Children in Need Fun for Bright Kids

Pudsey Power was in force at three Bright Kids nurseries as youngsters and staff raised money for Children in Need. Money from the fundraising is still pouring in to the nurseries, and so the final total isn’t known, but staff say they expect to exceed last year’s total. At the Crabbs Cross setting children were sent home with pictures of Pudsey so they could decorate them with pennies. Katie Buckley, deputy manager and preschool leader, said everyone had a wonderful time. “All the children had a chance to take part in making cakes and decorating biscuits – and they did a wonderful job,” she said.

Children also coloured pictures and we did a group collage of Pudsey. It was a lot of fun as staff and children came to school dressed as either a super hero, or as Pudsey. The children love dressing up – and we saw some great outfits as parents did a great job of thinking up creative fancy dress costumes.” At the Studley setting youngsters arrived wearing their pyjamas and enjoyed a range of activities. Manager Charmaine Leach said: “The Pudsey bear ears were very popular, we sold a lot and we still have money coming in so we don’t know the final amount yet. We had a lovely day – the children enjoyed the novelty of coming to nursery in their pyjamas.”

Celebrations were in place at the Northfield setting when youngsters arrived in their pyjamas and then enjoyed a party. Manager Janette Moran said: “The children really enjoyed the party atmosphere we created at the nursery. They loved the picnic-style party food as well as the activities and games we had on that day.”

Children In Need has raised a record £46.6m so far, compared to last year’s total of £37.1m, which was raised on the night. The 2016 show featured special editions of Strictly Come Dancing with Team GB Olympic squad members and some of the EastEnders cast taking part.