Thursday 24 April 2014

week commencing 28th April


Dear Parents

 

Annual survey

As part of our continuous development, it is time for our annual parent survey.

Please follow the link below to answer a few short questions about how we are doing, you may need to copy and paste this link. Any feedback is greatly appreciated!

The staff are also completing surveys and we will use all the surveys along with the nursery audits to create action plans to help us to continue to improve.

The survey will close on 19th May and we will keep you informed of the results.

If you would like a paper copy of the survey just ask.

 


 

Save the children Week

Next week we are inviting all of the Bluebells and Sunflowers children to join in our Save the Children fundraising week!

To raise money for this great charity we are having dressing up days with a minimum donation of £1 per day

 

Monday’s theme is: Books or TV Characters

Tuesday’s theme is: PJ’S and Onsie day

Wednesday’s theme is: Fairy tales

Thursday’s theme is: Super heroes

Friday’s theme is: Anything goes!

 

We will also be taking photos of the children and selling them to raise even more money! If you have any questions see Sophie!

 


Building work

The building work is all finished! We are so pleased with the results, the partition between Sunflowers and Babies has already made a big difference.

We will now be continuing to redecorate until all the areas are finished. If you would like to see a copy of our maintenance and decoration risk assessment just ask.

 

Thank you so much for your patience during this time, I am sure you will agree all the effort was worth it!

 

Buttercups

Monday –Charlotte’s group will be developing awareness of ourselves by pointing and naming body parts.

Tuesday – Charlotte’s group is reading the story “The Wheels on the Bus”

Wednesday – Magda’s group are being encouraged to imitate jungle animal sounds, to develop listening skills.

Thursday – Nilem’s group will be getting sticky as they glue and stick different materials

Friday – Julia’s group is understanding shape as they explore puzzles.

Charlotte is off Friday, Julia is off Monday, Magda is off Tuesday and Nilem is off Monday and Friday

 

Bluebells

Monday - Donna’s group is counting 1 -10  using the compare bears

Tuesday – Leanne’s group will be learning about Jungle animals as they play with the puppets

Wednesday – Rose’s group are creating their own robots!

Thursday – Sophie’s group will be talking about jobs as they read stories about occupations

Friday – Donna’s group are developing gross motor skills as they use the ball and skittles.

Donna is in on Monday, Sophie is off Monday, Leanne is off Wednesday and Rose is in all week

 

Sunflowers

Books of the fortnight

24th March -31st March – Dilly Duckling by Claire Freedman

7-14th April  - Whatever Next by Jill Murphy

21 – 28th April – Peppa Pigs Marvellous Magnet Book

5th -12th May – Augustus and His Smile by Catherine Rayner

Monday – Jess’s group are talking about what they want to be when they grow up.

Tuesday – Becci is supporting the children’s understanding of weather and seasons.

Wednesday – Chloe’s group are making yummy burgers

Thursday – Jess’s group are painting with wet and dry spaghetti

Friday – Chloe’s group will be developing throwing skills as they play bowling.

Jess is off Tuesday, Chloe is off Thursday and Alison does 9.30-2.30 Monday to Thursday
 
Caroline and the South Hill Team x

Transition policy


Transition policy

 

Aim of policy

 

Moving rooms or going to school can be an exciting and stimulating time; however change can cause some anxieties and upset. At Castle Nursery we want to ensure every child’s transition is as smooth as possible.

 

Points to consider

 

The parents may be as anxious as the children regarding transitions but through our strong work with parents we aim to alleviate any worries and support the whole family. See the Parents as Partners policy.

 

Castle Daycare and Preschool aim to do this by:

 

·         6-8 weeks before the child is due to move rooms the parents will be sent a letter discussing the expected date of the move. This will be discussed by the child’s current key person with the parents.

·         The parents will be given the opportunity to visit the child’s next room at a convenient time. They will be introduced to their child’s next key person who will show them around the room, discussing routines and activities. They will also answer any other questions the parents have.

·         The child will start having visits into the next room prior to them moving up.

·         For the first few visits they will be accompanied by their key person, this key person will support the child and introduce the new key person and other staff.

·         Both key people will work together to ensure the child is confident and happy in the new room.

·         The parents will be kept informed of how the visits are progressing by both key people.

·         The child’s visits will be gradually increased so they can experience meals and rest times in their new rooms.

·         If the child is not settling as well as we would like, the current key person may spend longer helping the child to settle in or the settling in period may be extended.

·         Pegs, drawer names and other details will be already displayed before the child starts visits in order to help them feel a sense of belonging.

Thursday 17 April 2014

Settling in policy


Settling in policy

 

Aim of policy

 

At Castle Daycare & Preschool we want every child to thrive with us. Part of making this happen is having a high quality settling in procedure that supports the child and their family as they join us.

 

Points to consider

 

Through this policy and the appointment of professional staff, we aim to make parents/carers feel comfortable in the nursery and that the staff team are friendly, approachable and attentive to their needs and the needs of their children.

 

Castle Daycare and Preschool aim to do this by:

 

·         From the point of booking, the family become members of the nursery and should be informed of any major events, social activities and general news regarding the nursery, even if they have not yet started.

·         Once a booking is confirmed the Manager will contact the parent/carer 4-6 weeks prior to the start date to organise settling in visits for the child. 

·         We recommend an induction period of three settling in sessions, of one hour long, should take place prior to the start date.

·         We will hold an opportunity to welcome the family, address any issues or anxieties and take detailed information about the child.  The staff should be informed in advance of the settling visit to allow for the appropriate preparation and organisation.

·         The settling in sessions should be led by the child’s key person.

·         During the settling in sessions the key person will go through the registration form, terms and conditions and the “All about me pack” with the parents.

·         The key person will give the parents information about the nursery such as; activities, policies, events and newsletters.

·         The key person will answer any questions or concerns the parents have and will refer them to the manager if needed.

·         The key person will ensure that they know the child’s routine, care plans and needs during these sessions so that the child can be supported and cared for as best as possible from their first session with us.

 

Week Commencing 22nd April


Dear Parents,

 

Easter

We would like to wish you all a Happy Easter.

A reminder that the nursery will be closed tomorrow (Good Friday) and Easter Monday but will reopen as normal on Tuesday.

 

Illness

We have had a few cases of upset tummies and sickness this week. Just a reminder that if your child is unwell please keep them away from the nursery until 48 hours after their last case of sickness.

This is to try and stop the spread of infection.

 

Building news

The doors between babies and Sunflowers will be put in over this bank holiday weekend. The archway between Babies and Sunflowers will also be filled in this weekend.

Thank you for all of your patience during the building work.

 

Wow Vouchers

I have attached one of our wow vouchers for you to fill out. Just jot down any new achievements that your child has been doing outside of nursery.

 

Policies of the week

We will be displaying a different policy every week in the hallway and on our blog:  http://castlenursery-southhill.blogspot.co.uk  (you may have to cut and paste this link).

If you would like to see this or any of our policies please ask Caroline.

Our Policy this week is:  Settling in policy

 

This week’s activities

Each key person will be responsible for designing an activity based on their key children’s needs; however, all children who are in on that day will have the opportunity to access the activity too.

If the key person is on holiday or off, another staff member will be able to lead the activity in their place so that the children do not miss out.

For more information on the Early Years Foundation stage, the guidance we use to support our planning and practice, please visit:


 

Buttercups

Tuesday – Charlotte’s group will be playing the ‘Tap Tap Box’ game to encourage vocabulary and listening skills.

Wednesday – Magda’s group are celebrating St. George’s Day by playing peek-a-boo games with the English flag to encourage movement.

Thursday – Nilem’s group will be experimenting with a range of colours while painting on large sheets of paper.

Friday – Julia’s group are recognising and naming body parts with their friends.

Charlotte is off Friday, Nilem is off Friday and Magda is off Tuesday, Julia is on holiday all week.

 

Bluebells

Tuesday – Rose is supporting the children when washing their hands and will be talking to them about why it’s important to wash our hands.

Wednesday – Donna’s group will be celebrating St. George’s Day by making English flags and cooking biscuits.

Thursday – Leanne’s group will be hiding objects in the sandpit with their friends, encouraging children to work together.

Friday – Sophie’s group are dancing to Old English music for St. George’s week using ribbons and streamers.

Donna is off Friday, Leanne is off Wednesday, Sophie is off Thursday and Rose is in all week.

 

Sunflowers

Books of the fortnight

24th March -31st March – Dilly Duckling by Claire Freedman

7-14th April  - Whatever Next by Jill Murphy

21 – 28th April – Peppa Pigs Marvellous Magnet Book

5th -12th May – Augustus and His Smile by Catherine Rayner

 

Tuesday – Becci is supporting the children’s literacy skills while reading ‘Saint George and the Dragon’ book.

Wednesday – Chloe’s group are sorting and matching shapes and colours using objects from around the room.

Thursday –Jess’s group are decorating English flags using different materials encouraging them to describe textures.

Friday – Chloe is supporting the children’s communication skills while decorating biscuits for St. George’s Day.

Jess is off Tuesday, Chloe is off Thursday, Becci is in all week and Alison is in Tuesday – Thursday.

 

 

Kind Regards

 

Jess Smith

Third in Charge

 

 

Friday 11 April 2014

Week Commencing 14th April


Dear Parents,

 

We had some fantastic news from Emma earlier in the week that Holly is in remission! We are thrilled that she is making such good progress. Holly will continue to undergo her maintenance treatment over the coming months.

 

Menu

Our Spring/Summer Menu’s will be in place from the 22nd April. I have attached a copy for you all to see.

 

Easter

We are all looking forward to celebrating Easter next week. The children and staff will be taking part in an exciting Easter Egg hunt on Wednesday!

A reminder that the nursery will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday but will reopen as normal for the rest of the Easter.

 

Policies of the week

We will be displaying a different policy every week in the hallway and on our blog:  http://castlenursery-southhill.blogspot.co.uk  (you may have to cut and paste this link).

If you would like to see this or any of our policies please ask Caroline.

Our Policy this week is:  Key person policy

 

This week’s activities

Each key person will be responsible for designing an activity based on their key children’s needs; however, all children who are in on that day will have the opportunity to access the activity too.

If the key person is on holiday or off, another staff member will be able to lead the activity in their place so that the children do not miss out.

For more information on the Early Years Foundation stage, the guidance we use to support our planning and practice, please visit:


 

Buttercups

Monday – Charlotte’s group are exploring the tunnel, tent and soft play equipment to encourage their balance.

Tuesday – Nilem’s group will be looking at the ‘Hungry Caterpillar’ book with their friends supporting their social skills.

Wednesday – Julia’s group will be singing and dancing to Easter songs supporting them to move their bodies to music.

Thursday – Magda’s group are decorating Easter egg pictures encouraging them to talk about what they are doing.

Charlotte is off Thursday, Julia is off Monday, Nilem is off Monday and Magda is off on Tuesday.

 

Bluebells

Monday – Leanne’s group are exploring media and marks by using wellies, paint and paper.

Tuesday – Donna’s group will be celebrating the Jewish festival called Passover. They will be talking about Passover and creating star of David biscuits.

Wednesday – Sophie will be reading familiar stories to her group and she will encourage the children to talk about what may happen next in the story.

Thursday – Rose is supporting the children’s counting skills when exploring the coloured mini motors.

Donna is off Wednesday, Leanne is off Thursday, Sophie is off Monday and Rose is in all week.

 

Sunflowers

Books of the fortnight

24th March -31st March – Dilly Duckling by Claire Freedman

7-14th April  - Whatever Next by Jill Murphy

21 – 28th April – Peppa Pigs Marvellous Magnet Book

5th -12th May – Augustus and his smile by Catherine Rayner

Monday – Becci is supporting the children’s manipulative skills when creating and decorating Easter baskets.

Tuesday – Chloe will be supporting her groups’ communication while making Easter nests.

Wednesday – Jess’s group are exploring media while drawing Easter pictures.

Thursday – Chloe’s group are celebrating Passover by reading a Passover story and making star cards.

Jess is off Tuesday, Chloe is off Wednesday, Becci is in all week and Alison is on holiday.

 

Caroline is also on holiday all week.

 

 

Kind Regards

 

Jess Smith

Third in Charge

 

Key Person Policy


Key person policy

 

Aim of policy

To demonstrate how the key person role is used throughout the setting.

 

Points to consider

As part of the vision and values of our setting, we greatly value the strong positive relationships we build with the children in our care and their families. Children’s emotional wellbeing is an essential foundation for their health, happiness and ability to learn. This policy works with Every Child Matters (2003) and Early Years Foundation Stage (2012)

A key person:

  • Welcomes parents and children and introduces them to other staff members, other parents and children.
  • Works closely with the parents and child.
  • Informs parents of their child’s time at nursery.
  • Keeps parents informed of any setting events.
  • Discusses and reassures fears, worries or problems from both parents and children.
  • Supports the child’s transitions.
  • Continually builds a close relationship with the parents and children during their time at nursery.
  • Ensures that their key children’s needs and interests are met through appropriate activities.
  • Keeps records on each of their key children and uses these to enhance their learning and development.

 

Castle Daycare and Preschool aims to do this by:

  • Having a key person for each child before they come in to settle.
  • The key person will do the settling in visits and will cascade information about the child to relevant team members.
  • The key person will spend time with the child supporting their welfare, learning and emotional and physical development.
  • Ongoing training will be provided for staff to enable them to carry out the key person role.
  • Arrangements will be in place to balance out the number of children assigned to each key person and to accommodate shift patterns and Where possible a key person buddy maybe allocated to ensure the children are supported whilst their key person is absent from nursery
  • Staff will be inducted into becoming a key person as part of their induction and will be supported throughout by the manager and room leaders.
  • Sufficient time will be given for key people to complete records, however these records will be designed to minimise any time away from the children

Friday 4 April 2014

Week Commencing 7th April



Dear Parents,

 

It was a lovely week last week celebrating Mother’s Week, we all had a great Mother’s Day Tea Party! Thank you to everyone who came.

 

Sun Cream

As the sun is starting to shine (occasionally!), could we please ask you to start bringing in sun hats and sun cream.

 

Building works

As you know the flooring in Babies and the hallway is going down today and tomorrow, so the babies are exploring the Bluebell room and playing in the cot room and garden today. Thank you for your patience during our work.

 

Easter

A reminder that the nursery will be closed on Good Friday and Easter Monday but reopen as normal for the rest of the Easter.

 

Policies of the week

We will be displaying a different policy every week in the hallway and on our blog:  http://castlenursery-southhill.blogspot.co.uk  (you may have to cut and paste this link).

If you would like to see this or any of our policies please ask Caroline.

Our Policy this week is:  Special Needs procedure for previously unidentified needs

 

This week’s activities

Each key person will be responsible for designing an activity based on their key children’s needs; however, all children who are in on that day will have the opportunity to access the activity too.

If the key person is on holiday or off, another staff member will be able to lead the activity in their place so that the children do not miss out.

For more information on the Early Years Foundation stage, the guidance we use to support our planning and practice, please visit:


 

Buttercups

Monday – Charlotte’s group are sticking different materials onto sticky back to encourage fine manipulative skills

Tuesday – Charlotte’s group will be making beds for teddy bears to develop an understanding of words

Wednesday – Magda’s group will be playing with pretend food and talking about ‘lots’ and ‘few’

Thursday – Nilem’s group will be playing ball games together in the garden

Friday – Julia’s group are reading simple word books to encourage vocabulary

Charlotte is off Friday, Julia is off Monday, Nilem is off Friday and Magda is off Tuesday

 

Bluebells

Monday – Leanne’s group will be using different sized balls to throw into the bucket to build hand eye co-ordination

Tuesday – Leanne’s group are bathing role play dollies with their friends and supporting them to interact with each other

Wednesday – Donna’s group will be reading the nature books to encourage the children to talk about what they see

Thursday – Donna’s group are using the mini motors to support their counting skills

Friday – Rose is supporting the children to explore different materials and textures when creating a picture

Donna is off Friday, Leanne is off Wednesday, Sophie is off Monday and Rose is in all week

 

Sunflowers

Books of the fortnight

24th March -31st March – Dilly Duckling by Claire Freedman

7-14th April  - Whatever Next by Jill Murphy

21 – 28th April – Peppa Pigs Marvellous Magnet Book

5th -12th May – Augustus and his smile by Catherine Rayner

Monday – Chloe’s group are decorating cards using different materials to talk about textures and colours

Tuesday – Becci is supporting the children’s communication by having a group role play picnic

Wednesday – Jess’s group are decorating polystyrene eggs supporting their fine and gross motor skills

Thursday –Jess’s group are completing ‘I can do’ sheets supporting their pencil control and letter recognition

Friday – Chloe’s group are making fruit tarts with their friends promoting turn taking skills

Jess is off Tuesday, Chloe is off Thursday, Becci is in all week and Alison is on holiday


Caroline is also on holiday all week.

 

Kind Regards

 

Jess Smith

Third in Charge