We hope you all had a lovely week off.
Important Dates
w/c 28th February - World Book Day week
Thursday 24th March - Inset Afternoon (pre-school will be closed from 12.15pm - 3.15pm)
w/c 4th April - Easter Fun Week
Friday 8th April - End of Term
Monday 25th April - Start of Term
Monday 2nd May - Bank Holiday Monday - pre-school is closed
Friday 27th May - End of Term
Monday 7th June - Start of Term
Monday 20th June - Pre-school is closed in lieu of Queens Platinum Jubilee bank holiday
Friday 22nd July - End of Term
Staff Update
After 20 years of involvement with pre-school Jayne has decided to step down from her role as manager and will be retiring at the end of the academic year in July. Over the next few weeks and months we will be making some changes as Jayne steps back and Julie takes on the mantel of Early Years Manager, so please bear with us as we adjust and move forward. To help with this transition Nikki (Albie's mum) will be joining the team.
Drop-Off & Collection
If the gates are open when you arrive to drop-off or collect your child please feel free to enter the premises and wait by the front door. Children remain under their parents/carers supervision while waiting and children should not wander down either side of the building.
Please remember to let us know if someone else will be collecting your child as we will only release your child to a known adult.
World Book Day Week
World Book Day is on Thursday 3rd March and to celebrate we are inviting all children to wear their best 'story character' outfit. Outfits can be worn all week and all we ask in return is a donation of £1 per child.
Inset Afternoon - Thursday 24th March - 12.15pm - 3.15pm
Please note that pre-school will be closed for an Inset afternoon on Thursday 24th March from 12.15pm - 3.15pm. There will be no lunch club on this day.
Session Fees
Please be advised that with effect from 1st April 2022 our fees will be increasing to £5.00 per hour (making a 3 hour session £15.00).
Late payment of fees will automatically incur a penalty fee of £15 and continuous failure to pay fees could result in the removal of your child’s place from pre-school. Please speak to Jayne or Julie regarding any payment issues so that this can be avoided – many thanks.
Help Needed
We are in need of some supplies to help support this term's topic of 'new life'. We will be turning our home corner into Springfield Garden Centre and we are in need of supplies! We would love some artificial flowers, plant pots, gardening magazines, small spades, brown paper bags, gardening gloves, empty seed packets and anything else you can think of that is gardening related! Thank you in advance.
Easter Raffle
Due to the staff's generoisty we have an amazing Easter themed hamper for our upcoming raffle but we are looking for more donations to the raffle. If you can help, or know someone who would like to make a donation then please speak to Julie, or drop us an email.
Session Requirements - Summer Term
Please keep an eye out for an email concerning session requirements for our Summer term (25th April - 22nd July). A prompt response to this will be greatly appreciated as it assists with our forward planning - thank you.
If you're child is turning three before 1st April they will become entitled to 15 hours of government funding (called Universal funding). Some children will be entitled to a further 15 hours of funding, or what is commonly referred to as 30 Hours Funding. If you are eligible and wish to claim the 30 hours funding you must apply online and receive your code before 31st March 2022, please visit www.childcarechoices.gov.uk for more information on how to apply.
A reminder for those already claiming the 30 hours funding that your code must be re-confirmed every three months. You should receive notification when this is required and pre-school will also send a text reminder as your re-confirmation date approaches.
Easter Fun Week - w/c 4th April
We have lots of fun activities planned for the last week of this term and more information will be coming in a separate email. But there will be crafts, competitions, chocolate and a raffle!
General Reminders......
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 as we have a number of children that have the same style bag and the lack of a name can cause confusion for both child and staff alike! If items are found unlabelled we will write names on with a black marker pen.
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.
Red Book Bags - All children must have a red book bag that should be brought to pre-school each time they attend.
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.
Absence – Absence due to holiday/appointments should be notified in writing/email in advance. Absence due to illness should be notified by text by 9.15am (morning sessions) or 12.15pm (afternoon sessions).
All absences must be confirmed in writing.
Children’s Bags - Your child must bring a small bag/back-pack with at least two sets 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 on the outside.
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 – pre-school operating policies & procedures are 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 For information regarding Ofsted and their role within Early Years please visit https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/information-for-parents-about-ofsteds-role-in-regulating-childcare you can also contact them on 0300 123 1231 or email enquiries@ofsted.gov.uk
How to Contact Pre-School
Our phone number is 07960 983423 (Monday to Friday, 8.45am to 3.00pm) or email us at springfieldpreschool@hotmail.co.uk
You can also check our website www.springfieldpreschool.co.uk and Facebook page for up-to-date information. You can also find us on Twitter and Instagram.
