Hatching Dragons Westminster Blog

Westminster School Highlights - 27th June, 2025

Written by Westminster Manager | Jun 29, 2025 10:36:58 AM

📢 Important Update: Nursery Fees Increasing from September 2025

Dear Parents, Guardians, and Carers,

Pursuant to our email on April 1st regarding the changing structure of our invoices and fees, following the government's new requirements, we are writing to remind you that the grace period is expiring and as of the 1st September 2025, your new invoices will be live, along with our updated fees. These updated fees will appear on invoices sent at the end of July and are payable from early August.

We know that fee changes can prompt questions, and we want to ensure every family feels informed, supported, and confident about what this means. That’s why we’re inviting you to speak directly with your nursery manager. You can read more about the changes here, along with our plans to expand the school to develop the new play space on the second floor for our Blue Dragons and Pre-schoolers, allowing babies to have exclusive use of the ground floor. 

 

Book Your One-on-One Meeting 

 

Baby Dragons Newsletter

A Week of Signs, Sensory Play & Ocean-Inspired Learning

From signing “hello” and “goodbye” in Makaton to exploring sandy parks, calming ocean colours, and underwater-themed STEAM fun, our Baby Dragons had a week full of connection, creativity, and calm.

Come experience how our nurturing baby room supports early development through language, sensory play, and discovery.

Book a visit today

Modern Languages and Communication

Babies learned the Makaton signs for “hello” and “goodbye,” practicing them during daily routines and songs to support early communication and connection.

Regional Education

We began exploring a new region through calming ocean colours and mini ocean paintings, helping babies learn new words like “fish” and “sea.”

Outdoor Play / Excursions

Two local trips to Penguin Park and Causton Sand Park gave babies sensory experiences with sand and soft ground—building confidence and curiosity in new settings.

STEAM Activities

We enjoyed ocean painting, Magic Milk experiments, ice painting, and explored a toy fish tank—building sensory and observation skills through colourful, interactive play.

Specialist Teacher

Mindful Molly

An ocean-themed mindfulness session included songs, animal sounds, bubble dancing, and twinkling stars—creating moments of calm, joy, and body awareness.

Blue Dragons Newsletter

Bubbles, Balloons & Brilliant Learning!

From bubbly phonics and Mandarin octopuses to science balloons with feelings, Rubik’s Cube creativity, and joyful outdoor play, the Blue Dragons embraced a colourful, hands-on week of learning and growth.

Modern Languages

Phonics

Focused on the /o/ sound with “O for Octopus.”

Mandarin

Learned 章鱼 (zhāng yú) while threading tentacles on paper octopuses.

STEM Activities

Math's

Children counted and transferred playdough balls using number cards.

Science

Vinegar and baking soda inflated balloons with drawn-on emotions—combining science with emotional literacy.

Hygiene & Self-Care

Children practiced brushing model teeth, changing nappies on dolls, and read potty training stories—building awareness of personal care.

Regional Learning

We explored Russian culture through Rubik’s Cubes—creating colourful designs while learning about patterns and problem-solving.

Sporty Minis

Children practiced hula hoop games and cone challenges—building coordination, focus, and gross motor skills.

Specialist Teachers

Mindful Molly

A calming sea-themed sensory session with soft lighting and toys.

Lucy Sparkles

Joyful music and singing sessions with instruments and rhythm games.

Creative Arts

Role Play

Acted out Little Red Riding Hood indoors and outdoors.

Food Club

Pretend play in a Mandarin ice cream shop with new vocabulary for mint, strawberry, and lemon.

Dragon Flights Newsletter

Culture, Creativity, and Confidence!

This week, children explored Slavic stories, shaped sunflowers in clay, danced to Scandinavian folk music, built confidence with sporty games, and used their growing Makaton vocabulary—sparking creativity, culture, and early independence.

Modern Languages

  • Focus on letter “P” and name painting for literacy and identity
  • Explored facial symmetry through chalk drawings
  • Storytime featured the Ukrainian tale Ivan and the Star, sparking discussions about dreams and consequences

STEM Activities

  • Shape snails and flower seed counting supported early maths
  • “Seven Jumps” song integrated movement and numeracy

Music

Explored Scandinavian folk music and rhythm through “Seven Jumps,” combining coordination, listening, and early maths.

Regional Education

Wrapped up our Eastern Europe focus by learning Ukrainian words and symbols. Sculpted sunflowers and painted them in the Pottery Club.

Creative Arts

Inspired by Maria Prymachenko’s folk art, children created fantastical creatures using bold colours and personal expression.

Sporty Minis

Children practiced throwing, catching, and balancing activities to strengthen coordination and body control.

Specialist Teachers

Mindful Molly

Sea creature-themed poses and visualisations promoted focus and relaxation.

Cooking Club

Children made flatbread wraps with cucumber yoghurt—building independence and healthy habits.

Personal Development & Makaton

Children reached a milestone with 10 Makaton signs used regularly. Focus this week also included hygiene routines and tidying up after play.

It’s been an inspiring week filled with imagination, movement, and meaning—see you next week for more!

Extended Learning: Holiday Clubs

Our Holiday Clubs offer STEAM fun, language learning, and field trips for school-aged children.

Book Your Holiday Club Spot →

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