There are exciting works underway in our garden at Rachel Keeling. 
We are lucky enough to have a garden which is the real jewel in our Rachel Keeling crown.
There were areas that were in need of some attention so we have invested in ensuring our garden continues to be the most enriching, exciting, challenging and natural space. 
We have worked closely with our horticultural designers to sensitively work with what we have and enhance it so the flora and fauna will further support children's learning. 
Works are well over half way and the children have been charting the progress, watching through the fence and looking at the plans which we have displayed.
There is much interest and talk about the changes and we are very excited.
One child said "They're just dig, dig, digging and they're so late!"
Watch this space!

At Rachel Keeling we pride ourselves on actively listening to children: we observe them, we listen to them, we watch them, we consult with them and support their thinking. 
This week one child asked a staff member "What is Glenn?" 
For context, Glenn is our wonderful premises manager.
This particular child possibly recognised that Glenn's role was somewhat different to teaching staff (although Glenn does get involved in teaching and is one of the most talked-about members of staff families report at home!)
Staff sensitively explored with children who they thought Glenn was. 
The findings were very interesting... Glenn also enjoyed reading this afterwards (although the talking in the office needs to be investigated!!!)

The new term has started in earnest and children have come back excited and ready to learn. 
There has been a focus on talk and sharing our summer news: the children have been supported to make a shared book about their summer news.
We are already welcoming brand new children and their families to Rachel Keeling. 
Children have been helping our new starters by sharing with them, smiling, talking to them and showing them around. Wonderful Rachel Keeling Values at work. 
Children have been baking and sharing snacks (including the rarely spotted Brownie!)
Of course, our gardeners who are helping develop our outdoor space have been wonderful and children have enjoyed watching the excavator and diggers at work.
With a deeper focus on language and vocabulary, we are now including key words on our weekly plans and on learning displays in each space. Look out for them so you know what the children are doing each week across the nursery.