Our Blog.
Welcome to our blog. Here you’ll find news, updates and events relating to Little Cedars Day Nursery along with useful articles and information about childcare, parenting, nursery life, Streatham and early years education.
Contact Us
Little Cedars Day Nursery
27 Aldrington Road
Streatham
London
SW16 1TU
020 8677 9675
Email us here
Opening Times
The nursery is open
7.45am to 6.15pm
Monday to Friday
(Except Bank Holidays,
Christmas Week &
1 inset day per term)
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Latest Posts
Summer Nature Hunt Activity – with Free Poster!
How many of the wonderful flora and fauna can your child spot? Some, like bees and butterflies, will be super-easy to spot. Others, like sunbathing birds and — for the very lucky few — slow worms, may be a little harder to discover. Searching is part of the fun, though, and this nature-based activity is a great way to get little ones to open their eyes to the natural world around them whilst also enjoying exercise and fresh air. It’s a great opportunity to encourage little ones to spend time outdoors, close to nature† — which is so incredibly good for them! Why not download the free Summer Nature Hunt activity poster today and see what you and your little one can spot?
Number & Counting Games for Preschoolers
Early parental help can significantly boost children’s understanding of numbers, counting, and maths terminology. One of the key ways to help preschoolers is through number and counting games. What’s more, by using games and playful challenges, learning number and counting concepts will be fun! That fun element will be a key to both success and enjoyment. Indeed, learning through play is, as we know, the very best way for young children to learn. With that said, let’s take a look at some examples of games and fun challenges that under-fives can take part in. With supervision and guidance from adults, these are a great way to boost comprehension of number-based concepts in little ones — and support the EYFS curriculum.
‘Leaf Art’ Activities for Kids — Creative Fun, Inspired by Nature
Apply Now for the ‘30 Hours’ Childcare Scheme for Working Families – for Children 9 Months+
[May 2025]: Applications are now open for the final “30 hours” expansion of the Government’s free childcare scheme for working families. The new, expanded childcare hours are for eligible children, aged 9 months up to 3 years by 1st September 2025, attending nursery from that month. It doubles the previous number of hours available under the scheme, potentially saving eligible families as much as £7,500 per annum per child. The extended childcare hours will also allow parents — particularly mothers — improved potential to get back into work or take on more hours. Either would increase both household income and the greater economy. Most importantly, though, increasing access to high-quality early years childcare will give children the best start in life, enabling them with the skills and tools necessary to thrive once they leave early years settings to begin school.
Don’t delay — if your child is eligible, you can now apply for the September 2025 term but you only have until the 31st of August in which to do so. That deadline will be here before we know it, so act quickly if you want to benefit from the expanded childcare funding from September 2025.
National Children’s Gardening Week: 24 May – 1 June 2025
We encourage children large and small to get involved in the event, which begins later in May. At the time of writing, there is plenty of time to prepare if families want to source things like seeds, seed trays, and eco-friendly compost, and to find out about any related events in their neighbourhoods. Today’s guide explains more about the event, the reasons for it, the benefits of taking part, and the kinds of gardening-related activities little ones can take part in. National Children’s Gardening Week is always an incredibly worthwhile, educational, and fun week — so don’t miss out!
Under-5s: Get Buzzing for World Bee Day!
Congenital Toxoplasmosis: Information for Expectant Parents
With a new baby on the horizon, pregnancy is often a time of excitement and anticipation. However, it is often also a time for heightened awareness around health and safety matters — and rightly so. Indeed it’s instinctive to want to protect both the expectant mother and the unborn child. While many expectant parents are familiar with common pregnancy risks, one lesser-known yet serious threat is congenital toxoplasmosis. This parasitic infection can have devastating consequences for unborn babies. In today’s post, we’ll explore what congenital toxoplasmosis is, the risks it poses, and practical steps pregnant women and families with young children can take to minimise exposure.
Spring Nature Hunt Activity – with Free Reference Poster!
Spring arrives in March* every year and most would agree that it’s a relief to leave winter behind! All the signs are that it’s gradually beginning to get warmer. Plants and animals know this too. So, as the new season progresses, more and more of them can be seen by those who venture outdoors. From sprouting snowdrops, crocuses, and daffodils to the reappearance of bumblebees, butterflies, and migrating birds, the signs of spring are there for those who look. With that in mind, today’s post is a Spring Nature Hunt Activity for children to take part in. With it comes our nature hunt reference poster, which is part of a series that’s all free to download. Why not print it out for your children and encourage them, under supervision, to get outdoors and enjoy the spring sunshine? See how many of the 20 wonderful signs of spring they can spot! This activity will be a fun adventure that not only opens children’s eyes to the natural world but also gives them access to the profound benefits of spending time in nature. Nature is incredibly good for children and adults alike, so this is a wonderful opportunity for discovery, greater well-being, personal development and an antidote to the season we’re leaving behind. Step into spring with your little ones today and enjoy!