There are a number of benefits to children performing Nativity plays; building teamwork skills, developing concentration and focus and allowing children to perform and demonstrate their skills in front of an audience. All of which builds confidence that they will continue to develop throughout their life. Our children at Stafford made us all very proud this week as they performed their nativity for their families at St Paul’s Church. A fabulous performance by all!

Our Norton Canes children had a wonderful start to December, as they visited Birches Valley in the picturesque surroundings of Cannock Chase. They chose a Christmas tree and then went on to visit Santa in his Grotto. Santa’s real reindeer were also spotted grazing in their forest enclosure and we even managed to spot Rudolph!

A big thank you to everyone who donated and sponsored our weeks’ events in aid of BBC’s Children in Need. We had a great time dressing up, making and baking, undertaking our bike challenge and the children loved the pedal push! We’re pleased and very proud to announce that together we have raised over £2,400 …and sponsor money is still coming in! Once again thank you so much for your generosity, you are all Superheroes!

We’re pleased to announce that the decorating at Stafford is complete. The rooms are now looking lovely and bright for the children (and tidy too, but we’re confident they won’t stay that way for long!)

The Honeybuns Nurseries are having a fantastic and fun packed BBC Children in Need week. They’re making and baking cakes to sell, dressing up as Heroes and working off those calories on the Bike Challenge. The children are also loving their sponsored Pedal Push!

We all raised an amazing £1,350 last year and we’re hoping we can beat that total this year!

Thank you for all your donations so far.

We are all thrilled our new back garden at Stafford was completed at the weekend. Our children have already been making the most of it!

We’re extremely proud to announce that Honeybuns in Ercall, have scooped the prestigious prize in the National Childcare Awards run by the country’s most popular parenting site Netmums.com.

Thousands of local parents were eligible to vote in the awards which were set up to celebrate the excellent standards of care in the area – and to highlight those who go the extra mile to help mums and dads.

Owner and Managing Director, Anthony Reeley, said “We are delighted to win this prestigious award. This is a very proud day for us here at Honeybuns and it’s a great opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the hard work of our Manager Emma and her team. We’d also like to thank the parents for their continued support and for letting us care for their wonderful children!”

Both staff and children will enjoy a ‘Party Week’ at Ercall next week, with various events and entertainers throughout the week to celebrate.

Thank you to Staffordshire Fire and Rescue for visiting our Stafford Nursery on Monday. The children had a great time learning about the engines and the role of a Fire Officer. Highlight of the day for the children was sitting in the Engine and

holding the water hose!