SCHOOL CLOSURE TUESDAY 27th JANUARY -
To all Parents and Guardians,  please be advised that the Convent of Mercy Nursery School will be closed tomorrow.
This decision has been made in line with the Education Authority guidance as a safety precaution due to the amber weather warning currently in effect due to Storm Chandra.  Our primary responsibility is the well-being of our students and staff. Given the predicted conditions, we believe it is essential to avoid any unnecessary travel risks to and from the school site.  We understand that a short-notice closure presents challenges for families, and we thank you for your patience. This step is being taken solely to ensure the safety of our entire school community.  We appreciate your continued cooperation and support.
 
 
Convent of Mercy Nursery, Folly Lane, Downpatrick, County Down
SCHOOL CLOSURE TUESDAY 27th JANUARY To all Parents and Guardians,  please be advised that the Convent of Mercy Nursery School will be closed tomorrow.This decision has been made in line with the Education Authority guidance as a safety precaution due to the amber weather warning currently in effect due to Storm Chandra.  Our primary responsibility is the well-being of our students and staff. Given the predicted conditions, we believe it is essential to avoid any unnecessary travel risks to and from the school site.  We understand that a short-notice closure presents challenges for families, and we thank you for your patience. This step is being taken solely to ensure the safety of our entire school community.  We appreciate your continued cooperation and support.
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What can we do today?

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26th Jan 2026

 

 

Time Activity What can we do?  Why?  What can we use ? 
9.00 Get Active We can develop our fine and gross motor skills through movement and dance.  This will support our coordination and balance. Dancing to our favourite songs in Let's Dance.
9.30-10.15 Independent Play We can develop our attention and problem solving skills as we work with our own toys.  When we work with our toys we are developing our fine motor skills as we for example dress the dolls or push the bricks together.  Our model might fall down yet we will build it again this time should we make a wider base as this will give more support. You have endless resources within the home, you will be amazed how busy a child will be using a tape measure, using masking tape to join empty boxes or using their own toys - yet you can add some cotton wool to the farm setting for frost and discuss how the famer has to care for his animals during this cold weather. Check out a YouTube video of the famer feeding the animals.
10.15-10.30 Snack Time Developing their eye hand coordination as they fill a cup, using a knife to spread the butter & awareness of a routine.   Can they pour their own drink or butter their cracker then put their dishes in the sink?  What shape is the top of the cup - can they find any other circles? What shape is the cracker etc
10.30-11.00 Jigsaw Time / Early Maths  Developing awareness of daily routines, a sense of time we don't have cereal at bedtime we have it in the morning.  Exploring number in play - how many letters did the postman bring today, if setting the table for lunch - can we help? How many knives and forks do we need to set the table. Awareness of shape and pattern in everyday objects.  Using mathematical language - we need two more, the parcel is heavy.   The children can complete a jigsaw - locating the corner pieces and then identifying matching pieces.  Can they turn the pieces to fit?  Exploring with number in play - can they select they correct sized clothes for their dolls, how many cars do they have in their garage. Using a box you can create a car park with numbered spaces - then number the cars  - can they park them in the correct spot?   Matching the pairs of socks by colour or pattern - then count how many pairs you have.
11.00-11.45 Get Creative

We are exploring a wide range of materials and textures.  As we cut and paint we are developing our pencil grip and control of the resources.  We are growing in confidence as we explore and develop of art pieces. 

 Why not explore painting on a cardboard box or some tin foil.  If you have an old computer, a few envelopes and some pages set up a little office to explore early writing & sending messages.
11.45 - 12.15 Story Time & Songs

Develop their listening and attention skills.  Awareness of different situations and cultures.  New words - can they repeat the word - what does it mean?

We often discuss the author or illustration of the book and check to see if we have any other of their stories.

Developing early reading skills as they hold the book in the correct position & turn the pages in the correct order.  Using the pictures to prompt their retelling of the story.  

 Check out the stories we have recorded for a windy day?
12.15-12.45 Lunch Time Developing awareness of their likes and dislikes.  Can they help you prepare lunch? Developing awareness of how the cooking process changes the food.  Where did the milk come from ? Watch a  YouTube videos of cows and the milking process.  They are gathering information, taking on responsibility and developing their fine motor skills. Can they help set the table, ask their brother or sisters what they would like to drink & then help pour out the drinks or repeat what their brother or sister would like to eat.  Can they help butter the bread and make the sandwich.
12.45-1.15 Let’s Explore

Children are always listening and observing - they gather information and they wish to test it.  They are developing problem solving and investigative skills - early history, science or geography.  

Bird Watch - can we set up an area in the garden to place their bird feeders then watch who comes to visit each day.  

Can we place a bowl in the freezer with a few objects such as plastic toys, bead chains, glitter or tin foil.  When it is frozen - allow them to test what happens if they add salt or slightly warm water.  
Check out the Zoo web cameras - feeding time is a great time.