I arrive at work with the Monday morning blues but am soon smiling when the children run up to meet me.
The first task is to set up breakfast while Louanne, our unit co-ordinator, takes the register.I make sure all the children have had enough to eat before we split up into our base rooms.
Today's activities include painting our faces, the alphabet game and number songs - having appeared on Michael Barrymore's 'My kind of music', singing is one of my firm favourites. Then it's outside to play and get rid of all that excess energy before lunch.I then go for a sandwich - a big plus of being on the early shift!
Then it's time to start again. Parents' evening is drawing near and there's a lot of preparation to do. I try to start writing reports but get distracted by an argument Victoria and Georgia are having in the corner over playdough. I realise I'll have to abandon my project until a quieter time. I quickly settle the dispute by suggesting tidying away for dressing up.
Tuesday
I'm slightly nervous as it's my first-ever early shift alone and I've prepared myself for tears as it'll be an unusual situation for the children... and the parents. But I have a great relationship with the mums and dads so it should be all right.
No tears! In fact, lots of beaming faces - a completely different reaction to my first day at nursery, which prompted comments such as 'It's a man!'.
We've planned cookery for today. We're making smiley face biscuits and all the youngsters are more than willing to get their hands dirty. It develops into organised chaos but they lovethe end result and so do I!
After lunch, it's mayhem.I'm trying to complete the afternoon's activities and find time to plan and organise equipment for tomorrow, as Wednesday's our busiest day.I somehow manage to complete all my tasks and fit in an afternoon story for the children before leaving for the day.
Wednesday
It's the middle of the week and both staff and children are struggling for inspiration until Lorna comes in with a bad hair day and we all have a good laugh. But having a joke with everyone pays off - I suddenly realise I've been accepted by both staff and children. This provides the motivation required to carry on.
Thursday
We have an 'at the hospital' role-play which is fun as the children bandage us up and we all look like mummies! We add the final touches to our Leapfrog family tree and then have a group discussion about ourselves and our friends. Nursery nurse Debbie puts plaits in Victoria's hair which is an achievement, let me tell you!
Friday
Yes, the end of the week at last, although I still haven't finished my reports and have a first aid course to attend on Saturday. So, it looks like a busy weekend too. Today's activities are painting self-portraits, sorting sets and water play. Jake and Harrison ended up with more water on the floor than in the water tray.
This afternoon is free play, which gives me a chance to catch up on those reports for parents' evening... finally.
The end of another busyweek and I finally go home for a well-earned gin and tonic.
