Tapestry for parents: the early years journal, and the memos that matter
What Tapestry shows, how to log in and add a second relative, how to reply to an observation, and the memos where the nursery hides the dates.
By The AskBobbie team · 29 September 20261 min read
Tapestry is the online learning journal used by most nurseries and many Reception classes in England. Its main content is lovely: observations of your child, with photos, against the early years goals. Its other content is the memos, and the memos are where the dates are.
Logging in
The setting sends an activation email. Press the link, set a password, and sign in on the website or the Tapestry app with that email. A second relative needs the setting to add them; they get their own email and login.
What you will see
- Observations: photos and notes from the key person, tagged to the areas of learning. You can like and reply, and the setting sees your reply.
- Memos: notices from the setting. Closure days, photo day, sports morning, "please send wellies". This is the channel to watch.
- Documents: policies, newsletters, term dates.
- Care diary (some settings): nappies, naps, meals for the day.
Adding your own
If the setting has turned it on, you can add an observation from home: a photo, a line, done. It goes into the journal and the key person sees it. Settings genuinely like this.
Getting the memos out
Tapestry emails you when there is a new observation or memo, if notifications are on (your profile, Notifications). Point that email at your Bobbie address or forward it with a rule, and "closed on Friday 3rd for staff training" becomes a day on the calendar rather than a line in an email you opened for the photo.
Further reading
Questions people ask
- Can I add photos from home?
- Yes, if the setting has allowed it. Add observation, a photo and a line, and the key person sees it. Settings love this; it goes in the journal.
- Can grandparents see it?
- Only if the setting adds them as a relative with their own login. Ask; most will.
- What happens to the journal when my child leaves?
- You can download it as a PDF before the account closes. The setting usually tells you when; ask if they do not.