24 Jan 2008 - January Newsletter
NEWSLETTER
Welcome Back
We hope you all had a good Christmas break and the Committee would like to take this opportunity to wish you a Happy New Year.
Staff Changes
Katy Paddy and Sammy Hewitt have joined our staff on temporary contracts and we would like to welcome them to the Cottage. Joel Potter has become a permanent member of the Holiday Club staff joining the Team Leaders and Nicky Healey. Nicky is also helping us out in Nursery on a temporary basis.
Christmas Events
All of the Christmas events were very well attended and we would like to thank you all for your support. We would also like to thank Nicky Healey for organising sales of T towels, which raised approximately £60.
Shopping Website
There has been an increase in sales through this site during the Christmas period. If you are booking a holiday or buying a sofa over the coming months dont forget to look at this site as all sales provide us with commission, which we are able to add to our fundraising account.
Retainer Fees
The Committee have decided to introduce a non-refundable retainer fee of £20 per child for those parents reserving a place for their child at the Cottage. This will be deducted from the first invoice when a child takes up the place. This charge is being introduced to offset some of the costs incurred for admin and staffing when last minute cancellations are made.
Holiday Club
The next Holiday Club will take place during the half term week beginning 18th February where the following activity days have been organised.
Tues 19th February Pirate/Mermaid Theme Day face painting, making masks, telescopes, hats and more
Wed 20th February Football
Fri 22nd February Cooking
Call in or telephone (01258 840679) to make your bookings as soon as possible in order not to be disappointed.
Session Times
Just a reminder the start and finish times for each session at the Nursery are as follows:
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Breakfast Club from 8am
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4 - 11 years
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Early Birds from 0830am
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3yrs+
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Pre-School 9am to 12 noon
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3yrs+
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Lunch Club 12 noon to 1pm
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3yrs+
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Caterpillars 12.15 to 2.45pm (except Fridays)
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2-3 years
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After School Club 3pm to 6pm
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4 - 11 years
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Holiday Club 8am to 6pm
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4 - 11 years
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It is important that children are collected promptly at the end of their sessions and also that they are not brought along too early. We have had some instances where Early Bird children are arriving before the children at Breakfast Club are escorted to school, which compromises our staff/children ratio.
Recycling Facilities
Holt Football Club have asked us to let you know that there are now recycling facilities available at their ground.
Requests
Please could you save the cardboard inner from your kitchen rolls and bring them in as soon as possible for use at Holiday Club during the February half term. Also if you have any 6pt milk containers we would welcome these, which will be used for the Cottage Carton.
Please Note
Should you wish your child to take holidays outside of the listed holiday periods you are required to pay normal fees in order to keep their place open.
The main sewerage pipe is being put through Gaunts Common village during February and it is anticipated there may be some problems with access.
Please do not park on the zig-zag lines at the front of the school as these lines are there to ensure safe use of the lay-by. Police are aware of the problems in the lane, especially during this time of diversions to and from Holt.
Dates for your Diary
Monday 18th Friday 22nd February Half Term
Holiday Club
Thursday 20th March 9a.m. 12 noon Easter Bonnet Parade (details to follow)
Thursday 20th March Last day of Term
Monday 31st March Friday 4th April Easter Holiday Club
Monday 7th April Staff Training Day
Tuesday 8th April Summer Term Begins
Saturday 17th May May Fayre
Ofsted Report
We recently had an inspection from OFSTED and were disappointed to receive only a satisfactory rating. A copy of the inspection report can be viewed by clicking on the OFSTED symbol on the home page at www.stjamescottagte.btik.com.
We are now drawing up an Action plan to work towards a higher result next time. Some of the issues that we can action immediately are:-
· Sending some of our staff on refresher courses for First Aid.
· Amending registers to record times of your childs arrival and collection.
· Reminding children of cleanliness after all trips to the toilet.
Ofsted have also requested that we update our Child Protection Policy to include recording injuries/illness on a childs arrival. One of the benefits of this record is that should a child show related symptoms, and we are unable to contact you quickly, appropriate actions can be taken. We hope you will feel on balance that providing this information will be helpful rather than intrusive to you and your family.
Cottage Cartons
These are being introduced this week with a communication/comment book to improve Parent/Nursery Liaison.
Parents Open Evening
Following on from the Questionnaire, at your request, we are holding a Parent Open Evening on Tuesday 4th March 8.00 9.00 pm. It will take the format of an Introduction by the Committee Chairperson, Sharren, followed by a chance to look at the activities the children participate in and an informal chat with staff. Any parents requiring more specific information about their child are invited to make an appointment with their childs Keyworker at a mutually convenient time. A glass of wine and nibbles will also be provided.
Please let us know if you are able to attend by returning the slip provided by Friday 8th February.
Parents Open Evening
Childs name
(Please delete as appropriate)
· I am able to attend on Tuesday 4th March (number attending
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· I am not able to attend on Tuesday 4th March. If you are unable to attend on this evening please comment below if there is a specific reason so that we can plan for future evenings.
Comment
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