Firstly, we would like to welcome everyone back after the Christmas break and wish you all a happy and prosperous New Year. A big thank you to all the parents/carers for their kind presents at Christmas. Also, thank you for your support for the cake and raffle contributions.
Spring Term Dates
Term 3: Monday, 4 January to Friday, 12 February
Half term: Monday, 15 February to Friday, 19 February
Term 4: Monday, 22 February to Thursday, 24 March
School Applications
If your child was born between the 1 September 2011 and 31 August 2012, school applications must be made NOW (by 15 January). Apply online at www.kent.gov.uk
Celebrations
Chinese New Year
Valentine’s Day
Pancake Day
St Patrick’s Day
Mothers’ Day
Easter
To find out what your child will be learning, please read the plans that are based around the national curriculum (EYFS). These are available to read upon the notice board in the lobby area.
The colour this half term will be GREEN and next half term is BLUE. The children are encouraged to bring in items from home that is the colour of the term. This aids in colour recognition in their environment. Please ensure all items are clearly labelled with your child’s name, thank you.
Our letter sounds this term will be T and P. Your child will be coming home with a letter sounds sheet they can do at home. We would like to reinforce that this is a FUN activity to support your child’s learning. It should not be forced. For guidance on what is expected, please read the letter accompanying the letter sounds sheet, thank you.
Please note, we hope to have visitors from the community for us to learn about and talk to, and if you feel you could come and talk to the children about your role in the community (i.e. a police officer, a nurse, a dentist, a librarian) please speak to the Nursery Supervisor, as your support and valuable insight is always welcome.
Attendance
It has been highlighted by various studies that the more regularly children attend an early years setting, the progress children make is significantly greater.
Christmas Concert DVDs
ALL DVD Christmas concert orders must be made by Friday, 8 January. Any orders received after this date will not be processed. Also, any outstanding Christmas present money must be paid by this date also, thank you.
Health and Safety
Due to health and safety for both schools, entrances and exits should only be accessed via the nursery gate. Also, due to safeguarding ALL children, NO MOBILE PHONES are permitted during drop off and pick up, please put them away during this time, thank you.
Wanted
Old newspapers, buttons, food colouring, paper and if you were fortunate during the festive season to receive extra gifts that you don’t quite know what to do with, please think of us, as we are able to use these for future raffle prizes, thank you.
We really do appreciate all donations and are grateful for the support shown to the nursery.
Key Person Appointments
If you would like the opportunity to speak with your child’s key person about your child’s development, then you are welcome to make an appointment.
Unique Story
Your child’s completed unique story for last term will soon be handed out and a new one to be shared with you will also be given, please liaise with us to support your child’s learning and development.
Stay and Play
Would you like to see what your child is learning? The nursery operates a parent/carer rota for you to come and experience nursery life. This is available within the nursery lobby. If you would like more information, please do not hesitate to speak to a member of staff.
Committee
We will soon be holding a committee meeting and invite all committee members to attend. If you are interested in helping the nursery by joining the committee, please speak to the Nursery Supervisor.
Useful Telephone Numbers
The Parents Consortium
Telephone: 01322 668501
Sure Start
Oakfield Children’s Centre, Oakfield Lane, Dartford, Kent DA1 2SW
Telephone: 01322 421160
Gingerbread – Lone Parent National Office
Telephone: 0800 018 5026 (Mon – Fri 9am – 5pm or Wed 9am – 8pm)