We would like to wish you all a Happy New Year and hope that 2013 brings you good health and happiness. The Nursery would like to welcome all the new children joining us and wish you all a happy and fun time. Christmas shopping event. The Christmas shopping event was a great success and we would like to thank everyone who helped out on the day and all of you who came along and helped to raise £233. The money is going to ‘Holly Ward’ the children’s ward at Hinchingbrooke hospital to help buy a saturation monitor. If you have a charity or a good cause that you would like us to consider supporting please let us know. Weather With the arrival of ice and snow we want to remind everyone to take care when travelling to nursery. It is expected that staff will get into nursery if they can do so without risk and we will endeavour to run our day as normal as possible. Please ask a member of staff if you would like a copy of our ‘Extreme weather conditions procedure’. Moving forward. Due to our ever expanding pre-school we have been thinking about an exciting idea to develop Owls and Rabbits into a stimulating new learning environment. The upstairs area of the building will now become a free flow area for all of the children. This will provide 5 interesting areas for the children to explore. Key staff will work in all areas throughout the week and therefore still be able to spend time with their key children and support them through these changes. There are many positive attributes to this type of free flow experience. It will enable children to spend time with children of different ages, to develop their independence and self-esteem and promote choice making. We have had lots of positive feedback from staff as well as outside professionals who have supported our ideas and encouraged us with their endorsement. They have also commented on the increased opportunities for communication development. We must assure you that this change will be gradual and consideration will be given to the individual needs of each child. After an initial trial period there will be an opportunity for parents to provide us with feedback. If you have any questions please feel free to talk to your child’s key person or a member of management. Staff Changes As from 1st February 2013 Hannah from Rabbits will be moving to Squirrels as room leader. Jill will be moving upstairs to join the new free flow experience; both are looking forward to the exciting challenges of their new roles. Hedgehogs Hedgehogs will be marking Chinese New Year with lots of fun craft activities using red, black and gold paints. They will be exploring textures while doing crafts for Valentine’s and Pancake Day. Squirrels Squirrels will be having fun focusing on farm yard animals through songs and creative activities. Alongside this they will be marking Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day. Owls and Rabbits As a group Owls and Rabbits will be marking some festivals such as Burns Night, Chinese New Year and Valentine’s Day. Your child’s key person will continue to plan for your child’s individual interests so please don’t forget to pass on any information. Starting school in Sept 2013 The staff in Owls will soon be asking if your child will be staying at nursery when funding ends in July so please give this some thought. Nursery Photography Could you please let us know what type of photographs of your children you would like this year? As yet we haven’t booked anyone to come into nursery and would appreciate you letting us know which type you prefer natural or portrait. Early Starts We remind you that 7.30 starts are available as a pre-booked session at the rate of £2.50 per day. Revised EYFS Have you seen our EYFS notice board? This shows information on the revised framework and if you need any further information this can be found on www.foundationyears.org.uk. Bank Details As of the 1st February our bank details will be changing. If you pay via bank transfer please see a member of staff in the office for the amended details. All payments must reach us by the 15th of the month excluding vouchers and weekly payments a £25 charge will be added to your invoice for late payment as per your signed contract. Thank you to everyone for all of your continuing support and remember that comments and suggestions are always welcome so feel free to talk to any member of staff