Hedgehogs Nursery 2025 - 2026
Miss Skillen Badgers
Hello everyone! I am Miss Skillen, and I am the EYFS leader and one of the assistant headteachers at Woodlands Primary School.
In my teaching career I have taught in EYFS, KS1 and KS2 and led our KS1
phase; I am thrilled to be continuing my journey as EYFS leader in September. I am extremely
passionate about Early Years Education and believe that teaching life skills such
as team work, resilience and celebrating diversity in our community help children
become curious, lifelong learners. I have a real passion for the arts. I love designing, making, acting and singing- you will love hearing my angelic voice in class. You will often find me in the crafty corner helping children make their huge imaginations come to life. When I am not in school, I enjoy going to concerts, spending time with family and friends and going to see musicals. You will often find me in theatres singing my heart out to my favourite show tunes or belting out songs from the early 2000.
Mrs Davies - Hedgehogs Room Lead
Hello! I am Mrs Davies, and I have been working at Woodlands since 2022, but I have been working in Early Years for over 20 years.
I am very excited to be in Hedgehogs welcoming all our new children to Woodlands, and I
know we are going to have lots of fun and happiness in our Hedgehogs Room.
When I am not in school, I am usually found enjoying my time with my husband and my
two boys, watching them do what they love best, playing football. I also enjoy playing netball and reading in my spare time.
I can’t wait to meet you and begin your Woodlands journey together, and I
know that we are going to have a wonderful time filled with fun and laughter.
Welcome to Hedgehogs
Welcome to Hedgehogs!
We are delighted to welcome you to our brand-new Nursery room for children aged 9-24 months. This is such a special stage in your child's early development, and we're so excited to be part of their journey.
At this age every day is full of exploration, discovery and wonder. Guided by the EYFS framework we've created a warm and nurturing environment where your child can feel safe, secure and confident to explore the world around them. Whether it is building early communication skills, forming bonds with others, or discovering new textures or sounds, each experience in hedgehogs will support each individual child in their growth and development.
We look forward to getting to know your child and supporting them as they take these first steps in their leaning journey, one curious moment in time.
As our little Hedgehogs gently settle into their new environment and daily routine, we'll begin to explore the wonders of Autumn together. This will be through rich sensory experiences such as - crunchy leaves, discovering natural textures and noticing autumnal colours. The children will have opportunities to nurture their curiosity and begin to develop an early understanding of the world around them.
Early years foundation stage
Physical Development
In Hedgehogs we support physical development by providing a safe simulating spaces where are babies and toddlers can move freely and build their strength. Activities such as crawling, pulling up and cruising along furniture and exploring different textures to help develop co-ordination and muscle control. We also encourage reaching and grasping to support both fine and gross motor development. Our environment is carefully planned to promote movement, confidence and independence at each individual child's pace.
Personal Social and Emotional Development
We promote personal social emotional development in Hedgehogs by building strong and secure attachments with each child through consistent care and positive interactions. We aim to create a nurturing environment where babies feel safe, valued and confident to explore. We support emotional well-being by responding sensitively to their needs, helping them to manage feelings and begin to understand routine. Social development is encouraged through shared play, turn-taking and gentle encouragement to engage with others, laying the foundations for trusting relationships and positive sense of self.
Communication and Language
Communication and language is supported by talking to the children throughout the day, using clear and simple language. We respond to their sounds, gestures and early words to build back and forth interactions.
By singing songs, reading stories and naming objects during play this will encourage development in each individual child's understanding and vocabulary. We aim to create a language rich-environment where every child is listened to, encouraged and supported as the begin to express themselves.
Gentle reminder for our parents please remember to send the following items with your children
A bag with a change of clothing
Coat, hats, gloves
Water bottle or cup with a lid
Bottle and formula if required
Please remember to label all your child's belongings
Weather exploring
We love to explore the outdoors in all weathers, please make sure your child has suitable clothing for fun in the sun, rain, wind or snow.
Changes to collection
If somebody else is collecting your child, please can you let staff know as soon as possible.
A password for collection from Hedgehogs will be required.
Tapestry
We love to see all the things that our children get up to when they are not at Hedgehogs. Please share these moments on Tapestry.
During your child's time in Hedgehogs, we will also update their learning journey on Tapestry for you to enjoy!
Hedgehogs Email
hedgehogs@woodlands.cheshire.sch.uk
