April 2016 newsletter

Spring is in the air, and we are looking forward to celebrating and learning about another season. A big welcome to all of our new children and their families who have recently started at Tree House, or moved to the Pre-School.

At Tree House we have a completely open door policy, where you can talk to us about anything. We are here for you, so if you have any concerns, comments or queries, please don’t hesitate to speak to a member of staff, or your child’s key person.

Nursery News

Hopefully most of you will be aware that we recently received a “good” rating from Ofsted. We are thrilled with the outcome, and the full report is now available to view online using the link below, just copy and paste into your browser.

http://reports.ofsted.gov.uk/inspection-reports/find-inspection-report/provider/CARE/EY476283

PLOD observations

We have recently started sending home your children’s PLOD observations. This stands for possible lines of direction, and helps us determine which toys, games and activities will be most beneficial to your child’s development, as well as ascertaining their own personal interests and preferences. It’s really important that we have as much input from you as possible when it comes to your children’s interest, as you are their primary caregivers and teachers. We send PLOD’s home termly, and would be very grateful if they could be filled out and returned to your child’s key person.

If you have any at home from previous terms, please return them as soon as possible to your child’s keyworker. The next lot of forms should be ready to go home soon for the spring term.

Suncream

Summer will soon be upon us, and we are hoping to be as prepared as possible for the potentially (hopefully) warm weather. If you would like to use Tree House’s suncream, there is a one off payment of £1. This covers the entire year. If you would prefer to provide your own suncream, just label a bottle and place it in your child’s drawer, informing staff that you have done so. Whether you opt for your own cream, or Tree House’s, please note; you must apply suncream before you bring your child into the setting. This is for any session whether its 7:30am, 12:00pm or 2:00pm. We only reapply suncream, at 1:00pm, so please ensure your children are suitable covered before they come in.

Parents/Carers week

In lieu of a parents evening, this year we will be having a parents/carers week. This will provide you with the opportunity to speak with your child’s key person within a booked session, between 9am-11am or 2pm-3:30pm, during an allocated week. This will most likely be in August. We are hoping by making this a week-long event, It will provide a much less formal atmosphere, offering parents an equal chance to attend .It isn’t compulsory, just a chance to discuss personally, any concerns, questions or queries. More details will be provided once we have finalised them.

 Concept Photography

Concept will be returning to Tree House on Thursday the 19th of May to take professional photos of your children. If your child attends the setting on a Thursday, they will automatically have their photos taken. If you would like to bring your child in specifically for the photo session, We will be offering booking slots nearer the time.

Environmental Health

On Thursday the 31st of March, we had our Annual visit from environmental Heath. We are thrilled to announce, that we have yet again been awarded the highest rating for food hygiene. A huge well done to Shirley chef and the kitchen team, as well as all the girls that help maintain the high standards set. A well-deserved 5 stars.

 Spare Clothes

When you bring your child into Tree House, Please make sure you have provided them with plenty of spare clothes. Socks, pants, trouser, tops and vests really come in handy, especially for young babes, and children potty training. Tree House only has a limited and dwindling amount of spare clothes.

Dear Zoo

This month’s focal point for the toddlers will be the book “dear zoo”. Amy J, Amy G and Claire’s groups will be reading the story, as well as taking part in some games and tasks focused on the themes within the book. This will be for the whole of April, and if at any point your child would like to dress up as their favourite zoo animal, please feel free to do so. See Amy J, Amy G or Claire should you require additional information.

Tapestry – Your Child’s online learning journal

We have received some great comments about Tapestry! We are glad you are enjoying being able to instantly view what your child has been busy doing whilst at Tree House. Please feel free to add any comments about your child in the “add comment” box.

The journals are available to view anytime using your personal passwords. If you are having trouble logging onto your account, please speak to a member of staff.

Nursery payment

Please follow our fee policy and pay for your child’s Nursery fees within 7 days of receiving your invoice. Invoices are ready to collect on the 1st of every month.  Remember we accept Chip & Pin payments. Pre-school invoices are located in the letter rack by the main door. Little-End invoices are located on top of the drawers, under the board, or in your child’s bag.

Dates for your diary

2nd and 30th of May – We will be closed on these dates for bank holiday.

48 hour Sickness policy

If your child has been poorly they must not return to Nursery until 48 hours have passed since their last case of either sickness or diarrhoea. This guideline is set by the department of health to prevent the spread of illness between other children and staff.

Registers

Please remember to sign your child in and out of the setting. Registers can be found in the lobby at the little end and on the desk at pre-school. This is an Ofsted requirement and must be completed. This ensures we know who has been signed in and out, for fire and safety procedures. If you are unsure how to do this please speak to a member of staff.

Driving into Tree House

Again we feel we need to raise the issue of speed when driving into Tree House. The speed is set at 10 MPH, for a reason. We feel that some parents and carers, are driving at a dangerous speed, and would ask that you seriously consider the implications of driving at high speeds, not only in a built up residential area, but right outside a setting full of children. SPEED KILLS, PLEASE SLOW DOWN.

Nappies

We are still falling short on nappies, and unfortunately, cannot provide any spares. Please ensure your child has sufficient nappies to see them through the day, whether in their bag, or by bringing in a pack to keep here. Staff will always inform you before you run out, either in person or via email.

Medicine

If your child requires medicine, whether pain killers or prescription, please note it cannot be stored in their bag or drawer. It must be given to a member of staff, be signed for, and labelled. It will then be stored securely in the kitchen. If you would like to keep a bottle of calpol etc., at the setting, we have a designated storage fridge for medicine. Please see a member of staff for details.