Dear Parents/Carers,
Welcome to the September edition of our Newsletter, which is full of exciting news and includes details of our forthcoming events.
Welcome
As a new term is upon us, we would like to extend a warm welcome to all our new families joining us, as well as welcome back our term time families, who have been off for the summer. We will do everything we can to help the children settle in as quickly as possible.
Planning and Activities
This month the nursery will focus on changes in the seasons as we approach autumn. We will look at how the weather is changing, explore the outdoors and textures of leaves, twigs and other items.
Objects collected by the children will be used in a multitude of activities in the coming months.
Under 2s have shown a great interest in sensory play. They have been exploring different textures and materials, such as sand, ice, custard, jelly, and pasta to make their marks and explore their five senses.
Over 2s have shown an interest in dinosaurs, exploring different dinosaur worlds, looking at sizes and quantities. They have also explored the textures and different colours of the dinosaurs and have enjoyed reading stories about them.
Pre-school have spent the last month learning about growth, plants and their properties. The children have enjoyed learning about planting and using gardening equipment to plant flowers around the building. Growth continues to be an interest for our Pre-schoolers, as they come into autumn, and become involved in planting and learn about the changes in colours and the fall of leaves.
Holiday Club have enjoyed taking bus trips and exploring the local parks and craft activities, both indoors and out. The club have enjoyed some fun trips out to The Zone, Coal Mining Museum, Cinema and many more interesting places, and have of course enjoyed eating ice cream in the sunshine!
Polite Reminders – Fees and Mobile Phones
All invoices for September 2022 have now been sent out. If you have not received your invoice,
please contact the office. Please be reminded that nursery fees are payable in advance. If you have any queries about this, please speak to Chloe or Sophie in the office.
Please be reminded that mobile phones must not be used whilst waiting to collect your child, and you should arrive at least 10 minutes prior to the end of your nursery session, to allow sufficient time for collection and handover.
Our regulator, Ofsted, regards the use of mobile phones as a child safeguarding issue and as such your help in this regard is very much appreciated.
Weather
Autumn is approaching fast and we will continue to enjoy the great outdoors. We kindly ask you to provide a waterproof coat and appropriate footwear for your child. Please also ensure your child’s clothing is clearly labelled.
2, 3 and 4 Year Old Funded Sessions
Autumn Term sessions start Monday 5th September and run until Friday 16th December 2022 (14 weeks funded term). Please note that funding is not applicable during half term, week commencing Monday 24th October.
For any of our parents who have recently had children turn 2 or 3 between April and August, it is worthwhile enquiring as to whether your child is eligible for 2 year old funding or the additional 15 hour funding (additional charges apply). Please see this link for more information.
Parent Consultation Day
On Saturday, 8th October we are holding our next Parent Consultation Day This is a chance for you to come in, speak to your child’s key person and discuss their learning and developent, as well as read through their learning journey Please speak to your child’s key person to book in a slot between 9am and 1pm.
Staff News
For August, ‘Staff Member of the Month’ was awarded to Lauren, who has shown great willing and dedication in providing exciting experiences for all the children. Lauren has settled in well to the Under 2s and is making some very strong bonds with the children.
‘Room of the Month’ has been awarded to Babies, for their amazing sensory activities that have been enjoyed by all. Our new babies have settled brilliantly into the room and our staff have worked very well in providing a happy, fun and stimulating area for all to enjoy.
Please continue to make your nominations by using the nomination slips, located at the main and side entrances. You can also send your nominations direct to the office via email. Thank you.
Diary Dates
- Monday, 5th September – Term Time/Funded Sessions re-start
- Saturday, 8th October – Parent Consultation Day
- Friday, 21st October – Term Time/ Funded Sessions End
- Monday, 24th October until Friday, 28th October – October Half Term
- Monday, 31st October – Term Time/ Funded Sessions re-start