We are always eager to discover more about how our very young children learn and develop and so were intrigued to find out about 'Executive Function'.
Have to admit this doesn't sound very child orientated; sounds more like something to do with big corporate business! But it is a term that is used to describe a set of skills that underlie the capacity to plan ahead and meet goals, display self-control, follow instructions even when interrupted and the ability to stay focused.
This leads into children's ability to sit still, spend extended amounts of times at activities, remember routines and follow rules. If these skills are missing it can mean children will 'flit' from one activity to another and struggle to express their feelings appropriately.
These skills develop when children are aged between 3 and 5 years, and are followed by another spike during their adolescent years. Providing the right environment will encourage and strengthen these skills which will help children as they progress throughout their school life, taking exams and moving into adulthood.
And the great thing is that these skills can be enhanced and encouraged through a child's natural play. Lots of imaginary play and story telling help children to plan, play co-operatively and pay attention. Action songs and games can stimulate a child's ability to recall through repeated refrains. Mixing movement and singing can be complex by matching rhythm, words and actions which helps with focus, attention, memory and persistence. Quiet games can help with memory recall, following rules and multi-stepped instructions.
As carer's and parents we do all of this all of the time but understanding the effect that we can have on young children by the actions we take is astounding.
Click here for more information.
Tuesday, 21 January 2020
Thursday, 16 January 2020
Activities Update
Activities Update
Parents to School Week
During the week commencing the 20th January we would like to invite parents into pre-school to get the chance to see what happens after you drop your child off! You will get the chance to see the activities that we provide, chat with your child’s key-person and maybe even grab a cuppa!
Parents are able to attend once during the week during a session that their child attends. Parents can visit from 9.15am - 11.00am and 12.15pm - 2.00pm. Whilst we would prefer that parents attend without younger siblings we appreciate that this may be tricky to organise. Parents are reminded, however, that any younger siblings in attendance remain the sole responsibility of the parent.
Inset Days
Our next TWO Inset Days will be MONDAY 24TH & TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY. On TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY we would like to invite all parents and children to come along and see us in our new premises at Sandiacre Scout Hut, Stanton Road, Sandiacre, NG10 5DD. Everyone is invited to attend between 10.00am and 2.00pm; you will have the chance to explore the new building, see how the activities will be set up, ask any questions and we will provide some drinks and nibbles for all!
Parents to School Week
During the week commencing the 20th January we would like to invite parents into pre-school to get the chance to see what happens after you drop your child off! You will get the chance to see the activities that we provide, chat with your child’s key-person and maybe even grab a cuppa!
Parents are able to attend once during the week during a session that their child attends. Parents can visit from 9.15am - 11.00am and 12.15pm - 2.00pm. Whilst we would prefer that parents attend without younger siblings we appreciate that this may be tricky to organise. Parents are reminded, however, that any younger siblings in attendance remain the sole responsibility of the parent.
Inset Days
Our next TWO Inset Days will be MONDAY 24TH & TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY. On TUESDAY 25TH FEBRUARY we would like to invite all parents and children to come along and see us in our new premises at Sandiacre Scout Hut, Stanton Road, Sandiacre, NG10 5DD. Everyone is invited to attend between 10.00am and 2.00pm; you will have the chance to explore the new building, see how the activities will be set up, ask any questions and we will provide some drinks and nibbles for all!
Tuesday, 7 January 2020
Newsletter - January 2020
Hello
Welcome back we hope that everyone had a lovely Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Important Dates for your Diary
w/c 20th January - ‘Bring your parents to pre-school’ week
w/c 27th January - Sponsored Bounce week
w/c 10th February - Cake Sale Week
Friday 14th February - Last day of term
Monday 24th February - Inset Day
Tuesday 25th February - Start of Term - at Sandiacre Scout Hut
Session Fees
Invoices for fees have been issued; all invoices are issued for the term up to the 15th February and should be paid in full by Wednesday 22nd January 2020. Late payment of fees will automatically incur a penalty fee and continuous failure to pay fees could result in the removal of your child’s place from pre-school. Please speak to Jayne regarding any payment issues so that this can be avoided – many thanks.
Primary School Applications
If your child was born between 1st September 2015 and 31st August 2016 they will be due to start Primary School in the academic year September 2019 – August 2020. Applications for your child's place at Primary School need to be made through Derbyshire County Council (for those living in Derbyshire) https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/schools/school-places/apply-for-a-school-place.aspx
and Nottinghamshire County Council (for those living in Nottinghamshire) https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/school-admissions/apply-for-a-school-place
Applications to be completed by midnight on 15th January 2020. If anyone has any questions please speak to Jayne or Julie.
Safeguarding
We would like to remind parents that mobile phones should not be used on the premises at drop-off and pick-up; this includes the taking of photographs.
Premises Update
This term is going to be a very busy one as we make preparations for our move to Sandiacre Scout Hut. We are aiming for the move to take place over the February half term break with us re-opening in the new building from Tuesday 25th February. We will keep you as up-to-date as possible with any developments.
Reminders......
Opening Hours – Please ensure that children are dropped off and collected promptly for all sessions;
Late arrivals can be upsetting for other children, especially those new to pre-school and still in the early stages of settling in; likewise late collection can also cause unnecessary upset. Please let us know if you are running late so that we can let your child know what is happening. Unadvised late collection of a child will incur a charge of £15.00.
End of Session Collection - If your child is to be collected by another person please remember to let a member of staff know as we are unable to release your child without prior notification.
Name Labels - Please ensure that all of your child’s possessions are clearly labelled with their full name. All bags, including lunch bags, should be labelled on the outside. If items are found unlabelled we will write names on with a black marker pen.
Clothing – It is imperative that children are sent to school in appropriate clothing. Children should be sent prepared for the weather with appropriate outdoor clothing as we always try to get outside – whatever the weather!! Footwear should enable children to climb and move with confidence; ill-fitting shoes can spoil their fun when pursuing outdoor activities as well as cause unnecessary accidents. Indoor clothes should enable a child to be as independent as possible, especially when using the toilet when time may be short!! So please avoid using tricky belts or dungarees that could hinder a child’s attempts to get to the toilet on time. Thank you.
Absence – Absence due to holiday should be notified in writing in advance. Absence due to illness should be notified by text by 9.15am. All absences must be confirmed in writing.
Children’s Bags - Your child must bring a small bag/back-pack with a set of spare clothes (including socks!) in case of toileting accidents or messy/wet play; please ensure that the bag is of a size that your child can carry themselves and is clearly labelled. Back-packs should be placed below your child’s peg on the coat rack.
Red Book Bags – All children must have a red book bag which should be placed in your child’s drawer each session they attend. Book bags are available at just £3.00 each, please see Jayne.
Uniform – All children must wear a red top or jumper whilst at pre-school. Tops with the pre-school logo are available at reasonable prices, please see Jayne or Julie should you require any items.
Changes - Please remember to let us know of any changes relevant to your child and their circumstances. We need to know if your contact details have changed, of any allergies or medical conditions and any other circumstances which may affect your child during their time with us.
Policies & Procedures - All pre-school operating policies and procedures are available for parents to read at anytime and are located near the children’s drawers. Key policies are also available on our website www.springfieldpreschool.co.uk
Useful Websites – www.foundationyears.org.uk has been developed specifically for parents of children aged 0 – 5 and provides lots of useful information and advice. For information relating to funding, child benefit and more please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Welcome back we hope that everyone had a lovely Christmas and a very Happy New Year.
Important Dates for your Diary
w/c 20th January - ‘Bring your parents to pre-school’ week
w/c 27th January - Sponsored Bounce week
w/c 10th February - Cake Sale Week
Friday 14th February - Last day of term
Monday 24th February - Inset Day
Tuesday 25th February - Start of Term - at Sandiacre Scout Hut
Session Fees
Invoices for fees have been issued; all invoices are issued for the term up to the 15th February and should be paid in full by Wednesday 22nd January 2020. Late payment of fees will automatically incur a penalty fee and continuous failure to pay fees could result in the removal of your child’s place from pre-school. Please speak to Jayne regarding any payment issues so that this can be avoided – many thanks.
Primary School Applications
If your child was born between 1st September 2015 and 31st August 2016 they will be due to start Primary School in the academic year September 2019 – August 2020. Applications for your child's place at Primary School need to be made through Derbyshire County Council (for those living in Derbyshire) https://www.derbyshire.gov.uk/education/schools/school-places/apply-for-a-school-place.aspx
and Nottinghamshire County Council (for those living in Nottinghamshire) https://www.nottinghamshire.gov.uk/education/school-admissions/apply-for-a-school-place
Applications to be completed by midnight on 15th January 2020. If anyone has any questions please speak to Jayne or Julie.
Safeguarding
We would like to remind parents that mobile phones should not be used on the premises at drop-off and pick-up; this includes the taking of photographs.
Premises Update
This term is going to be a very busy one as we make preparations for our move to Sandiacre Scout Hut. We are aiming for the move to take place over the February half term break with us re-opening in the new building from Tuesday 25th February. We will keep you as up-to-date as possible with any developments.
Reminders......
Opening Hours – Please ensure that children are dropped off and collected promptly for all sessions;
Morning Session 9.15am – 12.15pm Afternoon Session 12.15pm – 3.15pm
Late arrivals can be upsetting for other children, especially those new to pre-school and still in the early stages of settling in; likewise late collection can also cause unnecessary upset. Please let us know if you are running late so that we can let your child know what is happening. Unadvised late collection of a child will incur a charge of £15.00.
End of Session Collection - If your child is to be collected by another person please remember to let a member of staff know as we are unable to release your child without prior notification.
Name Labels - Please ensure that all of your child’s possessions are clearly labelled with their full name. All bags, including lunch bags, should be labelled on the outside. If items are found unlabelled we will write names on with a black marker pen.
Clothing – It is imperative that children are sent to school in appropriate clothing. Children should be sent prepared for the weather with appropriate outdoor clothing as we always try to get outside – whatever the weather!! Footwear should enable children to climb and move with confidence; ill-fitting shoes can spoil their fun when pursuing outdoor activities as well as cause unnecessary accidents. Indoor clothes should enable a child to be as independent as possible, especially when using the toilet when time may be short!! So please avoid using tricky belts or dungarees that could hinder a child’s attempts to get to the toilet on time. Thank you.
Absence – Absence due to holiday should be notified in writing in advance. Absence due to illness should be notified by text by 9.15am. All absences must be confirmed in writing.
Children’s Bags - Your child must bring a small bag/back-pack with a set of spare clothes (including socks!) in case of toileting accidents or messy/wet play; please ensure that the bag is of a size that your child can carry themselves and is clearly labelled. Back-packs should be placed below your child’s peg on the coat rack.
Red Book Bags – All children must have a red book bag which should be placed in your child’s drawer each session they attend. Book bags are available at just £3.00 each, please see Jayne.
Uniform – All children must wear a red top or jumper whilst at pre-school. Tops with the pre-school logo are available at reasonable prices, please see Jayne or Julie should you require any items.
Changes - Please remember to let us know of any changes relevant to your child and their circumstances. We need to know if your contact details have changed, of any allergies or medical conditions and any other circumstances which may affect your child during their time with us.
Policies & Procedures - All pre-school operating policies and procedures are available for parents to read at anytime and are located near the children’s drawers. Key policies are also available on our website www.springfieldpreschool.co.uk
Useful Websites – www.foundationyears.org.uk has been developed specifically for parents of children aged 0 – 5 and provides lots of useful information and advice. For information relating to funding, child benefit and more please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
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