The Square Peg Artist in Residence Project at Beverley Manor Nursery School

Together: Our Creative Journey

The Square Peg Artist in Residence Project at Beverley Manor Nursery School

Introduction

Every child is an artist.

At Beverley Manor Nursery School, we provide rich experiences, inspiring environments and skilled adults who work alongside children, encouraging them to explore, experiment and express their own ideas with confidence.

Thanks to funding from the Co-op Local Community Fund, we were delighted to welcome artist Rachel from Square Peg into nursery for a six week Artist in Residence project.

From the very beginning, this was a shared journey. Rachel brought her artistic knowledge, creativity and experience, while the children brought their curiosity, enthusiasm, conversations and ideas. Inspired by our nursery environment and the experiences that make Beverley Manor Nursery School so special, the project evolved naturally over six weeks into Together.

finished artwork consists of three panels that will be permanently displayed on the fence outside our nursery, creating a warm welcome for children, families and visitors. The central blossom tree has been carefully positioned to align with the real tree growing in our outdoor environment, creating a lasting connection between the artwork and the place that inspired it.

As with all of our creative experiences, the process was every bit as important as the finished artwork. Every conversation, experiment, print, painting and collage helped shape the final piece. The result is a celebration of creativity, collaboration and the shared sense of togetherness that lies at the heart of our nursery community.

As you explore each workshop, look out for the different techniques, ideas and children's voices that came together to create Together.

Workshop 1: Creating the Background

Our creative journey began with an exploration of colour, movement and pattern. Using chalk marbling techniques, the children experimented with blending colours and creating textured effects. These vibrant backgrounds became the starting point for the finished artwork.

Workshop 2: Exploring Our Outdoor Environment

Our outdoor environment became both a source of inspiration and a place for conversation. Using collected leaves, flowers and hand drawn designs, the children explored a range of printing techniques while talking about the places they enjoy most and what makes Beverley Manor Nursery School so special.

As they talked and created together, one child began singing, "The more we stick together, the happier we'll be," a familiar song from our daily Sunshine Circle. Those simple words perfectly captured the spirit of the project and became the inspiration for the artwork's central message.

Workshop 3: Our Nursery Pets and Wildlife

Inspired by our Giant African Land Snails and the wildlife they discover every day around nursery, the children observed, discussed and created collages featuring snails, ladybirds and butterflies. These familiar creatures became another important part of the story captured within the finished artwork.

Workshop 4: Growing Together

Using sunflowers as inspiration, the children explored themes of growth, belonging and new beginnings. Each child created an individual sunflower to take home, while elements of every artwork became part of the final display, reminding us that every contribution matters.

Workshop 5: Books, Stories and Self Portraits

Stories are woven throughout everyday life at Beverley Manor Nursery School. During this workshop, the children shared books together, created miniature concertina books and produced self portraits. These became part of the illustrated books within the finished artwork, celebrating imagination, storytelling and every child's place within our nursery community.

Workshop 6: What Makes Our Nursery Special?

The final workshop invited the children to reflect on the people, places and experiences that help them feel happy, safe and connected. Through conversation and creative making, they created heart shaped artworks filled with words and ideas celebrating friendship, kindness and belonging.

These final creations brought the project to a close, ensuring every child's voice became part of Together.

Every Detail Tells a Story

Take a closer look and you'll begin to notice how every part of the artwork connects to the children's journey. From printed leaves and colourful butterflies to books, portraits, nursery pets and hidden details, every element has grown from the children's ideas, conversations and creativity.

The finished panels celebrate not only what the children created, but also the relationships, shared experiences and sense of togetherness that make Beverley Manor Nursery School such a special place to learn and grow.

Can You Find Quarmy?

If you've been part of Beverley Manor Nursery School over the last 30 years, there's a good chance you'll recognise Quarmy!

A much loved companion to generations of children, Quarmy has shared countless adventures and holds a special place in the hearts of many families and staff. Hidden somewhere within the artwork, he's waiting to be discovered.

Can you find him?

Acknowledgements

Our sincere thanks to Rachel and the team at Square Peg for sharing their creativity, expertise and encouragement throughout this inspiring Artist in Residence project.

We are also incredibly grateful to the Co-op Local Community Fund and everyone who chose to support Beverley Manor Nursery School through the scheme. Your generosity made this project possible and has helped create something that our children, families and wider community will enjoy for many years to come.