The Farningham Nursery News
Spring 2013
A warm Welcome
We would like to welcome all the new children and their families to the nursery and hope that they enjoy their time with us.
Staff News
In January Clair Everest returned from maternity leave and is now working two full days (Tuesday & Friday) in the “Piglet” room.
Jo Salter now holds the permanent position of Deputy Manager and Julie Green the “Roo” room leader.
After successfully completing her level 3 qualification Sarah Stibbons is now studying for a Foundation Degree Professional Studies in Early Years course at Canterbury University. Sue Dolman and Tricia Shewbridge are about to begin a level 2 course in Child Care and Education. We wish them all every success.
Parent Liaison Committee (PLC)
The PLC met at the end of last year and said that there were no key issues to report. Any parents who are interested in joining this group would be warmly welcomed as numbers are low due to children leaving the setting. Please contact Andrea Cornwell (Tigger parent) dreacornwell@googlemail.com or speak to your child’s key person.
Parent Evening
Our next parent evening will be held at the nursery on Wednesday 20th March from 6.00pm – 8.00pm. We ask that parents/carers book a consultation with their child’s key person in advance to ensure that they are free when you arrive. During your consultation the key person will discuss your child’s progress and give you their profile report for you to look through at home.
We would like to encourage you to add your comments where appropriate as this will enhance the overall view of your child’s time within the setting, and help us to work in partnership to enable your child to benefit from a wider variety of experiences.
Please could you return your child’s profile record to their key person when you have read it so that they are able to continue to plan, observe and record your child’s progress.
Kent Quality Mark (KQM)
We would like to inform parents/carers that the nursery has been awarded reaccreditation of the KQM, a quality assurance scheme for nurseries. The process involves self evaluation of our practice and case studies to promote new initiatives to improve outcomes for the children.
Calpol
Practitioners will only administer Calpol after they have spoken to a parent/carer when a child develops a high temperature. We cannot give a non prescribed medication throughout the day e.g. every 4 hours as a precautionary measure to suppress or stop a child from becoming unwell. The nursery recognises how difficult it is for parents when children become unwell at nursery and do not make the decision to ask for a child to be collected without good reason.
Signing
Staff are beginning to use some sign language with the children e.g. please, thank you, drink, toilet and nappy. This is reported to be beneficial for all children especially those who as yet do not have a large vocabulary. Your child’s key person will be happy to discuss this with you at the consultation evening.
Revised Menus
We recently looked at the meals and snacks that we served and have now revised our 4 weekly menus. Some new foods have been added e.g. noodles, risotto, Melba toast and other popular dishes have been moved to different days. Children will continue to receive a balanced diet throughout the week as well as experiencing new tastes and textures.
The new menus will take effect from week commencing 4th March, please see parent notice board where the menus are displayed weekly.
Easter Bunny Tea Party
We would like to invite all nursery children to our Easter Bunny Tea Party which will be held at the nursery on Thursday 28th March from 3.00pm – 5.00pm. Children will be given a party tea and entertained by “Dizzy Lolly” children entertainer. Please return the attached reply slip a.s.a.p.
Nursery Summer Outing
Although this still seems a long way off we are starting to plan for the nursery summer outing which will take place on Friday 14th June. If parents/carers have any suggestions for suitable venues please write them on the slip provided. Our summer outing is for all children and as many parents/carers, friends and relations as possible, please remember the nursery will be closed on that day. Mors details will follow at a later date.
New Boiler
Good news, at long last we are having a new boiler fitted. The not so good news, it is being installed on Monday 25th February. As this will cause disruption in the kitchen area we have decided to give the children a cold buffet style lunch on that day, with hopefully something hot for tea. Although we will have some form of heating it is advisable for children to wear warm clothing on this day.
Diary Dates
Friday 22nd February – Fancy Dress Day in aid of Crackerjacks Children’s Trust
Monday 25th February – New boiler
Wednesday 20th March – Parent Evening
Thursday 28th March – Easter Bunny tea party
Thursday 6th June – Portrait Photo’s (this is yet to be confirmed)
Friday 14th June – Nursery summer outing (any suggestions for this year’s venue would be gratefully received)
