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.