For those of us on a break, I hope you are enjoying your ‘me’ time and for the rest of us still treading the pavements, more grease to our elbows! Just a few things to bring to your attention.

New, improved website

Our website is being re-vamped with more information to help you. For example, under the ‘Parents’ section there will be a calendar with events for the whole term, including closing dates (so you can book that holiday on time), planned school trips and themes we will be exploring. This is so you are kept informed. Also, we will start putting up short blogs to help with some tips on things like potty training, biting and hitting, self-regulation etc. So please watch out for it.

Instagram account

We now have an instagram account where pictures will be uploaded for you to catch a glimpse of what we are up to. Please follow us @kiddieskottage

Electronic sign in

From September, you will be able to sign in your child on arrival and sign them out at pick-up just by clicking your child’s photo on the iPad at the foyer. As simple as ABC!

Other fun activities

For the toddlers and pre-school children, we have engaged Caterpillar Music for classes in music and movements (actually, we will have a trial session with the babies). We have also engaged Sport Elite for physical/sporting activities and swimming lessons at the Streatham leisure centre. This will be at an additional cost for funded children who are interested. It is included in the fees for full-time children. The children will really love it. All to start in September!

Also, just a reminder that the pre-school children (3+) have basic French lessons every Tuesday at 10am for 45 minutes. The children learn new words, sing and dance. It costs just £2 for funded children. Parents can also observe the lessons.

Home learning bags

We have noticed that learning bags are not being returned when sent home on Fridays so we have decided that henceforth, the bags will be sold for £5. It then belongs to the child to keep when they finally leave the nursery. Please note that if bags are not returned weekly, there will be no home learning activities for the child to engage with.

Suggestions, complaints, recommendations and commendations

We have sent out questionnaires for your suggestions on what we can improve on and what you are happy about. If you have not received one please email your comments to [email protected]. We are having a staff meeting last week in August; it would be great if we receive all comments by then so that we can action and discuss them. We are always seeking to improve our practice so that you rest assured your children are safe, learning and developing adequately.

August break

Also a reminder we are closed w/c 26th of August for a week and we have an Inset day on the 2nd of September to resume full on the 3rd of September. Parents with full-time children, please check the packs you were given for information about the fees.

Uniforms

Please, it is required that all children (except some babies) wear their uniforms. It is our nursery’s policy. We have some second hand jumpers available from ex-preschoolers if you are interested.

Staff out, staff in

Ms Roberta who worked with the babies has informed us she had some bereavement so will have to go to her home country. She is unsure of her return to work. Also, Ms Christina has asked for a career break and promises to be back next year. She will be missed.

With us now is Ms Ifrah and we will be recruiting to make up ratios. You will be kept informed.

Fees and lunch

With the prevailing economic climate, we have slightly increased the fees from September. We always strive to remain competitive while providing you with the best service as best as we can. Please ask for a copy of the new fee structure at the nursery.

Also, we have had to increase the lunch money to £3 per day.

The Childcare Choices website provides lots of information for parents about how to get help with their childcare costs. Please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for more information.

Thanks for choosing us and enjoy the summer!