September 2011

Dear Parents and Carers,

                                                 A very warm welcome to our lovely new Pre-School! There are still a few little things to be done, particularly in the garden, but we do have a wonderful new environment in which to play and learn. A very big thank you to Catherine and Richard Wedgbury and Catherine Dickinson for their hard work! As well as the other parents, staff and friends who have helped over the summer.

We have a lot of new children joining us this term and several of their families are new to us: welcome to Mya, Cory, Ethan, Luke, Florence, Otto, Jay, Archie, Joe, Monty, Georgia and Cosmo and welcome back Alexandra and Edward. What an exciting time to be joining us, when everything else is new too!

Your children have all been given a “key-person” (see parents notice board). This staff member is the one who will complete your child’s “Learning Journey” Records (which will be in your child’s tray for you to access at an time) and the person to whom you will normally speak if there is anything at all you wish to discuss, although you are welcome to speak to any of us. 

Welcome also to Julie Meakin who is our new staff member. Julie has lots of experience in Early Years settings as well as 5 children of her own. She is Level 3 qualified and about to embark on Early Years Foundation Degree.

This half term the activities will be based on a water topic; this is in line with the Foundation Class at the main school with whom we are aiming to share some resources and the older children may share a few activities. We received great parent feedback this year on smoothing our children’s transition into school and hope closer co-operation will increase this and stimulate our more able children.

Our session times are extended this term to incorporate 2 afternoon sessions and we hope to be able to add extra afternoons as the year progresses. Most sessions will consist of at least one adult guided activity (“number” or “language”), a small group session often based on “Letters and Sounds” (early phonics), a singing/music activity, some talking time and a story as well as free play, during which the staff interact with the children to encourage their ideas and language. The structure will be introduced gradually over the first two weeks as the children settle in.

During the morning the children will have a cafeteria style healthy snack time which some of them may help to prepare. Drinking water will always be available. (Any contributions of fruit/vegetables are welcome).

The door to the garden is always open, whatever the weather, as lots of our learning is done outside. Please make sure your child has named boots to change into and suitable wet weather/warm clothing. Please name as much as possible. Thanks.

The staff and I have enjoyed meeting you all this week and working with you this year.

Best wishes,

Karen.