Highdale Day Nursery

As another school year begins there has been many children leaving nursery to start their school lives, and we have many new children starting Highdale, we would like to welcome them all. We also have Sarah going off on maternity leave on the 12^th of September; she will be off for nine months and returning next June. We have appointed Vicky who has a level three qualification in childcare, she will be temporarily covering some of Sarah’s hours, we would like to welcome her to the team.

We will be introducing a few improvements to our nursery, such as the children registering themselves by selecting their name card and placing it on the Velcro board provided. We would like to invite all parents to add to our planning, by noting any comments regarding the children’s interests on the sheet below the notice board; we do appreciate your contributions.

If any of the parents would like to volunteer to come in to read story to the group at either 11.45 or 4.15 please book a time slot with one of the team.

Just a couple of reminders to help our setting run smoothly, please can I ask that all parents discourage their children from bringing in toys on a daily basis, of course we love to see interesting objects that the children can show or talk about, however some precious toys have been lost unfortunately or broken. We have also been advised by food safety that we should not be eating food that has been brought in and made at home, so for hygiene reasons if you would like to bring in birthday cakes please can you buy them from the shops!

Monday the 6^th of October we will be offering the opportunity for your children to take part in making a Christmas DVD. The company Precious Moments encourage the children to participate in a fun, attractive way, to produce a lasting memory of the children going on an adventure. If any one objects to their child participating please let one of the team know, however if you wish your child to participate and they are not normally in on a Monday please book a time slot with us.

Many Thanks from the Nursery Team

A big welcome to those of you new parents and children, and of course it’s that time of year to say good bye to all of those children that you have entrusted with us, for the last few years, all pre school children will be greatly missed!

As most of you will have noticed Hayley has been volunteering with us for a few months now and in September she will start her training for her NVQ2 in child care, and has also taken on permanent hours with us at Highdale, welcome!

Sandra will finally become a permanent member of staff, as she has been emergency staff only in the past. Sandra hopes to go onto her NVQ3 in September, we wish them both luck.

Lindsay will be attending Uni on Wednesday’s in term time in order to achieve her Foundation Degree in Early Child hood studies, and there for go onto Early Years Professional Status, which is a new government iniative, helping to raise the standard of education.

Themes in the future-

People who help us

Summer

Parents we would love it if you wanted to offer any ideas for activities, or resources, and as some of you may know we have had two parent story tellers already and if any one would like to volunteer for 11.45 or 4.15 group stories any day please arrange a date with the office.

Some exciting news all the way from Africa, during Sarah’s visit she has adopted an Elephant called Shimba for nursery. We will be receiving regular photos and information regarding Shimba’s progress from The David Sheldrick Wildlife Trust. This link will provide great interest and information for the children about Elephants and Africa it’s self.

It is of great importance that all parents keep contact details updated, some numbers no longer work!

There will be a parents evening in September/October so that you have the opportunity to ask any questions and see your child’s profiles, date will be confirmed nearer the time.

Just a quick note about Mr White next door please be aware that the cones outside are there for a reason, as he has been repeatedly blocked in his own drive, can everyone show some consideration for his access.

Please can I ask that individuals use the buzzer entry system to let ONLY themselves in, as unknown adults may be able to gain access. Gates and doors need to be closed behind them, this is only to keep the children safe!

Just a reminder about appropriate clothing and foot wear. Sun hats and cream for hot days, and welly's and rain coats for wet days, these items really help us in the day to day running of nursery. We ask that coats and bags are clearly named so that others can identify personal belongings.

It keeps going around, we need to put a stop to it “HEADLICE! ”

Please check and treat your child’s hair where necessary.

Some children are not attending nursery without letting us know, we just need to know how many children to expect in on that day, could you please give us a quick call if your child is going to be absent.

All parent with children reaching school age before the 1^st of September 2008, please ensure you register your child with the school of your choice before the end of October 07.

Finally we would like to congratulate Kerry and Will on their resent engagement, brilliant news!

Many Thanks

Lindsay and Sarah

We have been presented by Avon and Somerset police yellow high visibility jackets. PC Ellie French brought these along to the nursery as part of a local safety project, each has the nursery name on.

We have enough for each child to have one on trips out in clevedon, this is so that our nursery children can be easily identified.

Many Thanks

Lindsay and Sarah

We would like to make a request that parents bring their children to nursery in clothing that you don’t mind getting messy. We do provide children with protective ware but children inevitably get messy occasionally.

With Autumn here and winter well on it’s way please can we ask that you provide water proof coats for the children and wellies where necessary, as we value our outside time. Nursery will be providing umbrellas for that horrible wet weather to come.

Also please provide a spare change of clothes in your child’s bag and ensure that all items are named.

We are collecting the sports equipment for schools voucher from tesco’s and would appreciate any spare vouchers please.

If you have any comments about the new security in place at nursery please don’t hesitate to let Lindsay or Sarah know, we would appreciate the feed back.

Video day will take place on the 23^rd of October and make a great Christmas present for Grandparents, please see flyers for details.

Also Photo Day will take place on the 15^th of November, time slots will be displayed and please do bring along sibling for group photos.

Finally thank you for the support you all gave for the resent car boot sale held, we raised £60 which went toward our purchase of new multicultural musical instruments, which all of the children LOVE.

Many Thanks