Chipmunks Chatter, Dorchester January 2021
Dear Parents/carers,
I cannot believe that we are already at the end of January! I hope you are all safe and well, here are a few updates:
Drop off’s & Collections
As COVID-19’s not going anywhere soon we are keeping the drop-offs and collections as they are at the gate – it seems to be working well just remember to use the socially distanced lines marked out on the path!
If you know it may take a few minutes for us to get to you maybe move to the side if we have a queue forming just to allow someone else to buzz and wait too!!
Also, the 530pm latest collection will still be in place for the foreseeable to enable us to safely clean each room thoroughly and carry out any show round for new children.
COVID-19
Please can you notify us as soon as possible if you are getting your child tested or if you are self-isolating? We MUST be notified if there is a positive case so that we can notify Public Health Dorset and follow their guidance.
Outside play
ALL rooms will be playing outside in all weathers on the playground and garden (obviously undercover if it is horrendous) so please do not forget to supply your child with a coat, outside shoes (wellies), hat, gloves etc.
Funding for 2-year old’s and 3&4-year old’s
All children are entitled to 15 hours per week funded childcare the term after they are 3 years old. Some of you will be eligible for the 30 hours funding at this time or the 2-year-old funding. Every term you will be required to fill out a funding form with all information that I need to claim this funding on your behalf. The funding roughly runs with the school terms, but we do always give out the dates when we send out the forms.
Spring term dates: Mon 4th January – Friday 26th March with a break for half term (15th –19th Feb)
The Summer term starts after Easter which we believe will be from Monday 19th April which give a 3-week break over the Easter holidays – once we have the dates confirmed I will update you. Obviously, children that are using the 30 hours funding stretched will still access the funding throughout
For those of you that qualify for funding in the SUMMER term (after Easter) once we have the forms available, we will send them out. For those of you that have already got a 30-hour code keep it safe and when you receive the paperwork then we can have it on there.
Attendance
Please make sure that you contact the nursery if your child is not going to be in on a day that they have been booked in for or if they will be in later than usual.
For those of you that book in on an ad hoc basis by giving us dates – please make sure that you give us ample notice to enable us to book them in.
As always if there is anything that we can do to help support you all at this time please do not hesitate to ask
Thanks,
Carolyn