week commencing 28th January

Dear Parents

 

Cristina’s last week

Cristina’s last day is Thursday 31^st January.  Cristina has decided to take the full years maternity leave so will not return until 2014. However she will be popping in once her baby is born so I will let you know how they are both doing.

From February the new teams will be:

Buttercups: Charlotte, Emma J, Emma H and Nilem

Bluebells: Donna, Josie, Leanne and Rose

Sunflowers: Jess, Chloe and Alison

We are currently recruiting for another person to join the Buttercup team.

 

Parent link

In order to continue to improve and provide the best care possible for the children we need your help! Any suggestions, ideas or comments that you have about the Nursery please let us know, either in person or via email. We want to work in partnership with all our parents!

We need a few parents to read through our new policies and give feedback. You can take your time reading through them as I know how busy you are. Any parents who are interested in doing this please let me know. It is important that we have parent feedback on our policies so we can ensure that they meet your needs as well as the children’s.

 

Wow vouchers

All the Wow vouchers have now gone out. Please help your child’s key person by returning these completed with things your child has been up to outside of Nursery. Anyone can complete them so get Grannies and Grandads involved too.

Understanding what your child is like both in and out of Nursery is vital for us to be able to support them fully so please take full advantage of using the “Wow vouchers” to tell us how great your child is.

 

This week’s activities

Each key person will be responsible for designing an activity based on their key children’s needs; however, all children who are in on that day will have the opportunity to access the activity too.

If the key person is on holiday or off, another staff member will be able to lead the activity in their place so that the children do not miss out.

For more information on the Early Years Foundation stage, the guidance we use to support our planning and practice, visit:

http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/

 

Buttercups

Monday – Charlotte’s group will be looking at their facial expressions in the mirror.

Tuesday – Nilem’s group is getting messy as they explore coloured paint.

Wednesday – Emma J’s group are playing ball games in the garden.

Thursday – Charlotte’s group is building towers with blocks.

Friday – Emma H’s group are exploring picture books.

Charlotte is off Friday, Emma H is off Tuesday and Thursday, Emma J is off Monday and Tuesday, Nilem is off Friday and Leanne is in all week.

 

Bluebells

Monday – Donna’s group will be having fun with Sports Stars

Tuesday – Cristina’s group is drawing with felt tips.

Wednesday- Donna’s group are rolling balls to each other.

Thursday – Cristina’s group will be singing number rhymes.

Friday – Donna’s group is getting messy playing with cornflour.

Donna is off Friday, Cristina is off Thursday and Rose is in all week.

 

Sunflowers

Due to issues with teachers the French classes have been cancelled. For those parent who have paid for your lessons you will receive a full refund. However on a better note I have found a new company to teach French on Wednesday mornings. The team will be asking parents whose children attend on Wednesdays if they would like their child to take part.

We have started a new behaviour board in the Preschool. Every child will have their own ladybird, they have to earn six ladybird spots through good behaviour.

When they have got six spots the children will receive a certificate and get to take a teddy bear home for the weekend. For more information please ask the team!

The topic for January and February is ‘Art and Artists’. If you have anything at home that links to this topic please can we have it for our interest table? Please make sure any items brought in are labelled. Books of the fortnight are:

28^th – 4^th – Katie and the Mona Lisa – James Mayhew

11^th – 18^th – Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School – Adrian Reynolds

28^th – The Bear with Sticky Paws – Clara Williams

Monday – Josie’s group will be getting physical during Sports Stars

Tuesday – Chloe’s group are reading rhymes.

Wednesday – Jess’s group is exploring instruments and the sounds they make.

Thursday – Jess’s group will be talking about size as they read “Where’s my teddy?”

Friday – Josie’s group will be using describing words.

Jess is off Monday, Chloe is off Wednesday and Friday, Josie is off Tuesday and Alison does 9.30-2.30 Monday to Thursday

 

Happy Burns Night!

Snow update

Tuesday 22nd January

7.20 am

We will be open as normal for the rest of the week. Please be really carefully on the footpath outside Nursery as it is very icy!

If anything changes we will let you know.

Caroline

Monday 21st January

3.50pm

Nursery is open as normal to 6pm today.  The main roads around nursery are clear however the pavements are very icy aand slippery, so please be careful when walking up and down the hill.

Charlotte

snow update

Sunday 20th January.

6.45 pm

We are planning on opening the Nursery as normal tomorrow. However with some local schools closing we may be operating on a skeleton staff.
The roads around the nursery contiune to be icy so please take great care. The Met office has issued warnings for ice.
We will contiune to monitor the conditions throughout Monday and will let you know of any changes to the opening times.

Caroline

week commencing 21st January

Dear Parents

 

Parent Link

For the last five years we have had a focused group of parents who would meet several times during the year and discuss and give feedback on the Nursery. Over the years many great incentives have come from parent link, things such as day books for the babies, including staff holidays and days off in the newsletter, room books and the summer picnic! As the nursery has evolved so must the parent link group. Therefore I would like to open up parent link to all parents. Instead of meeting with a small group of parents I would like to use these weekly blogs to get every parent’s opinions. As new ideas are discussed at the Nursery I will let you know what we are thinking and will ask for your opinion. As always if you have any ideas, suggestions or comments you can let me know via email or in person. With us all working together we can continue to offer the children the best start in life!

 

Wow vouchers

So we can find out how well your child is progressing at home on a regular basis we have decided to stop the end of term summary that we used to send home.

Now each month I will email, and your child’s key person will give out, “wow vouchers.” These are small cards that can be completed anytime your child learns something new. We then ask that they can be returned to the nursery so we can plan activities that will suit your child’s developing needs. Anyone who looks after your child can complete “wow vouchers” so get Granny and Grandad, Aunties and Uncles involved in your child’s learning!

Understanding what your child is like both in and out of Nursery is vital for us to be able to support them fully so please take full advantage of using the “Wow vouchers” to tell us how great your child is.

 

The Garden

You will all be please to know the electric work in the front garden has finished and the garden is back to normal!

 

Snow plan

Our plan is to open as normal when bad weather hits, however if heavy snow makes getting to the Nursery difficult or dangerous, we may have to close this Nursery and operate from our Markenfield Road site.

We will only do this if we really have to as we don’t want to cause any disruption to you.

There may also be occasions when we have to change our opening and closing times, again this will only be if we really have to do so.

 

For opening information during snowy times please see our blog:

http://castlenursery-southhill.blogspot.co.uk

Why not make our blog one of your favourite sites!

 

This week’s activities

Each key person will be responsible for designing an activity based on their key children’s needs; however, all children who are in on that day will have the opportunity to access the activity too.

If the key person is on holiday or off, another staff member will be able to lead the activity in their place so that the children do not miss out.

For more information on the Early Years Foundation stage, the guidance we use to support our planning and practice, visit:

http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/

 

Buttercups

Monday – Nilem’s group will be exploring a range of pop up toys.

Tuesday- Emma J’s group will be reading stories and talking about what is happening.

Wednesday – Emma H’s group is using simple puzzles to develop shape awareness.

Thursday – Charlotte’s group are having a teddy bears picnic!

Friday – Emma H’s group are developing coordination as they play with playdough tools.

Charlotte is off Friday, Emma H is off Tuesday and Thursday, Emma J is off Monday, Nilem is off Friday and Leanne is in all week.

 

Bluebells

Monday – Cristina’s group will be painting using toy bricks

Tuesday – Donna’s group will be developing an understanding of the family as they play with small world and read family books.

Wednesday – Cristina’s group are exploring rice and lentils as they fill and empty containers

Thursday- Donna’s group is singing nursery rhymes to develop language skills.

Friday – Cristina’s group are playing tennis to develop hand eye coordination.

 Donna is off Friday, Cristina is off Thursday and Rose is in all week.

 

Sunflowers

The French lesson have not yet started due to the teacher being poorly. However Jumping Beans French Classes will be sending us a replacement teacher and making up for the two sessions missed. I am very sorry that these lessons haven’t gone to plan so far.

The topic for January and February is ‘Art and Artists’. If you have anything at home that links to this topic please can we have it for our interest table? Please make sure any items brought in are labelled. Books of the fortnight are:

14^th – 21^st January – Katie Meets the Impressionists – James Mayhew

28^th – 4^th – Katie and the Mona Lisa – James Mayhew

11^th – 18^th – Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School – Adrian Reynolds

28^th – The Bear with Sticky Paws – Clara Williams

Monday – Chloe’s group will be practising their pencil control.

Tuesday – Jess’s group is playing the alphabet soup game.

Wednesday – Alison will be talking to the children about tallest and shortest as they make towers and measure them.

Thursday – Alison will be looking at Monet with the children as they create their own version of classic paintings.

Friday – Josie’s group are talking about a special event as they draw pictures.

Jess is off Monday, Chloe is off Wednesday, Josie is off Tuesday and Alison does 9.30-2.30 Monday to Thursday

 

 

Kind Regards

 

Caroline

week commencing 14th January

Dear Parents and Families

 

Garden

The electricity is all fixed, there was an issue with the mains feed into the setting. We are now awaiting the electric company to come and fill in the hole. As you can imagine I am trying to get this to happen as soon as possible! We are hoping it should all be sorted next week. In the meantime the children are using the back garden. Thank you very much for your patience and we all hope to be out in the front garden asap!

 

Parent Diary

The Parent 2013 diary is out now! This has all the dates of the events we have planned, including our new Father’s  and Mother’s weeks. Details on each event will be in our weekly emails.

 

This week’s activities

Each key person will be responsible for designing an activity based on their key children’s needs; however, all children who are in on that day will have the opportunity to access the activity too.

If the key person is on holiday or off, another staff member will be able to lead the activity in their place so that the children do not miss out.

For more information on the Early Years Foundation stage, the guidance we use to support our planning and practice, visit:

http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/

 

Buttercups

Monday – Charlotte’s group are exploring a variety of electronic toys.

Tuesday – Nilem’s group will be bathing the dollies

Wednesday – Emma J’s group is enjoying the soft play in the garden.

Thursday – Charlotte’s group are singing a selection of animal songs.

Friday – Emma H’s group is exploring cornflour gloop!

Charlotte is off Friday, Emma H is off Tuesday and Thursday, Emma J is off Monday, Nilem is off Friday and Leanne is in all week.

 

Bluebells

Monday – Cristina’s group will be playing football in the garden to develop gross motor skills.

Tuesday – Donna’s group is practising number skills as they count bears.

Wednesday – Donna’s group are reading books with her as they develop their language skills.

Thursday – Donna’s group will be talking about feelings and emotions.

Friday – Cristina’s group is playing with the small world toys.

Donna is off Friday, Cristina is off Thursday and Rose is in all week.

 

Sunflowers

The topic for January and February is ‘Art and Artists’. If you have anything at home that links to this topic please can we have it for our interest table? Please make sure any items brought in are labelled. Books of the fortnight are:

14^th – 21^st January – Katie Meets the Impressionists – James Mayhew

28^th – 4^th – Katie and the Mona Lisa – James Mayhew

11^th – 18^th – Harry and the Dinosaurs go to School – Adrian Reynolds

28^th – The Bear with Sticky Paws – Clara Williams

Monday – Chloe’s group will be talking about routines as they explore routine cards.

Tuesday – Jess’s group are talking about significant events.

Wednesday – Alison’s group will be developing their letter recognition.

Thursday – Jess’s group is sorting, matching and counting objects.

Friday – Josie’s group will be getting creative as they do some painting.

Jess is off Monday, Chloe is off Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday, Josie is off Tuesday and Alison does 9.30-2.30 Monday to Thursday

 

Have a nice weekend

Caroline

Week commencing 7th January 2013

Happy New Year!

 

Staff news

With Cristina going on Maternity leave at the end of January we will be having a staff reshuffle. A lot of thought goes into our staff teams so that we can try and give you the most continuity and the best mix of staff experience that we can. I know there have been a few staff changes in the past year but with a staff team with a combined 60 years of service at Castle Nursery, our staff turnover is very low! Cristina’s last day is Thursday 31^st January. If you have any questions about the staff restructure please see Caroline. The teams will be talking to you about any Key people changes.

 

From February 2013 the teams will be:

 

Buttercups

Charlotte- Room leader and Deputy, Emma H – room senior , Emma J and Nilem – Nursery Practitioners

 

Bluebells

Donna – Room leader, Josie and Leanne – Nursery Practitioners

 

Sunflowers

Jess – Room Leader and Third in Charge, Chloe M  and Alison – Nursery Practitioners

 

Chloe W and Rose will be supporting the teams, covering days off, sickness and holidays.

 

Nappies

If your child runs out of nappies at Nursery we use our spare nappies so that the children remain clean and fresh, however when you bring nappies in these spare nappies will need to be replaced; this may mean that your nappy stock goes down quicker than you think! Please can you make sure your child is always well supplied with wipes and nappies, the team will let you know when they are running low so you have time to get some before they run out! Thank you for your cooperation with this.

 

Let there be light

We have a new sensor light above the buggy shed to help you on the dark nights (it’s not as bright as I would like but I am working on that!) There are also lights inside the buggy sheds. The light switch for these is in the right hand shed.

 

Treasure baskets

The Buttercups are in need of some household objects to replenish their treasure baskets. If you have any spare pastry brushes, small boxes with lids, small tins with lids, sponges, nail brushes, metal or wood egg cups, keys or exfoliating gloves we would be most grateful for them!

 

This week’s activities

Each key person will be responsible for designing an activity based on their key children’s needs; however, all children who are in on that day will have the opportunity to access the activity too.

If the key person is on holiday or off, another staff member will be able to lead the activity in their place so that the children do not miss out.

For more information on the Early Years Foundation stage, the guidance we use to support our planning and practice, visit:

http://www.foundationyears.org.uk/

 

Buttercups

Monday – Nilem’s group will be singing rhymes in small groups.

Tuesday – Emma J’s group will be exploring pasta

Wednesday – Emma J’s group are dancing with ribbons.

Thursday – Charlotte’s group will be playing “hello” and “goodbye” games.

Friday – Emma H’s group are playing with keyboards and phones.

Charlotte is off Friday, Emma H is off Tuesday and Thursday, Emma J is off Monday, Nilem is off Friday and Leanne is in all week.

 

 

Bluebells

Monday – Cristina’s group will be singing number rhymes.

Tuesday – Chloe’s group is practising their listening skills as they play games such as “Head, Shoulders.”

Wednesday – Donna’s group will be painting to classical music

Thursday – Chloe’s group is exploring objects and where they come from

Friday – Cristina’s group will be having fun on an obstacle course.

Donna is off Friday, Cristina is off Wednesday and Rose is in all week.

 

 

Sunflowers

The topic for January and February is “Art and Artists’. If you have anything at home that links to this topic please can we have it for our interest table? Please make sure any items brought in are labelled. Books of the fortnight list will be out next week.

The Sunflowers will also be working on being good friends as some of our children (particularly our young ladies) are discovering the effect of giving and withholding friendships. This is part of social development and is not a problem right now, however we will be supporting them as they move through this phase. If you have any questions about this please speak to Jess.

Monday – Chloe’s group will be looking at art and creating our own masterpieces.

Tuesday – Alison’s group will be developing their listening skills as they predict what will happen next in a story.

Wednesday – Jess’s group is sorting and matching objects

Thursday – Josie’s group will be working together to complete puzzles.

Friday – Josie’s group are practicing using scissors as the try and cut simple patterns.

Jess is off Monday and Friday, Chloe is off Wednesday, Josie is off Tuesday and Alison does 9.30-2.30 Monday to Thursday

 

Have a great weekend