursery, including a designated key person who will help them settle in and specially curated environments to stimulate early brain development. 

4. What Qualifications Do Your Staff Have?

You want to be sure that the quality of care and education your child receives exceeds expected standards. While some of that is down to the curriculum, a lot of it is the responsibility of the staff. 

At least half our staff hold Level 2 qualifications in Childcare, with the entirety of our senior teams holding a Level 3 qualification or above. We maintain the number of unqualified staff below the required 50% rate. 

We also have paediatric first aid trained staff members at every nursery, which is renewed every three years. 

5. How Do You Promote Healthy Eating?

It’s important for your child to eat a nutritionally balanced diet, but it’s also good to know that they are enjoying what they eat, too. If you don’t know what your child is eating, it can be hard to plan outside of nursery.

We work closely with a specialist early-years nutritionist to develop our menu year-round, which operates on a four-weekly, seasonal schedule. Our trained cooks and chefs use fresh ingredients every day to prepare these meals, designed to help introduce your child to a range of tastes and textures. 

Is your child a fussy eater, or perhaps they have a specific allergy? No problem, our team will always find a way to provide them with tasty and healthy meals and snacks regardless of their preferences or needs. 

6. Will I Find Out How my Child is Doing?

Being involved in your child’s learning is key, as you don’t want to be left out and feeling like you’re watching them develop from the sidelines. 

We make sure to incorporate you into the development of your child, providing tips and advice to continue your child’s education at home and ensuring constant communication so you can follow along and understand their progress. 

We utilise the ParentZone app so that you can see weekly observations of your child’s learning and development, be sent photos and videos of their activities, and share or save your child’s significant developmental milestones and special memories.

7. What is Included in the Fees?

It is best to establish exactly what is included in your fees, what extras have to be paid for and what you have to supply yourself, such a nappies and wipes. Take close attention to the hours the fee covers as some nurseries charge extra for early or late collection. If the nursery isn’t transparent about their fees, you may want to investigate closer! 

Our fees vary from nursery to nursery and will be impacted on the government support available. We always encourage parents to discuss the fees with the nursery manager when they visit the nursery as everyone’s circumstances are different.

Please visit our Affordable Childcare page for more information or speak to your local nursery manager for assistance. 

Find A Happy Days Nursery Local to You

Do you think Happy Days Nurseries could be the right choice for your child? Find your local branch with our dedicated nursery finder tool and attend the next open day to find out more! 

Alternatively, check out our other guides for parents, including our list of five things to look for in a nursery and how to prepare your child for nursery to be as prepared as possible for their big day. 

Have more questions? Get in touch with us today on 0800 783 3431 or email enquiries@happydaysnurseries.com and a member of our team will be happy to help as soon as possible!

What is Boogie Mites

Boogie Mites aims to offer early years educators and parents the knowledge, confidence, and resources to harness the brain-boosting power of music every day, encouraging children to move and develop through music.

Why is Boogie Mites such an important part of the curriculum?

Neuroscience shows that regular music-making develops strong neural connections across the whole brain. Like the foundation of a house, stronger neural connections lead to bigger, better brains and underpin learning. Below are areas supported by Boogie Mites.

Prime Areas:

Personal, social and emotional development

Self-confidence and self-awareness

Music helps children to try new activities. To become more confident to speak in a familiar group talking about their ideas.

Managing feelings and behaviour

Music helps children talk about how they and others show feelings, talk about their own and others’ behaviour, and its consequences, and know that some behaviour is unacceptable. To work as part of a group or class, understand and follow the rules.

Managing feelings and behaviour

Music helps children play co-operatively, taking turns with others.

Communication and language

Listen and Attention

Music encourages children to listen attentively in a range of situations. To listen to stories, anticipating key events and respond to what they hear with relevant comments, questions or actions. To give their attention to what others say and respond appropriately, while engaged in another activity.

Understanding

Music encourages children to follow instructions involving several ideas or actions.

Speaking

Music encourages children to express themselves effectively.

Physical development

Moving and handling

Music helps children show good control and co-ordination in large and small movements. To move confidently in a range of ways, safely negotiating space. To handle equipment and tools effectively – such as instruments.

Health and self-care

Music helps children know the importance of good health of physical exercise and a healthy diet, and talk about ways to keep healthy and safe.

Specific Areas:

Literacy

Reading

Music helps children gain phonic knowledge that will contribute to decoding regular words and read them aloud accurately. To recognise rhymes, rhythms and patterns of words. To use expression in storytelling through work with intonation, tempo, dynamics, actions and facial expressions that go with music-making.

Writing

Musical instruments help children develop fine motor skill and manipulation required for writing.

Mathematics

Numbers

Music helps children order and say which number is one more or one less than a given number. To use counting on and counting back, shapes and one to one correspondence. Music is built on recurring mathematical patterns and sequences – children can develop mathematical thinking as they respond to this.

Shape, space and measure

Music helps children use everyday language to talk about size, position and to learn special awareness. Music and movement helps children to recognise, create and describe patterns and to explore characteristics of everyday objects and shapes.

Understanding the world

People and communities

Music helps children talk about past and present events in their own lives and in the lives of family members. To learn about similarities and differences between themselves and others, and among families, communities and traditions – different cultures.

The World

Music provides a learning style through which topics can be explored. It can help children know about similarities and differences in relation to places, objects, materials and living things. To talk about their own immediate environment and how environments might vary from one another. To make observations of animals and plants.

Expressive arts and design

Exploring and using media and materials

Music helps children to sing songs, make music and dance, and experiment with ways of changing them.

Being imaginative

Music helps children represent their own ideas, thoughts and feelings through music, dance, role-play and stories.

How does it fit in with our ‘Where Children Shine Curriculum’?

Boogie Mites is part of the Strong and Confident Communicator aspect of our curriculum which focuses on supporting children to listen, understand and communicate. This aspect of our curriculum supports children’s ability to listen, understand and communicate, which is crucial for lifelong learning and future success. It is underpinned by Communication & Language, Personal Social & Emotional Development, Literacy and Expressive Art & Design.

Every Happy Days Nursery delivers the following programmes to support this aspect of the curriculum:

• Awe & Wonder Book Club
• Letters & Sounds
• Sing & Sign
• Babbling Babies & Toddler Talk
• Musical Matters
• Boogie Mites

In the Boogie Mites School Ready Programme each song has a direct link to Letters and Sounds Phase One. The 25 songs within the programme have been informed by neuroscience and specifically written to capture the imagination of young children. The different genres of upbeat music are used to offer diverse experiences with the fun lyrics and great melodies developing children’s rhythmic and melodic awareness.

This programme recognises the importance that daily music and singing plays in developing strong foundations for early language acquisition and literacy skills, this includes opportunities for sound recognition and phonological and phoneme awareness.

Each Nursery has a Boogie Mites Ambassador who has attended a Boogie Mites School Ready Workshop led by a Boogie Mites Trainer.

For more information on Boogie Mites and other aspects of our curriculum, please feel free to get in touch

We’re no strangers to effective childcare and parenting tips. We are a leading nursery chain operating in the Southwest of England and South of Wales, helping young children prepare for school with purpose-built facilities and a specialist curriculum of learning.

Get in touch if you have any questions by calling 0800 783 3431 or emailing enquiries@happydaysnurseries.com, or use our Find a Nursery tool to see which of our nurseries or preschools is closest to you!

The Importance of Sleep for Children

Any parent knows that plenty of sleep is essential for their child, but the specifics of how much and why can often vary.

Why is Sleep Important for Children?

Getting a good amount of sleep helps your child in their mental, physical, social, and emotional development. It is an essential part of growing up and learning, in much the same way as school or play.

How Many Hours Sleep do Children Need?

Unfortunately, there is no magic number to ensure your child rests well every night, and the needs of each child can vary. However, Great Ormond Street Hospital has provided a guide on how much sleep children in specific age categories should get per day, including naps:

• 4 – 12 Months: 12 – 16 hours
• 1 – 2 Years: 11 – 14 hours
• 3 – 5 Years: 10 – 13 hours
• 6 – 12 Years: 9 – 12 hours

How Bedtime Affects Children Learning

The amount of sleep your child gets can directly affect their learning, as sleep can help stimulate the analysis, understanding, and memorisation of new information.

Being well rested also helps improve their concentration, mood, and behaviour, which will help them learn from their experiences throughout the day, at home or at school.

Five Tips for Better Sleeping Patterns in Your Children

Every child has different needs when it comes to sleeping, and the tactics that work for one child may not be as effective for another. Try some of the following and see what works for you!

1. Time Without Screens – Also a common recommendation for adults, putting phones, tablets, and TV’s off and away a little while before bed can help reduce brain stimulation before it’s time to sleep.

2. Give Them a Bath – Running a bath to help them get ready for bed signals to your child that it’s time to wind down, and the warmth will often have a soothing effect on their emotions.

3. Start Building a Routine – Whether it’s brushing their teeth, getting changed into pyjamas, or running the bath, getting a child into the routine of falling asleep in the same place every day will support their sense of security.

4. Read Age-Appropriate Books – Reading before bed is an excellent tool to stimulate sleep and can also start winding down your child’s emotions and excitement. Relaxing bedtimes stories for children can be found anywhere, so try to find some that relate to your child’s interests.

5. Create a Meditative Atmosphere – There are lots of ways to employ children’s meditation for sleep, such as dimming the lights, playing quiet and relaxing music or white noise, and gently talking to them about soothing subjects. Also consider the colours of a child’s bedroom to ensure that they aren’t over stimulating.

6. Use neutral colours in bedrooms that aren’t over-stimulating; creams and pastel shades are helpful If possible use the same sleeping environment for the child. Getting into the routine of falling asleep in the same place each day will help them to feel more secure Always follow safe sleep practices. Details of the latest information and research is available from the Lullaby Trust

Example Bedtime Routines for 3-Year-Olds

Setting up a strict routine helps your child prepare for bed naturally every single night. By turning off their screens or running a bath at the same time, your child will know what to expect and start unconsciously calming down and preparing for sleep.

Let’s use a three-year old as an example. The recommended bedtime for a 3-year-old is about 19:30, so you may want to start running a bath at about 16:30. This will let them know bedtime is approaching and give them time to start winding down.

When the bath is ready, turn off their screens for the night, dim the lights, and consider playing some gentle music to help them relax. Once out of the bath, get them dressed into their pyjamas and make sure they brush their teeth.

Now they’re ready to be tucked into bed, consider reading them a children’s story appropriate and relevant to them, before letting them rest independently.

Starting to have success getting your child off to sleep at night? The morning routine is just as important, helping you and your child lay the foundations for a positive day. Check out our blog on morning routines for tips on how to help your child feel their best and get ready for nursery!

Get in Touch for More Information

We’re no strangers to effective childcare and parenting tips. We are a leading nursery chain operating in the Southwest of England and South of Wales, helping young children prepare for school with purpose-built facilities and a specialist curriculum of learning.

We like to support the development of the children in our care both when they’re at nursery, and when they’re at home.

Get in touch if you have any questions by calling 0800 783 3431 or emailing enquiries@happydaysnurseries.com, or use our Find a Nursery tool to see which of our nurseries or preschools is closest to you!

Fulfilling and Rewarding Work

If you’re thinking about a change in career and you like the idea of working with children, there is nothing more impactful and gratifying than childcare. Working in childcare offers a unique opportunity to directly impact young lives and contribute significantly to their development.

You get to help build and nurture important skills in young children, helping them develop into strong learners for school and independent adventurers for life. At Happy Days Nurseries, we’ve witnessed firsthand the immense rewards that come with nurturing and guiding children during their formative years.

Contribute to Early Child Development

Perhaps the most rewarding aspect of working in childcare is the opportunity to contribute to early child development. Witnessing the growth and progress of the children under your care, both emotionally and intellectually, is an experience like no other.

As childcare workers, we have the privilege of playing a vital role in shaping the future generation and enjoying our jobs while we do it. Every day working in childcare is improved by the fact that you know you are helping form early memories and making children happy, setting them up for success.

Find Diverse Career Paths and Specialisations

One of the most compelling aspects of a career in childcare is the sheer diversity of available roles. From early childhood education to special needs care and even

administrative positions (including finance, marketing, development, and more!), there’s a path to suit every skill set and passion within the childcare sector. With Happy Days Nurseries, you can explore roles across a range of locations in the Southwest of England and Wales, or at our support centre in Newquay. Plus, with government support available for those entering childcare roles, there’s never been a better time to embark on a fulfilling career journey.

Opportunities for Continuous Learning and Development

The childcare sector offers numerous chances for continuous learning and development, including your practical childcare skills, organisational work, management, and more.

Whether you’re drawn to hands-on interaction with children or prefer a behind-the-scenes role, there are plenty of opportunities for career progression in the field. Many of our staff have been with Happy Days for several years, honing their skills and now operating in management or supervisor roles. You can see the paths they’ve taken on our career pathways page!

Flexible Working Arrangements to Suit You

Flexibility is another key benefit of working in childcare. Whether you’re seeking part-time, full-time, or non-traditional hours, there are options to suit your needs. This flexibility is particularly invaluable for individuals with children of their own, allowing for a better work-life balance and allowing you to work around your busy schedule.

Building Strong Community Connections

Furthermore, a career in childcare enables professionals to build strong connections with members of your community. By forging meaningful relationships with families, childcare workers become integral members of their local area, fostering a sense of belonging and support.

There is a Growing Demand for Childcare Professionals

Today, the demand for childcare professionals is higher than ever. Changes in family structures and work dynamics mean that more parents are seeking reliable childcare options, creating a growing need for qualified individuals in the sector.

High demand for childcare workers results in more career opportunities in the childcare sector, and that means it’s an excellent time to join our growing team. We are always on the lookout for exciting and passionate individuals who are looking to join the sector and help the development of children in the UK. Start your childcare or nursery career journey today by sending your CV and a cover letter to our team, even if you don’t see a role that fits you straight away!

Find Careers in Childcare That Suit You

So, if you’re ready to embark on a career that offers fulfilment, enjoyment, and endless opportunities for growth, look no further than childcare. Visit our careers page today to explore the exciting nursery careers awaiting you at Happy Days Nurseries and join us in making a positive difference in the lives of children and families across the Southwest of England and Wales.

Inspire their future, and your future, with a career in childcare.

The benefits of working with Happy Days

A career in Early Years is already a rewarding experience on its own. There are few more fulfilling roles than helping young children develop their social skills, make new friends, and build their understanding of the world around them.

At Happy Days, we help our colleagues SHINE with our company values, benefits package, and support of the health and wellbeing of everyone at our nurseries.

It’s important to us that everyone at Happy Days wants to be fulfilled, feels enriched in their daily lives, and helps those around them achieve success.

Our SHINE values apply to both our staff and the children in our care and mean more to us than simply words on a page. They define the way we operate, setting the self-development and health of those in our nurseries as our top priority.

We also provide our staff with several key benefits as standard, including:

• A 50% childcare discount
• Paid Christmas closedown so you can fully enjoy the festive period
• Personal development and training opportunities
• Employee assistance and wellbeing tools

Happy Days offers flexibility and an expansive career pathway

There are a huge variety of jobs in nurseries, including those working directly with the children as well as roles supporting the wider operation of the nursery. Whether you are looking to progress your career working with children or in an alternative role, we are always looking for the right people!

We have a passion for the growth and development of our own staff and always try to promote from within whenever possible. We want you to enjoy your time with Happy Days, staying with us to progress your career in the way you want, while achieving your personal goals along the way.

One possible career path within Happy Days is joining as an Early Years Apprentice and reaching the very top as a Nursery Manager, working as a Qualified Nursery Practitioner, Room Supervisor, and Deputy Manager in the process.

Alternatively, Happy Days has a dedicated team of colleagues who support our nurseries with specialist functions, meaning that there are opportunities to join us in roles such as Finance, HR, Operations, Facilities and Mergers, or Developments. Our staff have shared their own career pathways within Happy Days, so see what your journey could look like!

We are always looking for the perfect people

Happy Days Nurseries is a growing community, and we are always on the hunt for new staff to help meet demand. If you think you have the qualities and personality to succeed within our industry, we would love to hear from you!

To be considered for one of our nursery job vacancies, attach your CV and fill out the form on our careers page. If we have a relevant position open, we will be in touch, and if we don’t, we’ll keep your details on record so that you’ll be the first to know when something comes up.

With new locations set to open soon, and plans for many more in the future, it won’t be long before you hear from us.

How to find your local nursery

Not sure where your closest Happy Days nursery is, or whether you will be able to work for us? Our nursery locator tool can help find the closest nursery to your home!

We are primarily based in the southwest of England and the south of Wales but hope to expand across the country in the future. We opened our first nursery in 1991, and now have more than 20 sites across these areas, so rest assured there’ll be a Happy Days location by you soon!

We also have plenty of non-childcare roles that are either fully remote or based at our support centre in Cornwall, so you can enjoy the benefits of working for Happy Days without needing to be nearby!

Get in touch to start your career journey with Happy Days today

Looking to make a start in a new field or progress your childcare career? Get in touch, we would absolutely love to hear from you. Fill out the application form on our website to select your preferred role and location and leave us your CV – we’ll make sure to contact you should something suitable be available.