Bridgnorth nursery council meeting receives special guest visit from mayor

What to name the class hand puppet and which activities should be held outdoors were both on the agenda at Little Green House Childcare in Bridgnorth last week.

Led by the town mayor, Councillor Kirstie Hurst-Knight, the meeting was split into two groups of children that will this year be attending school for the first time.

Hannah Vyse, nursery manager, said: "It was a fabulous experience, especially considering Kirstie is the first visitor we've had since lockdown began.

"She came in with her chain and they spoke about the roles of a council and what they do in a community.

"Kirstie explained how it actually works in a real council meeting and I think the children were able to learn a thing or two."

Hannah explained that the nursery meetings, which have a new chairman every term, prepare those involved for future education.

"Our school leaver children have regular council meetings about what they want to change in the nursery," she said.

"This could be to do with anything, from what snack they want to have, to what they want to do that term.

"The children involved are the ones going to school that year, so it's to help their confidence and turn taking.

"It builds up their interaction with other children in a diplomatic manner and teaches them how to be part of a community while expressing their feelings in a productive manner.

"They're lovely at it, they turn take really well and they understand the rules and vote a new nursery council chairman every term."

The nursery, which has remained open throughout the pandemic, has put a focus on using the outdoor space to accommodate for coronavirus measures.

With a number of names ready to be allocated to the nursery fox puppet, it was agreed to call him Freddie, while a host of outdoor activities have been arranged for the future following the successful meeting.