Autumn 2023 Newsletter

A great big welcome back to all our existing children after the long summer break and we hope that you and your families had a relaxing and enjoyable time. I would like to thank you on behalf of the staff team for your kind cards, gifts and collection at the end of last term, they are very much appreciated. We would also like to welcome our new children and their families to our Pre-School, we are looking forward to getting to know you and hope that you have lots of fun with us.

Themes this term                                  

Week 1 and 2 – Welcoming and settling all our older and new children into Pre-School. All about me, we will be making all about me books with the new children and revisiting the books already made by our older children.

 Family – under this theme we will be looking at Families, pets, occupations, (parents to be invited in to talk about their jobs) and where we live.

Transport, Travel and The World – under this theme we will be looking at types of transport, flags, pirates, animals that live in hot and cold countries, volcanos and trying different types of food.

Festivals – Halloween, Guy Fawkes night, Remebrance, Diwali, Hanukkah and Christmas.

Please note these themes are subject to change depending on the children’s interests and beliefs. Please let us know of any festivals you celebrate during this term.

Circle Time

Circle time is a time during the morning where, we all come together on the mat to learn in a large group. This is where we will learn and practice our weekly colour, number, phonic sound, days of the week and Makaton sign. (The children may be split into smaller groups depending on age)

W/c 18^th September – Phonic (letters and sounds phase 2) S, colour RED and number 1

W/c 25^th September – Phonic A, colour Blue and number 2

W/c 2^nd October – Phonic T, colour Yellow and number 3

W/c 9^th October – Phonic P, colour Green and number 4

W/c 16^th October – Phonic recap S A T P, colour mixing using Red Yellow Blue & Green and number 5

W/c 30^th October – Phonic I (i), colour Orange and number 6

W/c 6^th November – Phonic N, colour Pink and number 7

W/c 13^th November – Phonic M, colour Purple and number 8

W/c 20^th November – Phonic D, colour Black and number 9

W/c 27^th November – Phonic recap I N M D, colour White and number 10

W/c 4^th December – Colour Brown and number 10

W/c 11^th December – Colour Gold and Silver and number 9

Please note: Makaton signs will be posted weekly on Pre-schools Whatsapp group and on the front door. (if you are not already on the group, lets us know and we can add you)

Boogie Beats

Julie and Giggles will be joining us from Boogie Beats once a week for this half term, the dates are as follows:

19^th and 26^th September and 3^rd,10^th and 17^th November

Mr Mouse

We have a mouse that likes to visit the children’s homes at the weekend especially if they have been good. If your child is invited to bring Mr mouse home, this is because your child has shown some good behaviour, for instance being kind, good listening or helping others. Mr mouse will come in a bag with a notebook. We would be grateful you could note down what Mr mouse has been up to over the weekend or add some pictures, he’s adventures can then be shared with the other children on his return.

Autumn Walk and Sponsored Walk/Run Fundraiser                                                                                                                                 

On Thursday 12^th October we are planning a nature walk up to the woods behind the school to listen, look and collect sights, sounds, leaves and tree rubbings. (Weather permitting), We will also be doing some laps (as many as possible) around the school field for a much needed, sponsored walk/run fundraiser to help raise money for a new garden shed/ outside classroom.

For this outing we will need parent helpers. A signup sheet will go on the front door nearer the time along with sponsorship forms. There will be a prize for the child/children who get the most sponsors.  If your child does not attend on a Thursday and you would like them to join in, we can arrange to meet you at the woods/ school field.

Fund Raising for others

As Pre-School is a charity, as part of this status we must fundraise for others. Every year we invite the children to raise money for Children in need by dressing up for a donation and cake sale. Also, for Christmas this year we will be doing a collection of items for our local food bank – further information will follow.

Pre-School Committee and AGM (annual general meeting)

We need you!

Do you have any skills which you can use to help us?  Accounting, minute taking, good organizational skills, fundraising or website skills.

Hopefully you are all aware that we are a parent-run Committee Pre-school. Due to covid this has not been so apparent, but it is now time we have a full committee and are now looking for volunteers. Laura and Gabriella are our committee members at present and are both happy to remain in these roles for now. We are always looking for parents/carers to join our committee as without them/you we would not be able to continue to run, if you are interested in becoming a member please speak to Nicky.

We will be in the process of arranging Pre-School’s AGM, a date and venue are to be confirmed. All parents and carers are invited to attend. We will look forward to seeing as many of you as possible. I will be presenting my Manager’s Summary Report of the Academic year 2022 to 2023. This evening is organized by the Parent committee and will also include a Report from the Chairman, a Financial Report and Election of the new committee members.

Parent Consultations

We are planning to hold our Parent Consultations this year, week commencing 27^th November 2023. Parents will be invited in to have the chance to talk to their child’s Keyworker to see how their child has settled in and to share their achievements. These will only be 10 minutes slots. A sign-up sheet will be placed on the front door w/c 6^th of November, so that you will be able to sign up for a time slot with your child’s keyworker. If you are unable to attend a consultation during that week, please speak to your child’s keyworker to rearrange another time.

Clothing Required for the Garden                                                                                            

The children will be using the garden daily except for extreme weather conditions. Can you please ensure that they have suitable footwear and a jacket to wear if needed as Autumn can be a mixed season with warm and colder days.

Change of Details    

If any of your contact details have changed such as address, phone/mobile number or emergency contact, please let us know in writing asap so we can update your child’s file.

Christmas Party                                          

The children’s Christmas party will be on Thursday 14^th of December. We have booked the lovely Pipsqueeks as our entertainer for this year. A party food donation list will go out nearer the time. If your child does not attend Pre-School on a Thursday, they are very welcome to join us. Please speak to a member of staff for further details.

Dates For Your Diary

4th September – Return to Pre-School 6th September – National read a book day 13th September – Roald Dahl Day. Charlie and the chocolate factory dress up fundraiser £1 23rd-27th October– Half Term 31st October – Halloween fundraiser   13th November – Diwali 18th November – Langley Vale Village Hall Christmas fair & Pre-school’s Santa’s Grotto w/c 27th November– Parent Consultation week  14th December- Party Day 15th December – Nativity show & last day of term Return to Pre-school – Friday 5th January 2024