Keeping Cool

Yesterday, early in the morning before it got too warm and after copious amounts of sun cream and hats were applied, Babies and Tots ventured into the garden, found some shade and enjoyed some water play and ice lollies!

See the photos in our album here... 

Sun Safe Nursery Accreditation

We are pleased to inform you that Little Chums Day Nursery has renewed it's annual 'Sun Safe Nurseries' accreditation which demonstrates our commitment to maintaining the health and wellbeing of your child(ren) during the hours they are with us.  Our certificate is next to this news article (click to enlarge) as well as being displayed in our entrance ways.

The scheme has been developed by national skin cancer charity 'Skcin', to assist nurseries and pre-school settings in implementing a successful sun safety policy, whilst educating children to increase knowledge, influence behaviour and prevent skin cancer.

Whilst we recognise that some sun is good for us, sun safety is an important health and safety issue. Children spend almost half their childhood at pre and primary school, with a great deal of time spent outdoors. During the warmer months of the year children are exposed to Ultraviolet Radiation (UVR) from the sun, the majority of which is when penetration is strongest (between 11am and 3pm). Without adequate protection, a child's delicate skin can easily burn, this can cause cumulative and irreparable damage that could significantly increase their risk of developing skin cancer in later life.

Over the last couple of months, we have already asked via newsletters and online for parents to provide a high factor sun cream (SPF 50, with UVA & UVB protection) and hat which also covers the neck.  We thank those parents who have already provided those!  We also remind you to, on very warm sunny days, ensure your child arrives at Little Chums for their session with loose fitting clothing that covers as much of the arms and shoulders as possible.

A copy of our full sun care policy is available on request.

You can download a copy of the Skcin charity sun care information booklet here...

More information and resources can be found on the Sun Safe Nurseries website here...

School Closures and Risk Assessment

We are aware that New Inn Primary School, along with a number of other schools, will be closed on Wednesday and Thursday because of the forecast extreme temperatures.

Little Chums intends to remain open as normal.

We have placed additional fans in every room, are opening windows and doors where appropriate to improve airflow while keeping blinds closed to reduce heat from the sun. Staff have plenty of chilled water and cold drinks available and the children will be enjoying plenty of drinks and even a few ice lollies! Throughout the day we will be focusing on calm indoor activities to help everyone stay as cool as possible.

We would be grateful if children could arrive wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, with sun cream already applied.

Unfortunately, we are unable to offer additional sessions for older children who normally attend school for part of the day, as we are already operating at full capacity. Children will therefore only be able to attend their usual booked sessions.

If you decide to keep your child(ren) at home because of the weather, we would appreciate it if you could let us know by email. This helps us to plan staffing and make any adjustments needed throughout the day, including the numbers of lunches required.

As always, we will monitor all children closely for any signs that they are becoming unwell because of the heat. Please ensure that we have an up-to-date contact number so that we can reach you quickly if necessary.

We have also adopted the recently published hot weather risk assessment produced by Torfaen. If you would like to read it, you can download a copy here...

Extreme Weather

You've probably noticed it's rather warm already, with even higher temperatures forecast over the coming days.

We are following the latest guidance issued by Care Inspectorate Wales, Public Health Wales and the Welsh Government to help keep everyone safe during this period of hot weather.

While caring for your child(ren), we will:

• Stay indoors or in shaded areas as much as possible, particularly between 11.00am and 3.00pm.
• Avoid strenuous outdoor activities, or go outside earlier in the morning while it is cooler.
• Encourage children to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
• Use fans in all rooms and increase airflow by opening windows and doors where appropriate.
• Plan calm indoor activities to help children stay cool and comfortable.

We would be grateful if children could arrive wearing light-coloured, loose-fitting clothing, with sun cream already applied before they come to nursery.

As always, we will monitor all children closely for any signs that they are becoming unwell because of the heat. Please ensure that we have an up-to-date contact number so that we can reach you quickly if necessary.

Thank you for your continued support.

Dental Therapist Visit

Last week, a dental therapist visited Preschool. 

The children learned how to keep their teeth nice and healthy by avoiding certain foods and by brushing properly.

The children also had a new toothbrush to take home!

See the photos in the album here... 

Thank You!

Last weekend, Hollie and Sophie completed the Trek26 Bannau Brycheiniog (Brecon Beacons) 26 mile walk to raise money for Alzheimer's Society, who support families and those who suffer with Dementia and Alzheimer’s. 

 

They would like to say a HUGE thank you to all the parents and staff from Little Chums who sponsored them. Your support really is appreciated.

 

It's not to late to donate if you haven't done so already!

 

Hollie's JustGiving page is here...

 

Sophie's JustGiving page is here... 

Wellbeing Talks

Child & Family Community Psychology (Aneurin University Health Board) are presenting a series of wellbeing talks to parents & caregivers of children in Torfaen. 

These talks will draw upon some of the most common challenges experienced by all families, including many practical strategies and ideas that you can try at home to support your child's wellbeing.

See the poster for more information, click to enlarge.

Sign up to access the online talks here... 

June 2026 Newsletter

Little Chums has emailed out a newsletter for June 2026. 

Didn't receive a copy of the newsletter by email or deleted it by accident?

Read it online here...

School Admission 2027

Is your child due to start School Nursery or Reception during 2027? 

Torfaen have begun publishing information about school admissions including important deadline dates. Remember, you are not automatically entitled to a school place, you must apply!

Visit their website here... 

Slip and Side Fun

Wow! 

It's been ** H-O-T **!

To stay cool, Preschool dug out the Slip and Slide and had some water fun in the garden!

See the photos on our Facebook page here... 

May Fun in the Sun

What gorgeous weather! 

We've gone from cloud, rain and wind just a couple of days ago to beautiful sunshine! Hopefully, summer has started for real?

All of the groups have been taking the opportunity to get outside to play, particularly if the water tray was involved!

See the photos in the album here... 

Alzheimer' Society Sponsored Walk

In November 2025, Hollie lost her wonderful Nan after a long and heart-breaking battle with Alzheimer’s and Dementia. The cruel disease slowly took pieces of her away and watching the person she loved so much gradually decline was incredibly difficult for her whole family.

 

Sophie’s Grampy is living with Alzheimer's and is currently in hospital. Seeing a person she care’s about change in such a sad way has been heart-breaking and difficult for her family.

 

They are both taking on the challenge of walking 26 miles to raise money for an incredible charity that supports families and those who suffer with Dementia and Alzheimer’s.

 

If you are able, please sponsor one or both of them.

 

Hollie's JustGiving page is here...

 

Sophie's JustGiving page is here...

Hearing Loss

We have been given some really useful leaflets about hearing loss in children, produced by the National Deaf Children's Society. 

If you think your child may have some issues with their hearing, check the leaflet out on the right (click to enlarge it) as there is lots of information and links to advice and support. 

 

Play-doh frogs

Toddlers have spent the morning making play-doh frogs! 

See their work on our Facebook page here... 

Get ready for school

We have been asked by the Torfaen Family Information Service (FIS), to share the poster below (click to enlarge) about getting your child ready for school.

This poster will be up in our Preschool building, with a QR code for your to scan which should take your to the information page on the FIS website.

You can also use this link below to visit the page, click here...