 Welcome to the Autumn special physical development bulletin...
 In this bulletin we remember Physical exercise is important. According to the World Health Organization, physical activity:
- has significant health benefits for hearts, bodies and minds
- reduces symptoms of depression and anxiety
- enhances thinking, learning and judgement skills
- ensures healthy growth and development in young people
- improves overall wellbeing.
Therefore, although the weather is turning colder and damper, we need to ensure we continue to have lots of opportunities for physical activities to benefit both the children in our care, our staff and ourselves too.
Soon the leaves will be falling and we can go out and chase and try to catch falling leaves. This helps not only our gross physical muscles and build stamina but also children's fine motor skills as they try to catch and hold small leaves. Until then if you need some inspiration to get out and about then why not try some nature art where you can gather up natural items from the ground outside and create masterpieces of art such as leaf animals, stick people, abstract or landscapes from a variety of pieces of nature's treasure such as leaves, sticks, conkers, shells, pebbles and grass - these all lead to endless creative possibilities and are all recyclable to use over and over again.
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 Did you know there have been recent outbreaks of polio in London due to reduced immunisation levels? Polio and many other illnesses and diseases can be prevent by timely immunisations. Unvaccinated children and adults can not only catch but also pass on illnesses to others.
Immunisation is one of the best ways to protect children from some harmful and potentially life-threatening diseases and autumn is the ideal time to remind your parents of the importance of the immunisation programme. Many diseases like measles and diphtheria have been reduced by up to 99.9% since their vaccines were introduced. However, if people stop having vaccines, it's possible for infectious diseases to quickly spread again. Parents should be sent reminders of their children's vaccination dates; however, if you need it there is more information on the Family Assist Solent website. If a parents is unsure about their child's vaccination record then encourage them to contact their health visitor or doctor's surgery who will be able to help them.
 You may wish to try out our autumn treasure hunt. Feel free to share this with parents too.
 Why not try your own hand at baking with this tasty recipe - perfect for lunchboxes!
Apple flapjacks
Ingredients
- 175g butter, plus extra for the tin
- 2-3 apples (about 350g), peeled, cored and chopped into small pieces
- 200g golden syrup
- 150g light brown soft sugar
- 300g porridge oats
- 50g dried apples, chopped
- 1/2 tsp ground cinnamon (optional)
Method
STEP 1: Heat the oven to 180C/160C fan/ gas 4. Butter the base of a 20 x 20cm square tin and line with baking parchment. Tip the chopped apples into a small saucepan with 2 tsp water and cook over a medium heat for 3-4 mins until the apples are just soft enough to crush, but there’s still a little water left in the pan. If needed, add a little more water and cook the apples for slightly longer. Remove from the heat and crush the apples using a potato masher or a fork to break up slightly, then tip into a bowl and set aside.
STEP 2: Tip the butter, golden syrup and sugar into the pan and warm through over a low heat until the butter has melted and the sugar has dissolved. Remove from the heat and set aside.
STEP 3: Combine the oats, dried apple and cinnamon, if using, in a large bowl. Tip in the buttery syrup mix and cooked apples, then stir to combine. Tip the flapjack mixture into the prepared tin and press down firmly. Level the surface using a spatula, then bake for 25-30 mins until golden and bubbling at the sides. Leave to cool. Cut into 16 pieces. Will keep in an airtight container for three days.
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