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 celebrations and plans for the term, please see the notice board in the lobby and on this website.
AUTUMN TERM
For the first few weeks of this term we will be learning about ourselves and settling into the nursery, and for returning children we will be talking about what they are looking forward to learning this year and how we can help our new friends at nursery. We will then plan activities daily in line with the children’s stage of development, learning style and interests. Remember if your child is new to nursery or returning, being at nursery with the routine and all the lovely toys can be distracting!! There is so much to do so children will often have toileting accidents just while they settle into nursery life. Please do not worry and be assured that we support as much as we can all children with this sometimes difficult learning development.
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.
TERM DATES
Term 1
Stars: Monday, 3rd September 2018
Ends: Friday, 19th October 2018
Half Term
Monday, 22nd October 2018 – Friday, 26th October 2018
Term 2
Starts: Monday, 29th October 2018
Ends: Friday, 14th December 2018
Please note, there will be no regular nursery sessions on Thursday, 13th December and Friday, 14th December 2018 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.
Spring Term
Starts: Monday, 7th January 2019
EYFS
This is the statutory framework that sets standards for early years 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 all bags, coats and children’s clothing/shoes are labelled. Also, 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 Sue.
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 Sue if you can help. WE HAVE JUST RECEIVED OUR OUTSIDE WOODEN STRUCTURE COVER FOR OUR MUD KITCHEN AND WOULD LOVE SOME VOLUNTEERS TO PUT IT UP!! Please speak to Sue if you can 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, recyclable materials (boxes, tubes), food colouring, buttons, wood (all sizes), paper or old pasta, rice, lentils, 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 £15.00 each. Please make sure all payments are made promptly to prevent any embarrassment, in an envelope with your child’s name and date of payment. Please note, that all sessions allocated to your child MUST be paid for, even when they are on holiday or not in attendance due to appointments or sickness, thank you.
KEY PERSON
Children’s key persons have been already 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 ensuring you engage 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 this website. Information about the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) is available within the nursery 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.
VOLUNTEERS
We are a Charity with a Board of Trustees whose support is vital to the setting. The Nursery is also supported by any persons wishing to volunteer, we therefore invite you help at either the Christmas party, cake sale that is coming up or helping to wrap presents. If you are interested or would like further information, please do not hesitate to speak to Sue.
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.