Firstly, we would like to take this opportunity to welcome all our new parents and carers to the Windmill Nursery and happy returns for all our returning families. Each term you will receive a newsletter to help keep you informed of all the relevant news, events and themes that are coming up. For more information regarding the themes and plans for the term, please see the notice board in the lobby and on our website.
AUTUMN TERM
For the first few weeks of this term we will be learning about ourselves and settling into the nursery. We will then plan activities daily in line with the children’s stage of development, learning style and interests.
The colour for this half term will be RED. The colour for next half term will be YELLOW.
We will be learning some letter sounds this year too, starting with phase 1 of learning through phonics.
EYPP
Within your information packs, an Early Years Pupil Premium (EYPP) letter was sent out. If you feel that you meet the eligibility criteria, please speak to a member of staff. The significance that this can give to children’s learning has been well documented in schools and we are now lucky to have this opportunity given to early years settings.
TERM DATES
Term 1
Starts: Monday, 5 September 2016
Ends: Friday, 21 October 2016
Half Term
Monday, 24 October – Friday, 28 October 2016
Term 2
Starts: Monday, 31 October 2016
Ends: Friday, 16 December 2016
Please note, there will be no regular nursery sessions on Thursday, 15 December and Friday, 16 December due to the nursery Christmas concerts and parties. All children are welcome to attend on these special days. More information regarding these dates will follow nearer the time.
The spring term starts on Thursday, 5 January 2017.
EYFS
This is the statutory framework that sets standards for early year’s settings to follow for children’s learning, development and care of children from birth to 5 years old. These standards follow your child through the first year of school too! For more information about the EYFS and for any government publications, please do look within the nursery lobby or access further information at: www.foundationyears.org.uk
GENTLE REMINDERS
Please ensure that when waiting to come into the nursery that you and your children stay within the nursery area and do not use any of the school’s equipment or go onto the field.
Please ensure any ordered uniforms are paid for as soon as possible.
USEFUL TELEPHONE NUMBERS
Sure Start Oakfield Lane: 01322 223260
Sure Start Temple Hill: 01322 294202
Sure Start Swanscombe: 01322 624230
HOBBIES
If any parent or carer has an interest, hobby or skill that you think the children may be interested in, and you would like to come and share it with the group, please speak to the Nursery Supervisor.
VOLUNTEERS
If you are interested in gardening and have some time to spare, we would welcome your help to work with us and the children in our garden. Please speak to the Nursery Supervisor if you are able to help.
WANTED
We try to use a wide variety of materials for our craft activities and would be grateful if you have any spare wool, material, new paper, recyclable materials (boxes, tubes), food colouring or buttons which you no longer need and could bring in to the nursery.
MONIES
Please remember to pay your cooking fee of £6 per year (£2 per term), thank you. Any setting fees that have been previously advised MUST be paid for in ADVANCE, either weekly, monthly or on a termly basis. Sessions are charged at £13.50 each. Please make sure all payments are made promptly to prevent any embarrassment.
KEY PERSON
Children’s key persons have been allocated and if you would like to speak to your child’s key person you are invited to make an appointment that suits you. However, please be patient as it is our priority to settle all the children into the setting. The allocated key person will continually observe and complete a learning journey profile and liaise with you on completing the ‘My Unique story’ document in due course. The unique story is a valuable document that supports our partnership working with you, and by you engaging in this ensures all information is shared by yourselves and by your child’s key person.
POLICIES
There are copies of the setting’s policies and procedures available in the lobby and on our website.
Information about the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is available within the prospectus (which is also available in the lobby and on this website).
COLLECTION OF CHILDREN
Please ensure that only parents/carers and authorised adults collect your child from the nursery. We are unable to allow children to leave the nursery premises without authorised adults. Also, please make sure you come to the carpet area as your child waits for you here.
COMMITTEE
The nursery is supported by the vital role of the committee and we therefore invite you to join the committee. If you are interested or would like further information, please do not hesitate to speak to the Nursery Supervisor.
We strive to not only make your child’s time at nursery a successful and enjoyable period, but we also strive to work in partnership with you so that your time as parents of the Windmill Nursery is also a positive experience. If you have any questions at any time, please do not hesitate to ask.
Thank you.