news & updates
Curiosity Corner: A New Outdoor Learning Space at Blue Windmill Nursery
Our Curiosity Corner is a new nursery outdoor space here in Rugby, designed to invite children into slower, more thoughtful play. We’ve been working on it over the weekend, gently transforming part of our outdoor space into something a little different. It sits just under cover, making it usable in all weathers, and offers a calm contrast to the busier…
A Special Nursery Visit to Westlands Care Home
The children enjoyed a truly special visit to Westlands Care Home in Rugby, this week. It was a gentle, joyful experience that brought together two generations in a way that felt natural and meaningful. The residents welcomed the children with warmth and enthusiasm, creating an atmosphere that immediately put everyone at ease. Shared moments of connection There was a lovely…
Local Author Visit: Rosie Pickering at Blue Windmill
This week we were delighted to welcome local author Rosie Pickering to Blue Windmill Day Nursery, to mark World Book Day. Rosie spent time with the children sharing one of her stories and talking a little about how books are created. The children listened carefully, joined in with the storytelling and asked thoughtful questions afterwards. Meeting people in the local…
Accessibility in the Early Years: Supporting the Unique Child
When we talk about accessibility in early years education, we are not only referring to ramps or doorways, but to the wider idea that every child should be able to take part in nursery life in a way that works for them. The EYFS describes each child as a “unique child”, and accessibility is how that principle becomes practical in…
Why Failure Matters: Learning, Growing and Trying Again
Failure is not always an easy topic, especially when it comes to children. Many of us grew up learning to avoid mistakes, to get things “right”, or to feel uncomfortable when something didn’t work as planned. Yet in the early years — and throughout life — failure is often where the most meaningful learning happens. At Blue Windmill Day Nursery,…
Early Years Practitioner Skills
When people think about working in childcare, they often assume you need a very specific background or years of nursery experience to get started. In reality, many of the most important early years practitioner skills come from life experience, empathy and an ability to connect with both children and families. At Blue Windmill Day Nursery, we look for people who…
What Makes an Outstanding Baby Room Nursery?
If you are looking for an outstanding baby room nursery, you are more than likely searching for a place where you and your baby can feel understood and gently supported during a time of rapid change and development. As you search for the best nursery for your little one, you will probably base a lot of your decisions on gut…
Food in the Early Years: Finding a Calm, Balanced Approach
Feeding young children can feel surprisingly complicated. One moment you’re reading early years nutrition guidance about sugar, salt or portion sizes; the next you’re just trying to get everyone out of the house on time with something vaguely nutritious eaten. For many parents, food becomes one more thing to think about in an already busy day. Early years nutrition guidance…
Understanding Nursery Fees and Funding: A Clear Guide for Parents
Nursery fees and funding can feel confusing, even for parents who have been through the system before. There are different age groups, different types of support, and guidance that can feel difficult to interpret at first. At Blue Windmill Day Nursery, our aim is to explain things clearly and calmly, so families can understand how childcare costs work without feeling…
Mixed-Age Play: Building Kindness, Confidence and Resilience
In early years settings, children naturally spend most of their time with their own peer group. This is valuable: they build friendships with children at a similar stage of development, practise turn-taking, learn how to negotiate, and find common interests. But there is also a quiet strength in allowing children to play, explore and collaborate with those who are older…
Outdoor Learning in the Early Years
At Blue Windmill Day Nursery in Rugby, outdoor play for early years helps little ones of all ages explore, test ideas, and build friendships. We encourage children to spend as much time as they like outside – toddling across the grass, balancing on logs, or spotting a ladybirds. The natural world offers children something that four walls can’t: space to…
Out and About in Rugby: Five Outdoor Walks to Notice Nature with Your Child
Discover five family-friendly outdoor walks in Rugby, with accessible paths and simple nature activities to engage young children at their own pace.
How Rugby Got Its Name: Helping Children Understand Where They Live
A simple child-friendly look at how Rugby got its name and how local stories help children feel rooted in their community.
A Fresh Start: January Learning at Blue Windmill Day Nursery
Explore simple January learning ideas for preschoolers — seasons, calendars, new growth and understanding the passing of time.
Why Work in Early Years (and Not in Aldi)
A light-hearted look at why early years careers are rewarding — connection, impact, variety and the joy of working with young children.
Slowing Down the Morning
Some mornings seem to move faster than others and the morning rush to nursery can be a stress point in any parent’s day. Here are five small ways to bring a little more calm, connection, and curiosity into your mornings.
Preparing for Nursery
Helpful advice for parents preparing their little ones for the first day at Blue Windmill Day Nursery in Rugby — routines, goodbyes and smooth transitions.
Blue Windmill Day Nursery | Rooted in Nature and Community
Discover Blue Windmill Day Nursery’s nature-based, child-centred ethos in Rugby — grounded in outdoor learning, community partnerships and curiosity-led play.
Why Touch Matters for Babies
Discover why gentle touch matters in early childhood development — how our team at Blue Windmill nurtures babies through connection, care and calm.