April Newsletter Dear Parents Well it’s the last term of the year and it usually proves to be the busiest – but the weather will hopefully be kind and we will be able to spend plenty of time outdoors. Outdoor Play So we are sure the children can be out doors and safe in the sun, can we remind parents to apply sun cream in the morning before coming to pre-school. It’s an idea to put it on even if it looks grey and overcast first thing, as it can change drastically by mid-morning. We also request that all children have a hat for sun protection and some sort of thin jacket/coat just in case it does go a little cooler. All items of clothing bought to pre-school need to be labelled.
Water Bottles It is essential that all children are provided with a labelled water bottle this term. If you are not sure if your child has one, please speak to your Key Worker and they will be able to let you know.
Nursery Education Funding All grant forms will require signing again after soon for the Summer Term. For all children that this is the first time of claiming NEF, identification will be required when you are signing the form. Passports and Birth Certificates are ideal for this. NEF cannot be granted until pre-school have seen a childs identification. Can we take this opportunity to remind parents that funding can be stopped by the council at any time if they feel a child is not attending their hours on a regular basis. If this situation does occur pre-school are in their rights to claim fees back from the parents directly.
Closure of Pre-school Please remember we are closed Thursday May 3rd due to the centre being used for Police Commissioner Voting. We will be reopening Friday 4th May.
Haven We unfortunately only have 34% of parents registered for us to be able to claim our free sports equipment from Haven Holidays. We require at least 70% of parents to sign up – if you have a few spare minutes please go to www.havenfunfitness.com and sign up to help pre-school. In the past the equipment we have received has been really enjoyed by all the children.
Lunch Club Can parents please remember to put a drink in their childs lunch box. Pre-school can provide water, but children really do enjoy having their own things in their own lunch boxes. To ensure the correct box is given to the correct child please label your childs lunch box clearly on the outside.
Working together It is pre-schools policy and part of the Early Years Foundation Stage Curriculum that we involve parents within the setting. If you feel you have a talent that you could share with the children; either Caterpillars or Butterflies; such as storytelling, singing or playing a musical instrument please speak to Hazel and we could make arrangements for you to come along and join in with a session. The children benefit tremendously from other people coming into the setting and sharing their talents.
Pre-school Committee As part of the Pre-school Constitution we are required to have a Management Committee to help run the setting. We are always looking for people who have a little spare time to help us run fund raising events and to organise the more managerial matters of pre-school. If you are interested in either of these roles, please speak to Hazel or a member of the present committee.
Keeping in touch We understand with everyday life nowadays that it is sometimes hard to remember what the children are doing or need, either here or at school. With this in mind we are trying to make our information more accessible. The newsletter that is sent out every half term to you either by e mail or paper copy, is available on line via either, our web page or on our Facebook page. There are also weekly updates on our Face book page and these will now be sent to parents that have forwarded their e mail addresses. Since the Easter holidays you are now able to keep up to date with pre-school via twitter also. If you would like information forwarded to you via e mail please give your address to Hazel and this can be organised.
If you do not have access to the internet, there are always copies of letters that have been previously sent to parents in the pink file on the reception table – if you would like an extra copy please do not hesitate to ask for one.
The main line number is: 01926 491873 The pre-school mobile number is: 07724800331 (out of hours) The pre-school e mail address is: cotenendpreschool@talktalk.net The web page is: www.cotenendpreschool.org.uk Twitter page: #cotenendpre-school
Garden Area Are there any parents that enjoy gardening? Our outdoor area is in need of a little TLC. If you have a morning you could spare to help please see Hazel and we can organise a day. Coffee/tea and biscuits will be provided.
Easter Raffle Many thanks to all those parents that bought Raffle tickets just before the Easter holidays. We managed to raise £60. There is a list of prize winners on the notice board in reception. Congratulations to all the winners.
Indoor Boot Sale We are still collecting items for the Indoor Boot Sale to be held at Myton School – Saturday 21st April. Items can be collected please speak to Hazel.
Fashion Show There are tickets now on sale for the Fashion Show that is to be held on Saturday 28th April at the Youth Centre. There are many bargains to be had on the night as well as some fun with friends and family.
Tempest Photography Lara May will be back to pre-school to take photos of all the children, individually and in their age groups. If your child is not usually in on a Friday and you would like their photo taken please see your key worker to discuss arrangements.
School visits We have 2 visits planned this term to school, if you are able to help to escort the children to and from school please add your name to the list on the reception table.
Early Years Foundation Stage The government have released details of how the Early Years Foundation Stage will alter in September 2012. We as a Pre-school, have just started to read and evaluate where we need to make changes – when things have been confirmed we will inform parents. We will hopefully have more information in the next newsletter.
Father’s Day Celebrations On Friday 15th June we will be celebrating Father’s Day by inviting all dads and granddads in to join us for part of the morning. Come along and see what goes on in the first part of the morning and then join other dads for refreshments.
Dates for your calendar Saturday 21st April - Myton Indoor Boot Sale - Items to sell required. Saturday 28th April - Fashion Show – Tickets available from Pre-school. Thursday 3rd May - Pre-school Closed - Voting. Friday 4th May - Tempest Photography. Sunday 13th May - Warwick Dragon Boat Race - Pre-school will be holding a stall - details to follow. Monday 21st May - Butterflies Sports Morning – details to follow Tuesday 29th May - Butterflies to Coten End School Friday 15th June - Father’s Day Celebrations – details to follow Saturday 16th June - Leamington Spa Peace Festival - Pre-school will be holding a stall - details to follow. Saturday 23rd June - Pre-school Fun Day – details to follow Monday 25th June - Butterflies to Coten End School Saturday 30th June - Warwick Carnival - Pre-school will be holding a stall details to follow. Friday 20th July - End of Term Party – details to follow
