There has been great excitement at Ilminster Avenue Nursery School following a special discovery in the outdoor area – a family of robins has made one of the newly installed bird boxes their home, and the eggs have now hatched.
Earlier this year, bird boxes were installed as part of the Nature Park Grant, and children have been fascinated watching the tiny, newly hatched chicks and observing how carefully the parent birds return again and again to feed them. These close-up experiences have sparked lots of curiosity, with children asking thoughtful questions, sharing ideas and using new vocabulary as they describe what they can see. It has been a wonderful opportunity to support their understanding of the natural world, animal lifecycles and how living things care for their young.
Spending time watching the robins has also helped children develop a sense of care and respect for living things. They have been learning the importance of keeping a safe distance and staying calm so the birds feel secure and safe. The patience and quiet observation needed to watch the robins without disturbing them has been valuable learning in itself. These meaningful moments help children build real connections with nature right on their doorstep, deepening their understanding that the natural world is precious and needs our care.
As part of Ilminster Avenue’s vision of “Igniting Children’s Passions through Play”, these authentic experiences with nature spark genuine curiosity and wonder. The children are eagerly watching as the chicks grow stronger each day, learning through real observation and discovery in their own nursery garden.