Welcome and Stay & Play
We would like to say a big welcome to all of our new children and parents who have started with us this term. Everyone has settled really well and are all making friends.
If you have any questions about your child or about the preschool then please could we ask you to either talk to us at the gate, email us on pavilionpirates@live.co.uk or phone us on 07769 177701. Please can we ask that you do not send this type of communication via your child’s Tapestry account.
You are also more than welcome to come into preschool for a stay and play session with your child. Family members are also welcome to come in.
Reminders & Announcements
- PLEASE NAME EVERYTHING – especially lunch boxes, snack pots and water bottles. It is particularly important to save spreading germs around this time of year. Thank you to those of you who have already done so as it is much appreciated. You can organise name tags at MyNametags.com using School ID 47158 with your order.
- Please may we remind you that children are not to have squash/juice in their water bottles.
- Please can you pack a spare set of clothing in your child’s rucksack each day in case of accidents.
- Just a reminder not to send your child into preschool if they have a continuous cough, heavy cold or temperature.
- Please remember we are a NUT FREE setting so please can you check the ingredients on any snack or lunch items.
- Please can we ask that children do not come in with any toys from home. We know this can be difficult, but it causes arguments and upset between some children.
Immunisations
We have been requested by Services for Young Children to remind all parents to check that their child’s immunisations are all up-to-date. This is particularly important for those children who will be going to school this year.
Please look out for a reminder from the Child Health Information Service who send out letters regarding the second dose of the MMR vaccine which children should usually be given around 3 years 4 months old.
Parent Meetings
We would like to invite all parents into preschool for a quick meeting with their child’s keyperson. This will be to discuss your child’s progress and next steps, and to answer any questions you may have. Your child’s keyperson will be in touch with you to arrange a mutually convenient time.
Fundraising Target £6,500
Total raised so far this year £2,952.29
BIKE-A-THON – £886.20
CLASSFUNDRAISING XMAS CARDS/MUGS – £135.69
EASYFUNDRAISING COMMISSION – 293.91
SECOND HAND UNIFORM SALE – £25.75
BAGS 2 SCHOOL CLOTHES COLLECTION – £64.00
CHRISTMAS FAYRE – £537.30
CHRISTMAS RAFFLE – £631.00
DONATION – £6.80
GIFT AID FROM SPONSORED EVENTS – £371.64
We would like to say a huge thank you to everyone who has helped us raise funds for our preschool.
These monies help us buy the everyday essentials for your children as well as replacing toys and equipment.
Fundraising Events for Spring Term
WORLD BOOK DAY – SPONSORED EVENT – THE GRUFFALO
THURSDAY 6TH MARCH PM (1.15pm)
We will be holding a sponsored event to celebrate World Book Day and the children have chosen ‘The Gruffalo’ this year. More details and sponsor forms to follow.
EASTER – W/C 31TH MARCH
We will be holding an Easter Egg Hunt each day on the w/c 31st March and will be taking the children around the field to search for the Eggs. More details will follow.
On Thursday 3rd April, we will be having an Easter Bonnet Parade (children to make their own bonnets) and a small cake stall/refreshments.
We are also hoping to have an Easter Hamper Raffle. This event will be from drop off for around an hour and everyone is welcome to come along even if your child does not usually attend on that day.
Debutots & Yoga
DEBUTOTS
These sessions are running on a Monday morning from 10am- 10.30am with Chloe from Debutots. If you would like your child to join in, please let us know. Sessions are £4.50 per week payable on a termly basis directly to Debutots.
YOGA
These sessions are continuing to run on a Thursday morning from 9.45am- 10.15am with Catherine from Cool Cats Yoga. If you would like your child to join in, then please let us know. Sessions are £5.00 per week payable to preschool on a half-termly basis.
How Do We Run Our Preschool?
As most of you may know, we are a charity and run by a group of 5 Trustees. The current Government funding has remained far too low and has historically not covered the cost of delivering early education. This means that we are under even more financial pressure than before.
This is the reason why we have to raise as much money as possible through fundraising events to keep the preschool open. It is imperative that parents/family members come forward to help us with these events.
At present, we only have 2 parents and 1 member of staff on our fundraising team and so desperately need some more help. If you would be interested in joining the fundraising team or can help with our fundraising efforts in any way then please let us know. If you have any ideas for fundraising events too then we would love to hear about them.
TRUSTEE VACANCIES
We are also looking for a two new Trustees to help us in the running of the preschool.
These are voluntary positions for which there is some training required which we provide free of charge. You do not have to have any particular skills but just an interest in your child’s education We hold half-termly meetings with the Trustees to discuss the everyday running/staffing/financial matters.
It is a requirement with the Charity Commission that we have 5 Trustees at all times and two of our Trustees are stepping down in the Summer Term. Unfortunately, if we do not find replacements then preschool cannot continue to run.
Becoming a Trustee is both a rewarding way to help your community and a great way to learn new skills for you own personal development. If you would like to know more about the position, please speak to either Linda or Helen.
Broken Toys & Equipment
We are currently trying to encourage all the children to look after all our toys and equipment after finding lots of broken items.
We are asking them to remember to replace pen lids and put pens/pencils back in the pots, not to write on toys and equipment and look after things. The children also join us before lunch and at the end of the day to tidy away the toys. Please can you help us by reminding your children to do the same in their own home environment.
Little Buccaneers Baby & Toddler Group
This group runs upstairs at preschool on a Tuesday morning from 9.45am-10.45am.
It is £2 a session on a pay as you go basis. Childminders are also welcome to come along – £1 per child.
If you know anyone who would like to come along then please let them know. It is open for all babies and toddlers up to preschool age and run by volunteers and two of our members of staff.
We are always looking for volunteers to help too if you would like to get involved.
