Tom Hayes MP Joins Tops Pokesdown for a Special National Storytelling Week Celebration
Tops Pokesdown welcomed Tom Hayes MP for a special visit in celebration of National Storytelling Week, bringing excitement and inspiration to the nursery’s young learners.
National Storytelling Week is a fantastic opportunity to highlight the power of storytelling in early years education. It encourages children to explore books, develop their language skills, and spark their imaginations. Tops Pokesdown was delighted to welcome Tom Hayes MP, who joined the children for a special storytelling session. He read The Very Hungry Caterpillar, which was such a hit that, when the children asked for another story, he also read Alan’s Big, Scary Teeth! His engaging storytelling captivated the young audience, inspiring curiosity, lively discussions, and a love for reading.
Tom Hayes MP said:
“I’m a big fan of The Very Hungry Caterpillar, and the children at Tops Pokesdown seemed to love it as much as I do.
“Children’s early years are so important. That’s why I’m focusing on enhancing playgrounds, visiting schools, considering the role of phones in childhood, and scrutinising a landmark children’s wellbeing and schooling draft law, clause by clause.”
“It was great to visit another Tops nursery in Bournemouth to learn about how they educate and support children and families, ensuring they have the best start in life.”
Tops Pokesdown actively promotes literacy and early learning opportunities, ensuring that children have access to enriching experiences like National Storytelling Week. Through storytelling, children enhance their listening skills, improve their vocabulary, and develop empathy, key skills that support their overall development.
Tom was also joined by Nursery Manager, Stephanie Ridealgh, and Founder and Chair of Tops, Cheryl Hadland, for an important discussion about the early years sector. They explored key topics such as the importance of early potty training to prepare children for school, the ongoing challenges surrounding childcare funding, and the absence of technology in the setting, highlighting how this encourages hands-on learning and real-world interactions.
Tom was a fantastic listener, engaging thoughtfully in the conversation, and we are so grateful for his support in championing early years education.
Stephanie Ridealgh, Nursery Manager at Tops Pokesdown, said:
“We were very lucky to have a special visit from Tom Hayes MP for National Storytelling Week. The children were so excited and loved joining in with the story! Encouraging children to read from a young age is incredibly important as it helps develop their language skills and enhances their imagination. Reading also improves concentration, builds empathy, and supports their overall development”.
Tops Pokesdown is part of Tops Day Nurseries, a sustainable nursery chain with over 30 settings across the South and Southwest, offering flexible early education and care for children from three months to school age.