Tops Day Nurseries across Portsmouth pay tribute the Queen and share open discussion on grief

Children at a number of Tops Day Nurseries, which have branches at Lakeside, Copnor, Southsea and Havant, collected pennies to attach to a copy of a special poem which they have been taking home to keep as a memory.

Others designed their own crowns, painted the Queen, had a go at making the Queen’s tea and had many open discussions about the Queen.

The Tops teachers answered the many questions the children had, to try and help them understand the unsettling time.

Amy Alderson, director of early years audit and training, said: ‘We were aware that being such a highly respected public figure, the children would likely be exposed to media around the Queens death.

‘With children being as inquisitive as they are, we felt it very necessary for us to do a range of age-appropriate activities with the children to help them to understand what was happening. We encouraged the children to ask questions and held little celebrations in honour of the Queen.’

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Tops Day Nurseries provide early education and care for children aged three months to school age and have recently launched a Hi5’s Forest School, a way for children to have fun and learn whilst being outside, improving their mental health and communication.

Amy added: ‘This is an event that will be recorded in history that our children will look back on in years to come.

‘I’m proud of all our nurseries for providing the children with the education, honesty and support they needed during a time of grieving.’