Puffin's Pre-School & Day Nursery

Colour Psychology - Children's Bedroom

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:55:52 GMT

The Art (and Psychology) of Designing a Nursery That Grows With Your Child

Create zones for calm and connection

Every nursery benefits from a few defined areas:

Sleep: keep this zone visually quiet and consistent in tone.
Care: practical, well-lit, and easy to access.
Play: introduce gentle stimulation through patterns, textures, and sensory objects.

Even in a small room, these subtle boundaries help babies (and parents) feel more settled.

A nursery is more than a room. It’s where early memories are made, where your baby learns to feel safe, and where your own rhythm as a parent begins to unfold.

If you’d like expert guidance, OAT Interiors offers Colour Therapy sessions , in-home design consultations , and full design services to help you create a space that feels both nurturing and beautifully cohesive.

Ready to start designing your child’s sanctuary? Let’s create something timeless together. Find us at @oat.interiors and https://www.oatinteriors.co.uk/ or email directly hello@oatinteriors.co.uk for a FREE Discovery chat

Designing a nursery is one of the most joyful parts of preparing for a new arrival — but it’s also a space that needs to evolve. Beyond beautiful wallpapers and miniature furniture, the choices you make in this room can gently shape how your little one feels, sleeps, and plays.

As a designer, I often remind parents that children experience colour, texture, and light differently from adults. A thoughtful nursery isn’t just about aesthetics - it’s about creating a sensory environment that supports calm, curiosity, and comfort.

Start with colour psychology

Colour plays a powerful role in early development. Soft neutrals like warm whites, beige, and muted greys provide a calm backdrop that helps babies feel safe. Add subtle warmth through earthy tones — think clay, blush, sage, or soft ochre — to evoke comfort and connection.

If you prefer a bolder palette, balance is key. Gentle blues promote relaxation and better sleep, while sunny yellows can lift mood and encourage playfulness. Avoid overstimulating brights on all walls - instead, introduce them in artwork, textiles, or toys that can evolve as your child grows.

Prioritise natural materials

Babies are extra sensitive to their environment. Choose low-VOC paints, natural fabrics, and solid wood furniture where possible. Beyond being healthier, natural textures (like linen, rattan, and wool) help regulate temperature and bring a sense of warmth that synthetic materials often lack.

Sleepy Baby, Happy Mama

Thu, 16 Oct 2025 11:49:23 GMT

Starting Nursery? Here's How to Keep Sleep on Track

Trust Your Instincts

You know your child better than anyone. If something feels off with their sleep or behaviour, trust that instinct. Most settling-in issues resolve within a month, but if you're concerned, speak to the nursery staff or seek professional support.

Be Kind to Yourself

You're navigating a huge transition too. It's okay to feel emotional, worried, or overwhelmed. These feelings don't make you a bad parent – they make you human. Give yourself the same grace you'd give your best friend.

Starting nursery is a big step, but you're both ready for this adventure. Better sleep is still possible, even with this new chapter beginning.

Written by Emma Hill, baby & toddler sleep consultant. If this has helped or you are struggling with other aspects of your little one’s sleep, I would love to hear from you! Please come follow me on Instagram - www.instagram.com/sleepybaby_happymama or visit my website - www.sleepybabyhappymama.com to find out more about my gentle 1:1 sleep programmes.

I know that feeling. Your little one is about to start nursery and you're lying awake at 2am wondering if they'll cope without their afternoon nap, or worse – if they'll be the child having a meltdown at pickup because they're overtired. Take a deep breath. I've guided hundreds of families through this transition, and with the right approach, it can be smoother than you think.

The Two-Week Head Start

Don't wait until the first day to start preparing. Begin adjusting your child's sleep schedule two weeks before nursery starts. If they currently nap at 1pm but nursery has quiet time at 12pm, gradually shift that nap earlier by 15 minutes every few days. Their little body clock needs time to adapt, and rushing this process only creates more stress for everyone.

Master the Art of the Early Bedtime

Here's something most parents don't expect: your child will likely be exhausted after their first few weeks at nursery. All that socialising, learning, and stimulation is wonderful but draining. Don't fight this – embrace it. Bring bedtime forward by 30-60 minutes temporarily. Yes, it might mean missing part of your evening routine, but a well-rested child is a happier child.

Create a Nursery Sleep Kit

Pack a small comfort item that smells like home, like a comforter or a tiny teddy. Check with nursery staff about their settling techniques and share what works at home. Consistency between home and nursery helps your child feel secure and settle more easily.

Prepare for the Nap Drop Drama

If your child is dropping their nap for nursery, expect some big emotions. They might fall asleep in the car, have meltdowns over tiny things, or resist bedtime because they're overtired. This is completely normal and usually lasts 1-2 weeks. Stay calm, offer extra cuddles, and remember that adjustment takes time.

The After-Nursery Slump

Those first few pickup times might be rough. Your usually chatty toddler might be clingy, tearful, or have zero patience. This isn't because nursery is wrong for them – it's because they're processing a big change. Keep after-nursery activities low-key. A quiet afternoon at home isn't boring; it's exactly what their little nervous system needs.

Crafting Magical Adventures at Home

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:36:33 GMT

The Benefits of Creative Play for Young Children

As a dad of two little girls, I know how hard it can be to find meaningful, screen-free activities that really capture children’s imaginations. The Busy Box began after a difficult period in my own life. In 2019, I had a motorbike accident that left me with lasting injuries. While adapting to those challenges, I wanted to create something positive, something that would bring joy to my daughters and give us moments of connection together.

What started as a few simple crafts at the kitchen table grew into a family business. Friends encouraged me to share the idea more widely, and now The Busy Box delivers themed activity boxes each month to families across the UK. To my surprise and pride, we have even been shortlisted for the Junior Design Awards 2025, with winners announced this month. To see something that began as a way to spend quality time with my girls recognised at this level feels very special.

Why creative play matters

Creative play is about so much more than keeping little ones occupied. It is a foundation for early learning and confidence:

Fine motor skills: Threading, painting, sticking and cutting strengthen small hands and prepare them for writing

Problem solving: Building and designing encourage curiosity and resilience
Language development: Story-led activities introduce new words and spark conversations
Confidence: Completing a craft gives children a sense of pride they can share with others

Making craft time stress-free

I understand that parents can sometimes find crafting stressful or messy, and I have been there myself. That is why every Busy Box comes with pre-measured materials, clear picture instructions, and activities designed for short attention spans. The goal is to make it easy and enjoyable for parents while exciting and engaging for children.

A magical shared experience

The part that makes The Busy Box unique is the ongoing story, Boxy’s Sticker Quest. Each month, children receive a new chapter set in the magical land of Crafteria. The crafts they create become part of Boxy’s adventure, which turns simple activities into something children feel connected to and proud of.

For me, the most rewarding thing is seeing how children light up when their creations play a role in the story. A jellyfish might help Boxy cross the ocean, or a castle might become a place of safety. It is about creating magical shared moments that children and parents remember long after the craft is finished.

If you would like to see more, you can find us on Instagram @thebusybox.insta , where we share new activities and story updates, or visit www.thebusybox.co.uk to explore our boxes.

Scott

Owner – The Busy Box

www.thebusybox.co.uk

Your Preschooler’s Brain: Meet Lenny Lizard and the Brain Friends

Wed, 01 Oct 2025 13:31:41 GMT

Have you ever wondered why your preschooler melts down when their toast is cut the “wrong” way, or why transitions can feel so big and overwhelming?

It’s not just a phase, it’s brain development in action.

At this age, your child’s brain is growing rapidly, but it’s still under construction. That’s where The Brain Friends come in- a simple, science-based way to help parents and children understand what’s going on inside those little heads (and hearts).

The Brain Friends are four characters that represent key parts of your child’s developing brain. Together, they help make sense of big feelings, tricky behaviour and moments when everything just feels a bit much.

Let’s meet them...

Lenny Lizard lives in the brainstem, the part of the brain responsible for keeping the body alive and ready to act. He controls basic functions like breathing, heart rate, and movement. When your child jumps, runs, pushes, hides, or hits without thinking, that’s Lenny in charge. Lenny’s job is to mobilise the body quickly in response to discomfort or stress. He doesn’t plan or think things through — he reacts. He’s essential for survival, but sometimes he takes over when a child is just hungry, overstimulated or tired.

Mylo Monkey lives in the emotional part of the brain, where the amygdala and hippocampus are. He’s the one who sounds the alarm when something feels big, scary or upsetting. Mylo doesn’t use logic — he uses feelings. That’s why your child might panic, cry or cling when something unexpected happens. Mylo is communicating through emotion.

Orla Owl lives in the thinking part of the brain, the prefrontal cortex (which is still developing into their 20s!) She’s in charge of reflection, problem-solving and reasoning. But Orla can only come online when Lenny and Mylo are calm. That’s why young children can’t “just calm down” or talk about their feelings in the moment; their brains haven’t made that leap yet.

Brilliant Brain helps connect everything together. He’s in charge of learning and growing through practice. When your child uses the Brain Friends regularly, they’re not just behaving better, they’re building new neural pathways that support emotional development, resilience and independence over time.

Why Lenny Lizard matters most in the early years

In the first five years of life, regulation starts in the body. Your child is learning how to feel safe, how to tune in to their needs, and how to recover from strong emotions, but they need a grown-up to help them do it.

Every time you help your child calm their body, meet a need, or take a break when things get overwhelming, you’re helping Lenny return to rest. You’re also setting the stage for Mylo to feel safe, Orla to come online, and Brilliant Brain to grow.

How you can support Lenny at home

Here are a few ways to gently support regulation at this age:

Name body needs : “I think your body might be hungry” or “Your legs look wriggly — do you need to move?”
Create predictability : A simple routine or picture schedule helps the nervous system feel safe
Use simple language : Try phrases like “Lenny is moving fast, let’s slow him down” or “Let’s help Lenny feel steady.”
Notice early signals : Meltdowns often start with little clues like fidgeting, whining or zoning out
Stay close : Your calm presence helps their body return to safety faster than anything else

Why the Brain Friends work

The Brain Friends model gives your child the language, visuals and metaphors to start understanding themselves from the inside out. When children learn about their brain and nervous system in a playful way, they’re more likely to use the tools they’ve been taught, even when big feelings show up.

And because the model is designed for adults too, it helps parents and teachers respond with compassion rather than confusion. You’ll understand what’s really going on underneath the behaviour and know how to help.

Discover The Brilliant Brain Friends storybook on Amazon:
The Brilliant Brain Friends: Learning From the Inside Out

Watch the explainer video:
www.thebrainfriends.co.uk

Would you like to explore more about how to support your child’s emotional development using the Brain Friends? Visit the site or contact Emily directly at emily@thebrainfriends.co.uk

Let’s give every child the tools they need to thrive, starting with their brain.

Should babies wear socks?

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:07:08 GMT

It’s a common question, along with asking if they should wear shoes.

Find out all the answers below from a blog post we found from the Start Rite website.

Babies are delicate and require our utmost care and attention – this goes for their feet too. One of the many things for new parents to think about is whether or not their baby needs socks. While socks may seem like a small detail, they can actually play a role in your baby's comfort and development.

Babies are not able to regulate their body temperature as effectively as adults, and their extremities, such as their hands and feet, can become cold quickly. Socks provide an extra layer of insulation, keeping the baby's feet warm and comfortable. This is especially important during the colder months or in air-conditioned environments.

In addition to keeping your baby's feet warm during colder days, socks can also offer a degree of protection. When babies start to crawl, they are at risk of injuring their feet, particularly when outside or on very hard and uneven surfaces. But, it is important to note that socks should not be used as a replacement for proper footwear. When your baby is starting to crawl, allowing them to do so barefoot is best. However, if you have cold floors, or the childcare provider you use insists on foot coverings, we’d always recommend a correctly fitting pair of pre-walkers worn with socks.

Should babies wear socks?

While socks can be helpful in certain situations, barefoot is best where possible. When babies are not wearing socks or shoes, they are able to use their toes to grip and feel the ground beneath them. This can help with their balance and coordination as they learn to crawl and walk.

If your baby needs socks, select a pair made from soft breathable materials such as cotton, bamboo or Alpaca wool. These materials will allow air to circulate and are easily washable.

Choosing socks that fit properly is vital. Too tight, and socks can affect the cartilage in small feet or restrict circulation and blood flow. And of course babies won’t be able to articulate the source of their discomfort. This doesn’t mean that loose or baggy socks are a good option. Too loose and they could easily fall off, or cause babies to slip when crawling. Socks that are too big and worn under shoes could affect how the shoe fits and cause blisters – which babies can’t necessarily feel because the nerve endings aren’t developed.

There might be times when your baby needs a foot covering, but socks aren’t quite enough. If you’re looking for something more substantial that doesn’t add weight or restrict movement in any way, why not try our pram shoes?

Can babies wear socks to bed?

While socks can help to keep a baby's feet warm when sleeping, a correctly fitting babygrow or ‘socked onesie’ would be preferable to socks so that no items of clothing can come loose. Ultimately, the decision to put socks on a baby should be based on the specific situation, surrounding environment and the baby's individual needs.

What size socks are best for a newborn?

For newborns, it's usually best to choose socks that are labelled as newborn or 0-3 months. These socks are typically designed to fit babies with a foot length of 8.5 - 10cm. It's important to choose socks that aren't too tight or too loose, as we’ve mentioned. Look for socks that have some stretch to them and a comfortable elastic band that won't leave marks on your baby's skin.

As with children, not all babies of the same age will have the same size feet. Some sock manufacturers list sizing charts to help you get the best size for your baby – these are often in centimetres or millimetres. The best way to measure their feet would be to use a fabric tape measure. Measure the length of their foot from the back of the heel to the tip of the longest toe. If you don’t have a fabric tape measure to hand, you can use a piece of string to measure their feet and then line this to a ruler.

Back to school anxiety

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:07:06 GMT

Going back to school at the end of the summer holidays can mean a great big to-do list. Preparing to head back to school involves many things, from buying new school shoes to easing into an earlier bedtime before the first day back. One thing that is often overlooked, though, is the emotional side of going back to school.

Please take a look below at ways to overcome anxiety which we found on the Start Rite website.

How to overcome back to school anxiety

After six weeks of sunshine and oodles of free time, it can be hard to transition back into a regular term-time routine. That’s why we’ve worked with Dr Julie Smith, a Clinical Psychologist and expert in mental health, to offer advice on how to manage the transition back to school for both children and parents.

Here we provide some helpful tips on how to spot behaviours that might show your child is anxious, but not sharing their concerns and how to help them with their feelings. We’ll also give you some top tips of our own on how to ease back to school anxiety for parents and pupils alike.

Dr. Julie Smith's seven point action plan

Make time. Find at least 10 minutes each day to check in with your child one on one so you can talk about things they may not want to share with the whole family.
Validate their feelings. If your child expresses anxiety about returning to school, be sure to let them know, first and foremost, that you’re listening. Try not to dismiss their feelings or imply that they shouldn’t be feeling this way. Remember, it’s natural to be anxious before a big change.
Normalise. Explain that lots of children will be having similar feelings ahead of the return to school, and help your child to understand that it is understandable and normal to feel this way. You might even share a time when you were similarly nervous.
Know that the feeling is temporary. It’s normal to be anxious before a change, but as your child gets into the swing of the new school year, they’ll likely lose those feelings of trepidation. If possible, remind them of a time they were nervous before, and how they felt after getting used to the new normal.
Help them find a focus. In times of anxiety, it can be helpful to feel confident and in control. Help your child to do this by walking them through what they’ll need to do. For example, explain how to answer the register, how to introduce themself, how to call a teacher over.
Reassurance. If your child has specific anxieties, such as not making friends or not doing well in lessons, try to reassure them. Remind them that their old friends used to be strangers before they got to know one another, and assure them that you’ll support them with anything they find difficult.
Be prepared. Having to rush around in the morning before school makes tensions rise and anxieties build, so make sure to allow extra time so things can run smoothly. If possible, try to prepare lunches and school bags ahead of time so you have fewer things to do in the morning.

Tips for parental anxiety

Watching your little one head through the school gates can be a nerve-wracking experience, whether it’s their very first day at high school or primary, or they’re moving up into the next year group. As a parent, you can easily get lost in all sorts of worries - will they make friends, will they do well in their classes, will they enjoy themselves? And while these worries are perfectly natural, they can get in the way of what can also be a very exciting time for both you and your child.

So how can parents reduce their back to school anxieties?

Distract yourself. One of the biggest sources of anxiety after a child goes back to school is that transition from being with your child all day long to only seeing them outside of school hours. Filling your time with other things, whether that’s work, meeting up with friends or running errands, can help to keep you distracted and fend off worries.
Speak to other parents. A problem shared is a problem halved, they say, and speaking with other parents can help to alleviate your own anxieties. Not only can you share experience and anecdotes, but you can also foster relationships that could lead to playdates for your children outside of school.
Concentrate on the positives. It can be all too easy to think about the downsides to your child’s return to school, which makes it even more important to remember the benefits. Your child will have the opportunity to broaden their mind, develop mentally, emotionally and socially, plus make lots of new friends!

Tips for children's anxiety

Many of the points listed above can also be very helpful in relieving children’s stress and anxiety about going back to school, or going to school for the first time if that is the case. Here, we’ve listed some tips just for helping your child adjust to the transition.

Refer back to past experiences. If you can, try to remind your child of a previous time where they were anxious about something new, such as previous first days - of school or nursery, for example. If they’ve never had a first day, you could try first times such as their first time learning to ride a bike.
Involve them in decision-marking where appropriate. Allowing your child to help with making choices such as which school shoes to get or which stationery they’d like to take with them can help them to feel more confident and in control ahead of the first day.
Help them to focus on what is familiar Encourage your child to think about friends that will be starting the school year with them to help them realise that not everything is brand new and daunting. It’s also a good idea to familiarise them with their new teacher or, if it’s a new school, the route to and from home.

Top tips for dealing with Chicken Pox

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:07:05 GMT

Have the pox arrived? Not sure how to deal with them, or after a trusted and tried hack that you haven’t heard of? We hope the list of info below can help you over the next 7 days!

Firstly, if you didn’t know, the number one piece of advice is not to give Ibuprofen as this can cause skin infections

Calpol and Piriton are fine to give

Fill a sock/tights/muslin cloth with oats, attach it to the tap in the bath and run the water through it. This is really soothing for your child and will dry out the spots

Poxclin cool mousse is another great tool to dry out the spots, its also really cooling

If your child gets spots in their mouth, you could try ice pops or little yoghurts as a way of getting something in them to eat and to keep hydrated

Calomine lotion helps to ease the itch and is very soothing

Popping socks on hands at night is a great way to avoid scratching when asleep

Place a cool damp cloth or flannel on areas of irritation

Buy an anti-itch cream for them to dab all over as they please, this makes things a little more fun and hopefully calms the itching in the process. Eurax is a good make as well as Anthisan

Find a quiet forest and get outside! Obviously don’t go to places that are full of people so they don’t catch it but you are allowed out!

Distraction is key, settle in for a few days of baking, films, crafting, den building, games etc.

Lots of websites have printable activities or suggestions for things to do at home. For example www.bbc.co.uk/cbeebies is a brilliant site with lots of activity ideas as well as www.rspb.org.uk/fun-and-learning/for-kids/games-and-activities/activities/ and www.hobbycraft.co.uk/ideas/

Printable activity sheets

Thu, 20 Jul 2023 13:07:01 GMT

Sometimes we all need a little encouragement when we’re out and about, and what better way than an activity sheet!

Easily stored in the lunch bag with a pen, and its something that can be taken out again and again throughout the day to provide entertainment.

They also come in very handy when at home and you’d like a hot drink and five minutes peace!

Please follow the link to printable sheets found on the Start Rite website.

Free printable activities - Start-Rite Shoes Limited (startriteshoes.com)

Guest Blog Post from Kristin Louis

Wed, 15 Sep 2021 09:59:52 GMT

How to Get Your Kids Ready for the World

Raising a child is not rocket science; it is arguably more important and much more complicated. This is why it’s only natural for parents to take great pains in getting it right (is that even possible?). However, with so much advice and information on parenting easily accessible these days, it can, indeed, be very overwhelming.

Puffins Pre-School & Day Nursery understands the desires of parents everywhere to do right by their children, so we’ve put together a quick cheat sheet with some of the best age-appropriate methods in taking care of your kids’ various health, mental, and developmental needs.

Healthy Kids Are Happy Kids

A healthy body is the key to living a full and happy life. For this reason, nutrition and exercise must be encouraged in kids.

Healthy Eating for Children: Food Fact Sheet

Healthy Eating for Older Children & Teenagers

Easy Ways to Encourage Your Kids to Get Active

Safety First

Keeping kids safe from the dangers of the world is your most important mandate as a parent. Help them recognize and fight these dangers.

Tips for Managing a Rebellious Child at Any Age

Online Safety for Children: Tips and Guides

Teaching My Child About Stranger Danger

Education Starts at Home

Your home is your child’s very first classroom. Even when they start going to school, learning at home should never stop!

The Importance of Creative Play for Kids

The 15 Best Activities for Children to Help Them Learn Through Play

Storm Spotting for Children: At-Home Meteorology

Set Kids Up for Success

Raising children to become valuable, well-adjusted members of society entails a lifelong study in kindness, empathy, and tolerance.

Here Are The Social Skills Your Kid Can Learn From Play

How to Help Your Child Develop Empathy

Ultimately, the goal is to raise your kids to be smart and healthy, as well as to be valuable members of society. In this regard, nurture does play a huge part along with nature, which means your job as a parent is an ongoing one. And really, with those cute little faces looking to you for direction, how could you resist?

Photo via Pexels

Getting Ready for School

Thu, 22 Jul 2021 13:03:29 GMT

Starting School

While starting school can be daunting for a child, it can also be daunting for the parents!

You want to feel your child is ready and prepared for the big move of starting school.

From experience, I know that teachers really want every child to be able to dress and undress (it once took my daughter’s class 45 minutes to do just that, no PE that day!), recognise their own name and be able to use and knife and fork.

However, there are some other areas that could be helpful for your child to be clued up on, so below it a tick sheet for you to run through in the weeks leading up to school.

We have also added a tick sheet for each morning to help your child get ready for each day, anything to help keep a child organised or distract from a nervous wobble!

Places To Visit In Surrey - Part Three

Fri, 28 May 2021 10:07:59 GMT

When my daughter was little, I hunted high and low for a play session that was outdoors and just before she started school, I found one!

It was a little further away from home than I would have liked but I went along anyway and I’m so glad that I did because it was amazing!

Sunbury Garden Play is a huge space for children to run wild and free.

Set in a beautiful spacious back garden, there is plenty for the children to do.

On site there’s a vegetable and fruit patch for your picking, a rope swing, musical instruments made from natural resources, super big trampolines, ride on toys, a wooden boat for role play- I could go on!

Attention Bucket Time

Fri, 28 May 2021 10:07:49 GMT

Here at Puffins, we often sit down with small groups of children for something that is called Attention Bucket time.

Attention Bucket time is an activity which aims to develop children's shared attention skills in a group setting, thought up by Gina Davies.

We have found this activity especially useful and beneficial to the children and so we wanted to share it with you.

It is often used for children with special educational needs, but we have found it beneficial to all our children at Puffins.

The children sit in front of their teacher who has a bucket full of interesting objects, they will show an item from the bucket and the children will need to practice patience as not every child gets to hold the object on each turn.

It aims to support children's attention skills, helping them to develop and maintain focus for longer periods of time.

Below are some photos and a video from a bucket time that took place recently within Puffins.

This activity can be done anywhere, you just need a pot and a few objects to talk about and engage the children with!

Places To Visit In Surrey - Part Two

Mon, 17 May 2021 12:39:44 GMT

A Day at the Farm!

Elm Nursery is located in Sutton Green, Guildford, and is home to a farm shop, a flower nursery, a café and most importantly a children’s farm.

On site they have a large variety of animals including pigs, a donkey, rabbits, chickens and alpacas to name a few. It’s a family owned site and has been in Sutton Green for over 30 years!

Next to the children’s farm is a small play area with a few ride on toys, a slide, sandpit and chalk board. It’s basic but plenty to keep the children entertained whilst you sip on a coffee or wait for lunch to arrive from the on-site café. I would recommend taking some chalk for the board if you have any as we’ve never managed to grab some whilst there.

Here’s all the entry info you need…

Entrance to the farm is by pre-booked advance ticket only. We are not able to refund or rearrange tickets in the event of rain or cold weather, or if you can no longer attend. We are a small family business with limited resources. Please double check you have the right date before booking! Thank you for your support.

Open daily : 10am – 3.30pm – last entry 3pm.

Entry is £4 per person over the age of 2 and under 2’s are free. Our farm is an ideal venue for a morning or afternoon outing with young children. Spend some time outside getting plenty of fresh air and enjoy seeing the animals without the pressure of a ‘big day out’. Food to feed the chickens is available for £1 a bag (CASH ONLY), great fun for adults and children alike! We also have a small play area with a sandpit, covered seating area and outdoor benches. Your own food can be consumed but please use the tables and bins provided and support our café when you can. Rubbish can be dangerous to our animals, so please don’t leave any behind.

We have restricted visitor numbers to avoid over crowding and have implemented many new aspects to keep our customers and staff safe. All tickets must be booked in advance and no tickets can be purchased on the day. Should you require more information on COVID-19, please contact us.

After visiting a farm it is always important to wash your hands! Please make sure you do at our hand washing station. Masks are not required outdoors but must be worn inside the café and farm shop.

To book your tickets please click the link below.

We hope your enjoy your trip, we’d love to hear if you visit after reading this!

Places To Visit In Surrey - Part One

Mon, 17 May 2021 12:29:38 GMT

Time for a Walk!

I’m sure over the past year you’ve been on many walks and found some hidden gems in your local area.

Now we can meet other people and dine inside we might skip a walk around our local area in favour of more variety for our weekends, understandably so! However, it would be a shame to forget the local treasures we have found or not to discover more areas.

Within half an hour drive of Walton and Windlesham is the Riverside Park Nature Reserve in Guildford. A canal walk which leads to a wetland board walk, a lake and a lock keepers house.

It’s a really beautiful walk on a warm summer’s day and also great for puddle splashing if it’s more of a soggy Sunday stroll!

With two ways to walk, it’s easy to do a round trip with different views in either direction to make the walk interesting. I must admit, one direction isn’t quite as pretty as the other but it has large open areas of grass and a stone path – just watch out for the pylon!

The board walk is approximately 15 minutes from the car park. I would advise to keep left on the stone path and follow it all the way down, you’ll get there eventually and its definitely the quickest way. For the trek back to the car I would suggest walking back along the canal, the water is always so still and silky looking, the reflections on it are so beautiful!

The lake is next to the board walk, you can walk completely around it and at the top of the lake is grassland, perfect for a pic-nic!

Location:

Bowers Lane

Guildford

Surrey

GU4 7ND

The main access is via Bowers Lane which is situated off Clay Lane, Guildford, Surrey, GU4 7ND. There is a height barrier in the car park, which is small but enough for 20 or so cars, it’s free too!

We hope you enjoy visiting!

Makaton

Thu, 28 Jan 2021 13:41:35 GMT

Here at Puffin's we have been learning and using some simple Makaton to support the children's learning, understanding and communication skills.

Makaton is a unique form of language and communication that uses symbols, signs and speech to help support and develop individuals communication. Makaton helps develop the essential communications skills, listening and attention, comprehension, memory, recall and organisation of language and expression. We use Makaton daily with the children through conversations, songs, rhymes and play. It is a great communication skills to teach children from a young age as well as helping them to explore the different ways that we can communicate. We created a little poster of some of the signs we use daily with children. Why not give them a go and see if you can teach some to your children.

Guidance from Relax Kids with Faye

Mon, 27 Jul 2020 12:15:04 GMT

Relax kids aims to give children access to a variety of simple, effective techniques for relaxation, mindfulness and stress management, delivered in a fun and creative way to engage children's focus and interest. Believing that relaxation, mindfulness and a positive outlook are the keys to good mental health, self esteem and emotional resilience.

Here are some great ideas to help children as they return to school in September after this extended, unusual and for some, very anxious time at home...

Morning

In the morning as they wake, introduce a few minutes of relaxation to help your child on the right track for a positive day ahead.
On waking- can they lie very still and think about the exciting things they want to do that day?
Stretch- stretching up and back will help fully wake them and give them an energy boost.
Breathe- Taking a few deep breaths through the nose into the tummy and breathing out slowly through the mouth will help calm any worries about going to school. This can be done on the walk to school or in the car.
If walking to school, try some mindful walking. Ask your child to notice 5 things they can see, 4 things they can hear, 3 things they can touch, 2 things they can smell and 1 thing they could taste.

After school

Stretch- bending forward (sitting on the floor or standing) helps aid relaxation. Hold for a minute.
Talk- Ask your child how their day went and about any stresses or worries. They could put their worries in a worry box by writing them on a piece of paper, or draw a picture to get their anxiety out.
Time Out- Take some time out, not as a punishment but to take a brain break after school. Let them relax on the sofa and listen to some calming music (headspace, calm or insight timer are free apps with some great relaxation music). Or enjoy a shoulder or hand massage.

Bedtime

Finish the day with a nice relaxation session to ensure your child sleeps well. Try reading a visualisation or meditation or use one of the Apps mentioned above. Let your child get into bed and relax for a blissful night's sleep.
For more tips and advice, please follow relaxkidswithfaye on Instagram and Facebook .

Our Lending Library

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 12:02:53 GMT

We are so excited to announce that we have set up our new 'Lending Library' set within our lobby.

Reading and listening to stories is an essential part of learning within the Early Years as this not only promotes for a love of books, but it helps to develop a number of areas:

Promotes familiar relationships with adults who are reading the story to the child
Builds confidence and self-esteem
Aids cognitive development
Supports the development of communication and language
Supports good mental health and well-being
Supports and builds foundations of good literacy and reading skills, preparing the way for school
Supports the development of fine motor skills
Supports the development of listening and concentration skills

We want to support our families where possible and would love to share our stories to ensure all children at our setting are getting the same opportunities to enjoy books.

Please feel free to borrow a book from our Lending Library at any time!

Ideas for Activities and Routine During Self-Isolation

Thu, 16 Apr 2020 11:48:24 GMT

The Puffin’s Routine

7:30am-8:30am – Breakfast! Allow the children to pour their own cereal and milk, cut their fruit and butter their toast. It’s ok if they make a spillage, encourage them to tidy themselves. Encourage the children to pour any leftovers into the bin (if not able

to save) and either wash their dishes themselves or stack the dishwasher.

8:30am-11:30am – Free Play and Activity time! Why don’t you break this time into the following?...

8:30am-9:00am – Daily household duties: allow the children to choose their clothes and dress themselves, brush their teeth, wash their face and brush their hair. You are there to support them but allow them to try and practise these skills… practise makes perfect! Allow the children to make their bed, ask them to help sort the washing and tidy after breakfast time by wiping the sides and putting away anything that is left out.

9:00am-10:00am – Physical activity! Why don’t you try Joe Wicks’ PE class at 9am on youtube? You could then do some stretching or yoga after this to ensure muscles are fully stretched!

10:00am-11:30am – Activity and learning! Use some ideas from the list above to provide activities for your child. This will also allow you as parents/carers, time to spend on your own work or duties.

11:30am-12/12:30pm – Lunch time. The same as breakfast, allow your child to be involved in the preparation and cleaning of lunch as much as possible.

12:30-5:00pm – Free play and Activity time! Break the time into sections again as suggested above to break up the afternoon. Maybe something like this…?

12:30-1:15/1:30pm – Afternoon nap or ‘chill out’ time. If your child doesn’t sleep maybe use this time to allow them to read a story quietly or watch one of their favourite programmes.

1:30pm-3:30pm – Activity and learning! Use some ideas from the list above to provide activities for your child. This will also allow you as parents/carers, time to spend on your own work or duties.

3:30pm-5:00pm : Physical Activity! Use one of our Physical Activity ideas above to fill this time. Why don’t you also play the ‘Sticky Kidz’ CD (we like the one with the yellow cover!) and allow the children to have a sing and dance (you could also join in!). The

children often sing and dance along to these songs at Puffin’s, it’s definitely a firm favourite!

5:00pm-6:00pm – Dinner time. The same as breakfast and lunch, allow your child to be involved in the preparation and cleaning of dinner as much as possible.

6:00pm-6:30pm – Daily Planning. Why don’t you plan tomorrow together? Give your child options for activities they will do and meals you will have tomorrow.

6:30pm-7:00pm – Time to wind down… have a bath, share some cuddles whilst reading a story, lay and watch the stars.

Activity Ideas

Messy Play

Playdough (recipes attached) – Add some sticks and leaves, glitter, flower petals
Water play- give dollies and animals a bath, create a shipwreck, add food colouring or paint to create a different colour,
Cornflour gloop (mix cornflour and water)
Shaving foam play – add food colouring and paint, glitter, animals and dolls (get them messy in
shaving foam to then wash off in the water!)
Cutting and sticking magazines
Use old boxes for making models
Grate a bar of soap for a clean messy play
Use funnels, cups and tubes at bath time

Physical Activities

‘Clubbercise’ with Lucy (search on Facebook)
Joe Wicks Live PE sessions on YouTube at 9am Monday-Friday
Thread painted pasta using string
Make a music area using pots and pans
Sticky Kids – search ‘Sticky Kids’ on Spotify. We particularly love the ‘Funky Monkey’ song!
Hammer/tap nails into an apple
Open padlocks using keys- are they able to find the correct key?
Using pegs, hang clothes on the washing line
Planting seeds
Yoga (Search for Cosmic Kidz on youtube)
Stretching
Dancing!

Promoting Independence

Cooking together (recipes attached – we will also be sending new recipes out on our weekly newsletter!)
Food preparation – cut/peel vegetables or fruit, measure ingredients, mix ingredients together
Household duties such as help with the tidying up, dusting, sorting the laundry, hoovering, tidying toys away, making the bed
Choose own clothes and dress themselves (let the children be creative!)
Potty training

Literacy Skills

Read stories and talk about what happened or what might happen – talk about the characters and their characteristics
Talk about and make a story from own experiences
Write your own story
Practice writing own name/name recognition – can your child practise tracing their name?
Using paintbrushes to make marks in the sand
Using teddies and props from home to sing songs e.g. Monkey =Three little monkeys jumping on bed
Drawing using pencils, pens, chalk etc
Jolly phonics (Search this on youtube)

Maths Skills

Use buttons for counting, as money or to create a picture
What shapes can you find in your house?
Can you see any numbers in your house?
When cooking, ask the children to weigh and measure the ingredients – “2 eggs” or “1 spoonful”
Role play shops – make your own price tags, make your own money, use coins to count and ‘buy’ objects

Imaginative Play

Build a den using sheets, blankets, pillows and use a torch if it’s dark to look around
Teddy bears picnic
Create a treasure hunt around the house
Use wooden bricks and blocks to create a small world scene for your animals or small world people
Cut out small shapes/animals and stick to a straw and use as puppets (can also shine torch on wall)
Create a shop using real food (link this to Maths by creating your own price tags and money)
Orchard Games are always very fun for children and usual have learning aspects

You can access Twinkl or Sparklebox . These are websites that provide resources that can be download for free.

Feel free to create a diary of all the things you have done in order to share with Puffins when you come back – we would love to hear what everyone has been up to!

The Value of Sand and Water Play

Thu, 27 Feb 2020 10:01:25 GMT

When children are exploring the possibilities of ways to play and manipulate sand and water they’re most certainly engaging in sensory learning. A range of different senses can be used which enhances their own knowledge and information. Sensory exploration provides a more in depth understanding of materials, change of state and concepts. Sand and water play can provide a therapeutic experience for children as it allows them to deeply engage in their learning.

Here are some of the values of sand and water play:

· It provides an active learning approach

· Sparks a child’s critical thinking

· Enhances children’s problem solving skills

· Supports fine and gross motor development

· Can be a creative experience

· Can support small world play

· Encourages children to talk about their own experiences

· Developing concepts of the world around them

Equality at Puffins

Thu, 06 Feb 2020 13:18:54 GMT

What is Equality?

Equality means giving everyone the opportunity to reach their full potential and have an equal chance to live their lives as they choose.
Equality also refers to the way we handle cases of prejudice and discrimination to ensure there is parity in the process and outcome

Every child has unique and different learning abilities and develop at different speeds and rates. Here at Puffin’s we like to ensure that all children are given the same opportunities regardless of where they are developmentally. Children are encouraged to always try and praised for both the efforts made as well as the outcome.

Ways we promote equality in the learning environment:

Providing diverse language rich environments.
Celebrating different cultures, religions and festivals.
Introducing diverse and different traditional foods.
Providing songs, rhymes and different musical instruments.
Provide stories that reflect a variety of different homes and cultures.
Positive visual images.
Teaching children it’s ok to make mistakes.

Promoting Independence

Fri, 03 Jan 2020 10:08:21 GMT

Tips for encouraging your child to become more independent

"One of the key skills for life that we want to empower our children with in the early years is independence, both in relation to their actions and their thinking. To become independent, children have to be confident in their own abilities, otherwise they will remain over-reliant on the support of other adults or their more confident peers. Their confidence grows through opportunities to try new things in a safe and supportive environment with lots of positive reinforcement for their success and strategies to support any failures they may have along the way. Young children are on the whole very resourceful and very resilient, and when left to their own devices or given opportunities to be independent they can often surprise us."

Alistair Bryce-Clegg, Early Years Professional

Here are some great ways in which you can encourage your child to become more independent:

Assign a simple chore. Why don't you ask your child to help you to dust the sides using a cloth? Sweep up the floor? Tidy their toys? Water the plants?
Resist doing what your child is able to do for themselves. Although it is sometimes 'easier' or 'quicker' to do certain things for your child, resist the urge to complete simple tasks that your child is able to do themselves.
Don't re-do what your child has done. If your child has tidied their bed, but it is not quite how you would do it or put their trousers on back to front, resist the urge to redo these jobs for them. Remember to praise what they have done, practise makes perfect!
Let your child solve simple problems. It is very easy for us to provide solutions for simple problems, however, problem-solving is a great skill for children to learn. As long is your child is safe, encourage them to try and solve simple problems for themselves, for example; using a small stool to climb up to reach something.

Our Homemade Playdough Recipe!

Wed, 20 Nov 2019 11:01:08 GMT

The children absolutely LOVE to get involved making their own playdough.

Here at Puffin's we always make our own homemade playdough! The children absolutely LOVE to get involved making their own playdough. Making playdough supports the development of many skills; sharing and turn-taking with our friends, confidence within group situations, speech when discussing the ingredients and steps to take, fine and gross motor skills when mixing the ingredients and an awareness of numbers and measurements when measuring the ingredients, as well as promoting a fantastic sensory experience!

Not only does making our own playdough encourage these skills, it ensures we know exactly what is in the playdough and are able to avoid any nasties!

Our Recipe

1/2-1 cup of water (add more if needed)
2 Cups of Flour
Squirt of Baby Oil
1 Sachet Cream of Tartar
Your choice of Food Colouring or Flavour for an added sensory experience!

Tips to Manage Challenging Behaviour

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 10:59:50 GMT

Solutions to help you manage emotional outbursts and difficult behaviour

Behaviour that challenges

Tips to manage your child's behaviour:

Many young children have emotional outbursts, but behaviour can become challenging when it happens frequently or repetitively or it is harmful to the child, the parent or other people.
All children are different so there isn't one answer. Some of the tips below might help you find a solution that works for your child.
Carrying out tasks in the same way, or at the same time, every day helps children become familiar with what is expected of them.
Keep a diary of things that trigger or lead to bad behaviour, how your child responds or behaves and what happens next as a result. This will help to remove the triggers or see where strategies aren't working.
Help your child develop ways to communicate their emotions. This might include using simple language, objects, picture cues or sign.
Give your child plenty of opportunities to play and exercise. Research shows that physical activity relieves stress and eases frustrations.
State what you'd like your child to do, rather than telling them what not to do. Make yourself less threatening, for example by sitting down.
Initially things may get worse before they get better. It may take your child time to learn a different response. Be patient and persevere.
Look after yourself. Take your own needs for relaxation seriously, because this can help you stay calm and recharge.

Getting help from others

Tell people what strategies you're using to manage difficult behaviour so that anyone supporting your child can use the same approach.
Asking for help is not a sign of failure, but a way forward to support your child, increase your knowledge and feel in control.
Rule out any medical or dental problems. Your child may be in pain but not have any other way of telling you.
It can help to talk through things with someone else; this could be a friend, another parent or a professional.
Find out about attending a parent support group to meet other families with disabled children who live close to you.
If you are in a support group, how about hosting one of our information sessions focussing on behaviour that challenges?

Who can help?

Does your child's behaviour seriously impact on family life and his or her ability to learn?

Challenging behaviour can be the result of certain medical conditions. Difficult behaviour can sometimes be resolved using simple strategies. You should not feel embarrassed asking for help.

A doctor, health visitor or your child's school might refer you to:

Specialist parent classes to help you find strategies to manage your child's behaviour, run for parents who have disabled children
An educational psychologist or clinical psychologist for help with managing the problem
A paediatrician or psychiatrist for assessment and advice on how best to manage your child's behaviour

Tips for Supporting Toilet Training

Mon, 28 Oct 2019 10:59:50 GMT

Our Top Tips for Making Toilet Training Easier

What do we mean by 'toilet training'?

Toilet training helps children:

Recognise the need to go to the toilet
Control the need
Communicate the need
Complete the toilet sequence as far as they are able

We are aiming for a child who is able to:

Pull their underwear down
Get onto the toilet
Sit on the toilet have a wee/poo
Wipe themselves
Get off the toilet and pull their underwear up
Flush the toilet and wash and dry hands

When should you start toilet training?

Look for signs that your child is ready to use the potty or toilet. These might include:

Awareness of passing urine or having a bowel movement
Showing discomfort when a nappy is wet or soiled
Waking from a daytime sleep with a dry nappy
Showing an interest in a potty or the toilet

What if your child does not show these signs?

If your child's condition means that they are not showing any of these signs, you should discuss it with one of the professionals involved with your child's needs. This could be the health visitor, community nurse, occupational therapist, paediatrician, teacher, teaching assistant or school nurse.

Before starting

Choose a time when you can spend a lot of time with your child, your child seems happy and there are no major distractions or stressful events such as starting nursery or moving from a cot to a bed. Make sure the time you choose fits in with you as well - perhaps when there is someone else to help you if this is possible.

It may take some time for a child to learn, so make sure that toilet training can be carried out in the other places your child visits such as the playgroup, nursery, or school. You will need to be sure that any one-to-one workers contribute to the toileting plan.

Tips Before Starting

Look at the times your child is most likely to use the toilet, for example after meals, when they wake up from a sleep. It is worth making a chart for a few weeks to establish any patterns.
Plan a routine you can stick to until it becomes established.
Make sure your child can sit on the toilet or potty comfortably and without any fear of falling off. The child should be able to place their feet flat on the floor or foot step.
There are various toilet seats and steps available from retail outlets.
If your child has difficulty sitting, an occupational therapist should be able to help with equipment and check whether the toilet needs to be adapted so it is more comfortable.
Make sure you change the child in the toilet so that they get used to the toilet as a place where wee and poo happens.
Try to make the bathroom as welcoming as possible. You could put stickers on the walls to make it an exciting place to be.

Once you start

Be patient - don't expect instant results.
Do not restrict fluid intake - plenty of drinks should be given so that the need to go to the toilet becomes familiar.
A healthy diet with plenty of fibre, for example brown bread, fruit, Weetabix - helps bowel movements to be soft and easy to pass.
Take your child to the toilet at the times you expect they may need to go - refer to the chart you have made.
Avoid taking your child too frequently. If they have just used the toilet, they will not need to visit for at least one hour.
Keep to the planned routine as much as you can.
Do not show any signs of concern - it will make your child feel anxious.
Remember there are several steps in the whole process and each one needs to be reached - they may not all happen at once.
If your child is reluctant to sit still, you could sing some songs or read a book with them just for a few minutes. Never keep your child on the potty or toilet for more than five minutes.
If your child is older and too big for a potty and still not showing interest in using the toilet then make sure they visit the toilet area regularly.
You may need to put a favourite book, picture or toy next to the toilet or play a favourite piece of music to encourage them to come into the room.
Make sure all toileting needs occur in the toilet so that your child associates the changing of nappies and pants with the toilet area.
Praise your child first for showing an interest in the potty or toilet, then for using the potty - every small step should be rewarded with praise or stickers.
Make sure your child sees you washing your hands after wiping them so it becomes part of the process of using the toilet.
Let your child get used to the routine of washing their hands after being on the potty or toilet.

Bowel Movements

Sit your child on the toilet or potty when you think they are likely to have a bowel movement and encourage them to push down gently. To encourage this, try making your child laugh or to blow into a toy or whistle.
If nothing happens, say nothing and try again a bit later.
If it is acceptable to your family, take your child into the toilet when you or family members go, to show the child what is expected. It may take much longer than with other children, so be patient.

Smearing

Some children with learning disabilities smear their faeces after going to the toilet. This could be a child has not understood the process of wiping with paper. Others enjoy the feel of the faeces, and providing them with an alternative activity such as play dough can resolve the situation.
Some will use it as a way of getting attention, because they are extremely upset and agitated., or because they have learnt they are rewarded for such behaviour by being given a nice warm bath.

If your child smears

Try to stay calm
Avoid giving them lots of attention as a result of their behaviour
Reinforce good behaviour by giving them lots of praise when they carry out other activities well
Try to see if there is a pattern to their behaviour, as it might help you understand why they are doing it
Seek advice from a professional such as a nurse, health visitor, occupational therapist or psychologist on dealing with it
Set a period of time to try any strategies, and if nothing happens, wait for a while before starting again.

Children who find it hard to communicate

Make sure your child can communicate to you when they need to use the toilet and that they know where the toilet or potty is and can get in and out of that room easily.
Some children who are able to speak will be able to use words. Others may not be able to ask to use the toilet and may need to use another system, such as a signing system like Makaton or a symbol. Other children may be able to use a photograph or object, such as a roll of toilet paper.
Make it fun - find a special toy, which your child only uses when in the toilet - this will help them to associate going to the toilet with fun and not stress.
If your child needs to be cleaned, make sure that people working with them know this should be done in a private bathroom area in an age - appropriate way. It is not acceptable for a physically able young person to be 'changed' whilst lying down.
If your child takes a long time to learn to use the toilet
Try to get clothes that are easy to wear, change, and wash.
Items such as large size nappies, waterproof mattress covers and covers for duvets and pillows may be available from the continence service, when your child is three or four- ask your health visitor. If not, you can get them from larger chemists.
If your child is older, it is often you as their parents who understands their needs, and you may be able to devise your own strategies.
Do not despair. Try to speak with other parents for support, advice and tips.
If your child is having difficulty using the toilet
Speak to a doctor to check for physical problems if your child is having difficulty in learning to use the toilet.
Some children, particularly those with profound and multiple difficulties, may not be able to use the toilet on their own, but will need to have a toileting programme which will ensure their needs are treated with respect. Ask your health visitor or community nurse for advice.
All children are different and the way they learn to use the toilet may be linked with the specific condition they have. It is a good idea to get in touch with the relevant support groups to get advice from people who have more experience.

Getting specialist help

Your health visitor can give advice on toilet training and we can send you a parent guide on this topic. They might refer you to:

A continence advisor to give you advice and practical help if your child is incontinent.
A paediatrician to check for medical reasons why your child might be finding this difficult.
A clinical psychologist to give advice on how to encourage your child to use the toilet.
If your child requires nappies over the age of three the NHS can sometimes help by providing nappies and incontinence equipment. Your health visitor or GP can tell you more about this service.