Ofsted
As I am sure you are all aware we had our Ofsted inspection recently. We are still awaiting the report, however, I am pleased to say it was a positive experience for us as a setting and we had some fantastic feedback that we can’t wait to share with you all in due course.
Thank you to those that emailed in to give the inspector your feedback from a parents perspective and also to those parents who spoke with the inspector at drop off and collection times.
Children in need
14th November – 18th November
During this week we will be holding a treasure hunt each day for the children which they can be sponsored for to raise money for Children in Need.
We will also be ‘wearing something spotty’ all week and on Tuesday 15th and Friday 18th we will be holding a cake sale. If you would like to donate cakes for this then please let the office know and bring these in on Monday 14th or Thursday 17th.
Weather gear
Please ensure that your child brings all weather clothing to Nursery with them, ideally some that can be left here but if not then each time they attend.
We have lots of spare pairs of wellington boots that we will be putting under the gazebo for people to help themselves to before we take to a charity shop.
Halloween
On Monday 31st October we are having a ‘fancy dress’ day for those who would like to take part. This does not have to be a Halloween themed costume, it can be anything your child chooses! We will also be continuing with our Halloween themed activities.
Funding Dates
We will shortly be sending out our funding forms for the next term which starts in January 2023, if your child turns 3 before the end of December 2022 then you may be eligible for up to 30 hours free childcare. To check eligibility please go to 30 hours funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds – Dorset Council.
Please note we require a funding form to be completed EVERY term which is submitted to Dorset Council, when you receive these forms from us they do need to be completed in FULL and returned by the deadline. A delay in returning the forms to us can delay the funding start date for your child.
Christmas party
Thursday 15th December
10am-12noon
Magic show, party games and a special visitor
Please call the office to book your child in if this is not their normal day.
Parents Evening
We will be holding a Parents evening on Monday 7th November between 6pm-7.30pm. If you would like to arrange a time to see your child’s key worker and discuss their learning then please call or email the office no later than Tuesday 1st November.
We will be opening one of our rooms so please feel free to bring your child/children and siblings with you, please just let us know in advance so we can cater for the age of the children attending.
There will also be tea and biscuits at the ready! 😊
Heritage and Culture packs
Thank you to everyone that has returned these, it is really helpful to see things that the children learn about and celebrate at home. From these packs we have been able to implement the following;
- Numbers and words from diverse cultures using the correct spelling and context
- Ensuring we have sufficient variety of fabrics, clothing from different countries
- Offering things in different languages to those that request
- Learning about what the children call their family members, for example ‘GiGi’ for Grandma.
- Learning about family members jobs and being able to refer to these in play or circle times
- Important days that your families celebrate – for example birthdays, Australia Day, Christmas and Easter
- Learning about what the children enjoy doing when they are not at Nursery
- Learning about the important people in the children’s lives
Useful links (ctrl+click if viewing this on email)
30 hours funded childcare for 3 and 4 year olds – Dorset Council
15 hours funded childcare for 2 year olds – Dorset Council
Parents and carers (thebalancedsystem.org)
Children and families – Dorset Council
Dorset Family Information Service – Home | Facebook
The helpful guide for families with disabled children | Contact
Starting school for the first time – Dorset Council
Portland Food Bank (helpandkindness.co.uk)
Weymouth Foodbank (The Hub) (helpandkindness.co.uk)
Children’s Services – Children’s Advice and Duty Service (ChAD) privacy notice – Dorset Council
Get help for your family – Dorset Council
Talk PANTS & Join Pantosaurus – The Underwear Rule | NSPCC
Potty training: how to start & best age to potty train – ERIC