Parent News

Dear Parents and Carers

Unfortunately we are having to cancel the healthy eating session tomorrow due to low numbers.  If there are any areas that parents would like us to run workshops on, please let us know.

We would like to remind parents that we close at 18.00pm on Friday May 2^nd and re open on Tuesday May 6^th at 08.00am.

Policies

Please see the attached our procedure for the control of hazardous substances.(COSHH) 

Snails

The focus in the snails this week will continue to be exploring the outdoor environment.  Alisha and Leanne will continue with the activities form last week whereby the children are encouraged to roll and  stand, using the walkers in the garden.  The babies will also experience story time outdoors. 

Alisha – Annual leave all week  Leanne – day off Friday

Caterpillars

The current interest in the Caterpillars are outdoor activities.   This week the children will make animal sounds using the puppets outside.   Other outdoor activities planned include chalking, puzzles, pop up toys and Happyland. Creative activities planned for this week include table painting and gluing and sticking. Planned activities within the Snails and Caterpillars surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning.

Days off Jamie - Monday           Tara – Friday, Annual Leave Wednesday    

Ladybirds

The current interests in the ladybirds are dressing up, insects and bugs, transport and mark making.  This week the children will be encouraged to help build a train track, with the support from an adult.  Outside the children will play with the boats in water and look for insect and bugs in the garden. Creative activities this week include making spiders, table painting and mark making using cars as mark making tools.  Planned activities within the ladybirds surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning.

Days off   Abi – Monday, Annual leave Friday    Naomi – Training Wednesday 

Bumblebees

This week group time activities include finding numbers in the garden, looking at sand timers, discussing what is happening, looking at shapes within the environment and counting and matching cards which all support mathematical development.  The team will encourage the children to identify missing words from familiar rhymes and the children will have the opportunity to draw pictures and describe their pictures to familiar adults, supporting their literacy skills.  The stories of the week are ‘Hands are not for hitting’ and ‘Feet are not for kicking’.  Planned activities within the Bumblebees surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning which is now displayed on the large notice board outside the Bumblebees room.

Days off    Jenni – Thursday     Jani – Tuesday

Butterflies                       

 This week the children’s interests surround birthdays and our Forest school as a new group has started this term.   The book of the week is ‘The Blue Balloon.’ The children will be encouraged to design a picture depicting the season that their birthday falls into.  The children will be encouraged to ask each other questions about their birthdays. Also, this week, the children will be asked questions during circle time about  their time at forest school, building up their vocabulary that reflects the breadth of their experiences. Planned activities within the Butterflies surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning.

Days off   Stani – Friday   Tracy – Wednesday   

Procedure for control of hazardous substances (COSHH)

 

Aim of policy

To give guidance on handling and storing hazardous substances.

See the current risk assessments and the risk assessment policy.

Points to consider

1.      All staff will receive information on COSHH regulations and be expected to adhere to the regulations.

2.      The number of hazardous substances will be kept to an absolute minimum and be provided with relevant COSHH sheets.

3.      Spillages must be swept up and disposed of in plastic bags or mopped up using plenty of cold water and diluted to a safe level before disposal.  Brushes, mops and disposable cloths should be well rinsed after use and contaminated paper products disposed of in closed plastic bags.  The Manager must be informed of any significant spillage.

4.      After handling a hazardous substance, staff must remove protective clothing and wash hands before resuming work, touching food or leaving the premises.

5.      Emergencies resulting from swallowing, inhaling, skin or eye contact must be dealt with in accordance with first aid provision and with instructions issued by the manufacturers of the substance.

6.      Medication for personal use must be treated as a hazardous substance whether or not excessive dosage is to be harmful. All medication brought onto the premises must be surrendered to the manager and stored in              

The medication box in the office or in the fridge in the staff (if required)

7.      It should be assumed that all forms of bodily discharge are potentially infectious and the appropriate precautions observed in disposing of contaminated materials and subsequent cleaning.

8.      Hazardous substances are to be kept in the containers in which they were supplied and are not to be transferred to and stored in other containers which are unidentified or which have incorrect markings.

9.      It is unlikely that radioactive substances or known carcinogens will be deliberately brought onto the premises.  However, if there are grounds to suspect that any such material is present, the nursery Health & Safety Co-ordinator must be notified immediately.

There are special regulations covering the control of substances, which are hazardous to health.

The regulations lay down what an Employer must do to protect people in the work place against health risks arising from swallowing, inhaling or having contact with toxic, irritant, carcinogenic, infectious or radio-active substances.

An employer must:

·         Identify those substances that are covered by COSHH.

·         Assess the risk of someone being harmed by them.

·         Try to reduce the risk by substituting another, less hazardous substance, or reducing the quantities used.

·         Monitor the procedures in the Nursery for controlling hazardous substances to ensure they are still appropriate and are being observed by all members of staff and contractors.

 

Healthy Eating

Dear Parents and Carers

We hope that you all had a lovely Easter break.  This week sees the introduction of our spring/summer menu’s which are displayed in each room and also on the front door.  If you would like a copy, please do not hesitate to ask. Also this Saturday we are holding our healthy eating forum, whereby Emily, our cook will be sharing some of her recipes with you and parents will have the opportunity for a question and answer session regarding food served up at nursery and also suggestions for challenging eating behaviours such children who will only eat certain foods or turn their noses up at vegetables, for example.  The session will run from 9.30am – 11.30am.  If you would like to join us please could you advise Michelle.  Thank you.

Policies

Please see the attached our procedure for the administration of medicine and our Paracetamol suspension administration policy’. 

Snails

The focus in the snails this week will be exploring the outdoor environment.  Leanne will encourage the children to roll and  stand, using the walkers in the garden.  The babies will also experience story time outdoors.  Creative activities for the babies include using chalks to make marks outside and water play. 

Alisha – Annual leave all week  Leanne – day off Friday

Caterpillars

The current interest in the Caterpillars is Spring and ‘Exploring self and imagination’.  The books of the week are ‘Farmyard friends’ and ‘Old Macdonald’.   This week the children will be encouraged to use mirrors to point to different facial body parts and will be encouraged to explore the role play area, trying on hats and costumes. Creative activities planned for this week include making spring flower pictures and animal masks. Planned activities within the Snails and Caterpillars surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning.

Days off Jamie - Friday   Tara - Tuesday       Tarnia – Annual leave all week

Ladybirds

The current interests in the ladybirds are water play, cars and insects and bugs.  The story of the week is ‘Bugs at play.’  This week the children will be encouraged to use to push and pull the cars along the floor, whilst the water trays shall have sea life animals in them to encourage imaginative play. Creative activities this week include mark making in damp sand.  the children shall also look for bugs and insects outside in the garden.  Planned activities within the ladybirds surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning.

Days off   Abi – Tuesday    Kim– Annual leave Tuesday and Wednesday  

Bumblebees

For the next two weeks the Bumblebees team shall be concentrating their planned activities around sharing and ensuring that all children have the opportunity to explore the new equipment in the new defined areas. This week the children will have their group activities in each of the following areas,; Construction, ICT, role play, creative and sand and water.  The books of the week are ‘Sharing is caring’ and ‘Teeth are not for biting’. Creative activities planned include making play dough and using a selection of tools with the play dough, create a picture using a selection of equipment such as scissors, glue and paint and using pencils to create lines and circles on a large area .  Planned activities within the Bumblebees surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning which is now displayed on the large notice board outside the Bumblebees room.

Days off    Jenni – Thursday     Jani – Friday

Butterflies                       

 This week the children’s interests surround growing.  The children will be encouraged to discuss how things grow such as flowers, plants and people.  The book of the week is ‘The very lazy ladybird’.  The children will be encouraged to make up a story around the book of the week. Also, this week, the children will be encouraged to build a structure using the big blocks outside and then to follow instructions to hop, jump and walk, using their structure. Planned activities within the Butterflies surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning.

Days off   Stani – Friday   Tracy – Wednesday   

Procedure for the administration of medicine

Aim of policy

At Castle Daycare & Preschool, we put the safety, comfort and welfare of the children first, therefore we would expect a child suffering from a short term illness to be cared for at home until they are fully recovered.  However, we accept there are occasions when Nursery staff will be required to administer medication. This policy gives guidance to how we do this.

Points to consider

The definition of the term ‘medication’ in this context is taken to mean any medicinal preparations specifically prescribed for the treatment of non-contagious conditions.

Only the Manager or a senior worker (deputy or senior practitioner) is authorised to administer medicines.  Details of all medicines administered must be recorded on the medication authorisation form.

Castle Daycare and Preschool aim to achieve this by:

·         A manager or senior staff member will administer prescribed medication or Paracetamol Suspension on written instruction from a parent.

·         Children should not attend the nursery if suffering from a communicable disease or one that requires special treatment during the day, change of dressings etc unless staff have received the necessary training. 

·         Long term illnesses or conditions requiring specialist training and support (such as diabetes) will be assessed as described in our special needs policy and individual health care plan will be completed and agreed with the parent/carer.

·         Medication will be stored away from the children in a secure place. At this nursery medication is stored:

In the office or in the fridge in the staff room

·         Medication must be in correct containers, clearly labelled to indicate:

·         Child’s name

·         Date of prescription

·         Use by date

·         Dosage

·         Any other relevant information

·         The parent/guardian must enter medication details on the medicine authorisation form, including:

·         Date of instruction

·         Name of child

·         Type of medication and dosage

·         Method of administering dose

·         Time of dose and duration of treatment

This instruction should be signed by the parent and counter-signed by the Manager or senior worker.

Two members of staff must be present to administer medication – one of whom shall be the Manager or senior worker.

The medication label, the authorisation form and the child’s identity must be carefully checked prior to administering the medication.

Do not administer further medication if the child spits out, vomits or spills part of the dose.  This should be recorded on the administration form (comments).

Replace the medication in the designated area for medication.

Record times of doses on the child’s daily record sheet and medicine authorisation form and alter accordingly if the previous dose is administered earlier or later than stated – (record the reason for this)

For long term medication, such as inhalers and epi-pens, individual protocols should be made, documenting in more detail information about when and how the medication should be administered.

The parent must sign the administration record at the end of the child’s day/ session.

 

Paracetamol Suspension administration policy

Aim of policy           

To ensure that the administration of non-prescription Paracetamol Suspension (Calpol) medication is administered correctly and safely to any children who require it.

Points to consider

Paracetamol Suspension will only be administered in an emergency and with permission obtained from a parent or authorised guardian.

Castle Daycare and Preschool aim to achieve this by:

Paracetamol Suspension will be kept on site as an emergency provision only.

Paracetamol Suspension must be kept in a labelled container in the medication cupboard.

Paracetamol Suspension is for the use of the reduction of body temperature in nursery children who have a body temperature exceeding 37.5°C unless the child’s core body temperature is naturally lower, this should be requested in writing by the parent.

 To help lower the child’s raised temperature:

Take off the child’s outer clothes, leaving them in simply their vest and pants/ nappy. (Cover with a cotton sheet if they shiver). Please keep privacy in mind.

Keep the room at a normal temperature (18- 20°C) or cooler by opening windows and use a fan to circulate the air, but do not aim it directly at the child.

Give plenty of fluids to drink.

Sponge the child’s body and head- not hands and feet- with lukewarm water with a face flannel.

Contact parent and obtain further permission, in addition to the already obtained signed long term preventative medication form for the administration of Paracetamol Suspension

Give the oral Paracetamol Suspension as prescribed by the parent; however the guidelines stated below must never be exceeded.

o     3-6 months: One 2.5ml spoonful

o     6-24 months: One 5ml spoonful

o     2-4 years: One 5ml spoonful and one 2.5ml spoonful

o     4-6 years: Two 5ml spoonfuls

o     Do not repeat dose.

When judging the child’s fitness to stay at nursery take into account the well child policy .

Easter Parade

Dear Parents and Carers

This Thursday, April 17^th, we are holding our Easter bonnet parade, 10am – 11am.  This is where all children are invited in wearing their Easter bonnets that they have made at home, with a prize going to the best design.  If your child does not normally attend and you would like them to be involved, could you please inform the office so that we know to expect you.  Thank you.

Also this week, each room shall be holding their own Easter egg hunt.  Please see your child’s room for more details.

Please can I remind parents that we close on Thursday April 17^th at 18.00pm and reopen on Tuesday April 22nd at 08.00am.  Many thanks.

Many thanks to those who attended our parents evening on Thursday.  It was a huge success.  For those parents who were unable to attend we are happy to arrange a meeting with your child’s key person at a time which is more convenient to yourselves.  If you would like to discuss this please contact the office .  Thank you.

Policies

Please see the attached our ‘Access to visitors policy’. 

Snails

The focus in the snails this week continues to be ‘Easter’.  Alisha and Leanne will support the new babies within their settling in periods.  Creative activities for the babies include corn flour play and using glue and painting, Easter baskets.  The babies will also be encouraged to explore the sensory balls and respond to puppets, through their body language.

Alisha – Tuesday   Leanne – Annual Leave Monday, Day off Friday

Caterpillars

The current interest in the Caterpillars is role play and mathematical concepts such as shape sorters and basic puzzles.  The books of the week are books relating to Easter such as ‘In my nest’ and ‘Old Macdonald had a farm’. This week the children will be encouraged to use the ole play equipment with adult support and explore cause and effect with the pop up toys. Creative activities planned for this week include painting spring pictures, table painting and making Easter masks.  Planned activities within the Snails and Caterpillars surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning.

Days off Jamie – Wednesday   Tara - Wednesday            Tarnia – Annual leave Thursday

Ladybirds

The current interests in the ladybirds are water play, role play, transport and singing .   The story of the week is ‘Muffin, hide & seek.’  This week the children will be encouraged to use the balance beam with adult support, tipping and pouring with jugs during water play, using the cars to join two words together (eg) big car or red truck etc.  Creative activities this week include painting using the wheels of vehicles and making a boat , using the big blocks.  Planned activities within the ladybirds surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning.

Days off   Abi – Monday    Naomi – Annual leave all week  

Bumblebees

This week the children’s current interests are mark making, water activities and climbing and balancing.  The children will have the opportunity to make and explore play dough.  They will also be encouraged to pour water from one cup to another in the water tray. Creative activities planned include chalk drawing and making marks in corn flour using our hands.  Planned activities within the Bumblebees surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning which is now displayed on the large notice board outside the Bumblebees room.

Days off    Jenni – Thursday     Jani – Monday

Butterflies                       

 This week the children continue to be interested in Easter.  The children will be encouraged to decorate Easter baskets, make Easter chick footprints and bake Easter baskets.  Also, this week, the children will be encouraged to practice standing on one foot and supported to play the blindfold game whereby a child is blindfolded and led across the room by a friend. Planned activities within the Butterflies surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning.

Days off   Stani – Thursday         Tracy – Tuesday   Stani – Annual Leave Wednesday

Access to visitors 

Aim of policy

To give clear guidelines with regard to any visitor to the nursery.

Points to consider

Answering the door.

The person who answers the door must always identify the caller and seek identification if not recognised before granting access.

Only staff members who have passed their probationary period will be allowed to answer the door.

We will not allow access to anyone who is not known, a member of the management team will be informed if there is any doubt and we will carry out telephone checks if they are calling on behalf of a company or organisation.

We ask that parents also take care when entering and leaving the nursery and we therefore request that parents don’t hold the door open for others, even if they think they are another parent.  If you are concerned that someone has entered the nursery in this way, please inform the nursery manager immediately.

Authorised collection

We are very careful when allowing people into the nursery as the children’s safety is of paramount importance to us. 

We ask parents to inform us of everyone who is allowed to collect their child. We use a password system to ensure the children’s security.

They should be people who are familiar to your child and be over 18 years of age. We may store their details and photographs on our computer system.

We will not normally allow any unauthorised person to take your child.

There may however be very exceptional circumstances (e.g. serious delay due to bad weather, transport difficulties etc) when we will allow your child to leave with someone who is not on the list - ONLY if you have contacted us by telephone prior to collection and provided us with a name, description and password. 

They will be asked print their name and sign the child out on the register. If we are in any doubt that the person is different from the one you have authorised, we will refuse to let them take your child until we have spoken to you again.

We ask that you share these procedures with all those on your list, or anyone you ask to collect in an emergency, so that they understand we will question them, check their I.D. and retain their details.

Other visitors

Whenever possible, we will try to arrange visits by appointment.  Any visitors - such as sales people, college assessors, prospective parents, inspectors, gardener, handyman etc, must complete the visitor's book on arrival and will not be left unsupervised in the children’s areas.

Weekly blog

Dear Parents and Carers

This Thursday sees our parents evening which will be the last time that we hold them in this fashion.  Starting in the Autumn term parents will have the opportunity to book an appointment during the setting’s opening hours to meet with their child’s keyperson and discuss their developmental progress, taking as much time as they need.  The changes have come about to give parents the opportunity to attend together as opposed to one having to stay at home to look after the children during the evening, whilst also not feeling rushed with the 15 minute time slots we are able to give at the moment.

These meetings will take place termly, giving parents more opportunities to meet with their child’s keyperson.

Please can I remind parents that we close on Thursday April 17^th at 18.00pm and reopen on Tuesday April 22nd at 08.00am.  Many thanks.

On Saturday April 26^th we are planning on holding a ‘Healthy Eating’ parent session (9.30am – 11.30am).  Emily, our chef, will prepare some of the items from the new Spring/Summer menu, which coincidentally will go live on Tuesday April 22^nd, for parents to taste and parents have the opportunity to discuss any challenges that they face, such as getting a child to eat vegetables.  This is also a great opportunity for parents to bring in recipes at home to share with everyone.  If you would like to attend this session, please see Michelle or email confirming your attendance.  A copy of the new menu’s are displayed on the front door.  Thank you.

Policies

Please see the attached our outings policy. 

Snails

The focus in the snails this week is ‘Easter’.  Alisha and Leanne will support the children’s needs through their routines.  Creative activities for the babies include painting Easter eggs and using glue and sand to decorate Easter baskets.  Song times will include ‘Little Peter rabbit’ and ‘5 Little ducks’.

Alisha – Tuesday   Leanne – Annual Leave Monday, Day off Friday

Caterpillars

The current interest in the Caterpillars is building structures and role play.  The books of the week are ‘Five little ducks’ and ‘Head, shoulders, knees and toes’. This week the children will be encouraged to use building blocks to make towers and to explore the Duplo bricks. Creative activities planned foer this week include gluing and sticking, painting, playdough and corn flour play.  Planned activities within the Snails and Caterpillars surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning.

Days off Jamie – Tuesday          Tara - Thursday     

Ladybirds

The current interests in the ladybirds are building resources such as stickle bricks and Mega blocks, sand play and role play .   The story of the week is ‘I’m a new big brother.’  This week the children will be encouraged to duplicate daily routines at home, such as cooking and ‘making cups of tea, through role play.  Creative activities this week include string painting, sponge painting and gluing and sticking, using sand.  Planned activities within the ladybirds surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning.

Days off   Abi – Monday       

Bumblebees

This week the children’s current interests are role play, books with rhyming stories and using the computer to complete song games.  The book of the week is ‘Hands are not for hitting.’  The children will have the opportunity to pretend to feed the dolls and pat them off to sleep, use the rhyming books to create rhythm and continue to build on their skills at using the computer mouse to match animals to the sounds that they make.  Creative activities planned include using chalks and templates to draw shapes in the garden, making Easter cards and mark making using the whiteboards.  Planned activities within the Bumblebees surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning which is now displayed on the large notice board outside the Bumblebees room.

Days off    Jenni – Wednesday     Jani – Monday

Butterflies                       

Due to prior commitments, Tracy’s day off coincides with Stani’s day, which is Friday.  For this reason, Jamie will lead the pre school this Friday. This week the children’s current interest is Easter.  The children will be encouraged to make Easter bonnets and decorate Easter eggs.  Also, this week, the children will be encouraged to make up a story about Easter whilst discussions will surround the traditions of Easter. Planned activities within the Butterflies surround each child’s current interest in conjunction with supporting and extending their development.  To find out what activities are planned for your child for this week, please see your child’s keyworker who will be happy to take you through the planning.

Days off   Stani – Friday   Tracy – Friday   

Outings policy

Aim of policy

To give clear guidance when taking the children out of the nursery on outings.

Castle Daycare & Preschool encourages appropriate outings for all children.  Regular walks and visits within the local community all contribute to a child’s learning.

Points to consider

For all outings on foot or by vehicle the following procedures must be followed:

·               Written permission must be obtained at the time of registration of the child.  Authorisation must be checked prior to the outing.

·         A risk assessment must be done prior to the outing – taking into account hazards such as transportation, live animals and zoos, illness etc.

·               Clear details of destination, route and expected times for arrival and departure should be left at the Nursery. 

·               Staffing ratios must be maintained at: 2-3 years maximum 10 children ratio 1:2. 3-5 years maximum 30 children ratio 1:4. 5 year plus, maximum 30 children ratio 1:8. Ratios stated are the maximum limits, smaller ratios maybe required. The Manager will decide on outings ratios on an individual basis after doing a risk assessment.

·               A first aider must be present and a suitable first aid box must be taken. Any treatments for allergies or medical conditions must be taken in a clearly labelled container with medicine administration form.

·               The senior person in charge must be aware of the lost/missing child policy and be confident to take appropriate action if needed.

·               Contact details, allergy information and any other relevant details on each child to be taken.

·               A member of staff must take a mobile phone with them in case of emergency.

·               The children must be counted before setting off (on the coach/mini bus if used) and counting must be ongoing at regular intervals throughout the outing. If the group is broken up into sub-groups a designated person in charge must be assigned and that person is responsible for counting the children at regular intervals.

·               A label must be attached to all children showing the name of the nursery and telephone number of the Nursery. Additionally it should also show the mobile telephone number of one of the staff members on the outing. This label must be displayed on the child in a manner which is visible and is not easily removed by the child.

·               Toilet facilities must be provided for the children at regular intervals.

·               Food and drinks must be provided at similar times to those in the Nursery and additional drinks should be offered if the weather is warm or if energetic exercise is part of the day.

·               Meeting points must be pre-designated and times arranged when all the party should assemble. These must be strictly adhered to.

·               Transport must be fully insured; drivers' details satisfactory and all seats must have 3 point safety harnesses or equivalent. The maximum seat capacity of the vehicle must not be exceeded.

·               All children should have spare clothing.

·               At the conclusion of each outing the staff member in charge will complete a review of the outing noting the following

·               Any particular problems with transport (e.g. coach arriving late, no seat belts etc).

·               Any particular problems with the venue (e.g. nowhere to shelter during rain).

·               Any particular problems with specific children (illness, distress, etc).

·               Educational benefits of the visit.

·               Comments from parents and recommendations for future visits.

Prior to each new outing the Senior Practitioner / Practitioner in charge of the outing will refer back to the reviews and take accounts of comments when preparing for the next outing.