Term 4 already! This year is flying past. The older children are preparing for ‘big school’. There is a list on the notice board showing where they are going – a wide spread again this year. We say hello to Luke, Maddie and Eve who joined us recently and to Christian and Ruby who will be joining us during this term from Twiglets.

Following children’s interests

Traditionally we always had a three year rotation of topics and an annual cycle of shapes, colours, numbers and letters. We now follow the children’s interests and develop activities and plans in line with these.

The children continue to receive a wide range of stimulating learning opportunities with access to our extensive resources. There is increased flexibility allowing for interests to flourish and for everyone to participate with fewer time restraints. We aim to follow up an interest for every child over a period of time (See Special for the Week – left). Here are some of the interests we followed up last term:

• Railway station with a train made from big boxes;
• Dora the Explorer with tent and binoculars;
• Dinosuars – in the sand, the garden, on the craft table;
• Building site with hard hats and tools (we also looked at a real building site);
• The zoo turned into Noah’s Ark;
• Theatre for dancing and a puppet theatre next door;
• Lazy Town with Sportacus and Stephanie;
• Fairies and Princesses with a castle, pointy hats and jam tarts;
• ALSO… we looked at Chinese New Year – using chopsticks and playing with rice.
• Special for a week
• Many children have now had a ‘special for a week’ form. These have given us an extra insight into the children’s interests, a chance to share family news and an opportunity when we try to follow up some of their current interests and extend their learning. Our planning each week is linked to about 5 children, but inevitably others are also interested in the same things so we have had some very exciting mini topics.
• If your child hasn’t had a turn yet, look out for our ‘special for a week’ form which will be in their work boxes.
• Story Box
• There is a special Easter Storybox on 11^th March - our last with David. Emma takes over continuing with the established 2^nd Tuesday of the month after that. Please make a special effort to come and see David’s wonderful storytelling for the last

Learning Stories

We have begun to change the way we do observations so that you will find longer observations, involving your child and their friends, covering several of the six areas of learning. Many of these ‘learning stories’ will be displayed in the setting as well as in your child’s book. For those with well established books already these will be slotted into the area that your child got most from. Newer books will now be chronological giving a more holistic view of each child’s development on their ‘learning journey’

Bills and Funding

If your child will be 3 before 1^st April 08 you can claim up to a total of 12½ hours at any registered settings your child attends. Any additional time will be charged.

At White Tree the session is 2¾ hours. At present, if you claim the full 12½ hours at White Tree, the balance of 1¼ hours is discounted. Unfortunately due to rising costs, we can no longer offer this. From term 5 all sessions attended above 12½ hours will be charged at the rate of £2.72/ hour

Toddlers

The Tuesday Toddler group is usually full to capacity at present, so we have reopened the Friday session too. Both sessions are drop in, no need to book and take place downstairs 10-11.30am. Everyone is welcome with their under 3s. Volunteers are also welcome here to serve coffee or to run an activity.

Twiglets

The 2 year olds session on Monday mornings is going well, with places in demand. Several Twiglets have now moved up to White Tree and we have really noticed a difference in settling in since they already know some of the staff.

If you would like to put your child on the waiting list, please see Valerie.

OUTDOOR PLAY

We will continue to take the children outside most days as they have enjoyed and benefited from the fresh air, exercise and outdoor environment. Please can you make sure your child has suitable clothing and footwear especially on days that are wet or chilly.

What happened today?

We are trying to provide you with an idea of what happened during the morning with the new ‘what happened today’ sheets (when we remember to fill them in!). You are welcome to see previous day’s sheets. Just ask any member of staff.

Supply cover

A big thank you, once again, to our excellent team who have provided supply cover for us while we have been training.

If anyone else is able and willing to work some sessions at preschool, including at short notice, please speak to Alwyn or Helen.

Don’t forget that you are also always welcome to ‘stay and play’ whenever it suits you and your child. This does not have to be for a whole session, an hour is plenty for you to get a flavour of what we are doing and to be a help to us. Your child will enjoy having you there.

Parent/Social Evening

A parent/social evening will be held here on Wednesday 30^th April 8 - 9pm. This is a chance to chat to sttaff informally and find out a bit more about your children’s activities at preschool. There will be non-alcoholic drinks and nibbles.

Dates..Dates..Dates..Dates

A reminder that due to the odd school break this year, there will be no preschool on Good Friday (21st March) or Easter Monday (24^th March). We finish for the two week spring holiday on Friday 4^th April

Toys and equipment

We have had several toys donated recently which have greatly enhanced our provision, in particular a fairytale castle (thank you Valerie) and a huge alphabet mat puzzle (thank you Luke).

We welcome your outgrown toys which are suitable for group play and in good condition to add to our resources.

Behaviour

Generally your children are fantastic, however we have been saddened recently that some well loved toys have had to go in the bin. Please remind your child to look after toys and equipment. We have had a particular problem with our little kitchen units which have lost some doors due to rougher than usual handling. Throwing unsuitable things has also been an issue causing some breakages.