Autumn Term

Monday 7th September to Friday 18th December 2026

Half term: Monday 26^th to Friday 30^th October

 

Dear parents/carers,

Welcome back after the summer holidays, we trust you all had a relaxing break and enjoyed the weather. This term brings the arrival of some new children, and we extend a warm welcome to them and their parents/carers.

Each week a new policy is added to the notice board in the corridor for you to read and sign. We would appreciate you spending a couple of minutes reading this as it helps us in our annual review of policies, whilst also ensuring that you are aware of policies and procedures within the setting.

Lots of useful information can be found on our website.

We have a new preschool Mobile phone (07727284221) to make messaging us easier; we can send text messages for reminders and updates. Please make a note of this number.

In the interest of safety, can you please use the car park opposite when dropping off or collecting your child/ren. It can get very congested and difficult to see oncoming traffic if parents park right in front of the preschool.

May we remind you that we have a ‘no dogs policy’ on the premises; please refrain from bringing your dogs to playschool and tying them up, as some of our children have phobias about dogs.

Tapestry learning journals:

Tapestry online learning journal builds a very special record of your child’s experiences, development and learning journey through their early year’s education.
Using photos, videos, and observations, your keyperson, (early years educator), yourself and your children themselves if they’re ready, build the story of how they are growing and developing.
Communication between staff and parents that Tapestry enables, helps build a shared understanding of how every child can reach their full potential.

It is therefore essential to your child’s continued development and partnership with your keyperson that you regularly access and contribute to your Tapestry journal, where you can view your child’s progress, the activities provided for them, and how much fun they’re having, whilst also uploading your own comments and pictures. (PICTURES ARE FOR YOUR USE ONLY AND MUST NOT BE SHARED ON ANY SOCIAL NETWORKING SITES).

Please remember to add your summer fun pictures to your Tapestry journal, and we will look at them with the children to encourage them to talk about their home and experiences.

 

Preschool committee:

As a registered non-profit charity, the preschool is run by a parent committee lead by Sophie Tierney (chairperson).

The committee volunteers work closely with preschool staff to offer support, fundraising and legal decisions governed by the committee laws and guidance.

This ensures as a business, we continue to make progress and achieve our vison of providing a safe, secure and nurturing environment for your children to thrive and meet their full potential.

We depend very much on the goodwill of parents and carers. If you would like to make a financial donation or if you feel like volunteering in any role no matter how big or small, please speak to Sophie, whom you can contact via email.

Donations needed this term:

• Play Sand
• Sticky tape
• Prit stick
• Compost
• Hand wash
• Antibacterial spray
• Paper
• Dishwasher tablets
• Washing up liquid

The committee meeting is our AGM, and it will be held on 28th^th September 7.00pm at the Village Hall. Attending via Zoom is available upon request; please come along if you are interested in joining the committee.

Next fundraising event:

Our next fundraising event will be the annual Pumpkin Party on Friday 23^rd October at 4.30– 6:00pm. Please put this date in your diaries now (tickets will be on sale nearer the time). Entertainment will be provided by Tomfoolery, and the children will have a chance to dress up in their Halloween costumes and dance to their favourite tunes. There will also be several side stalls and games to play. Hot food will be available to purchase, as well as soft drinks and cakes.

NEW TERM REMINDERS: 

• Please send your child to preschool with a labelled bag containing a change of clothes, nappies and wipes.
• Please ensure your child comes to preschool in appropriate clothing, remembering that we DO go outside in ALL WEATHERS. You need to provide waterproof coat, trousers and wellington boots. (LABEL CLEARLY)
• We get messy a lot!! I cannot guarantee that our exciting activities won’t stain clothes and although we provide aprons for children, we cannot make them wear them, so old clothes are essential.
• Please ensure you have noted our contact details, and all your nominated people know your password.

Illness:

At preschool we promote the good health of children and staff attending each day. We take necessary steps to prevent the spread of infection; therefore, you must not bring your child to preschool if they are suffering from a contagious/infectious illness.
If your child has a temperature or needed Calpol before they arrive, then they are not well enough to attend preschool.

If your child has had sickness or diarrhoea, they must not attend preschool for 48hours after it has stopped. If you are unsure, please call before bringing your child to preschool and a staff member will advise you on what to do.

If your child is not attending preschool, please contact us before 9:30am with a reason for absence as we have a duty of care to log attendance and welfare

 Lunch sessions:

WE ARE A NUT FREE ENVIRONMENT

Please check all foods before making your child’s lunch.

 Our lunch session is a casual no pressure atmosphere with lots of encouragement on making healthy choices with food and drink.

When preparing your child’s lunch please consider the following:

• Portion sizes. Too much can be overwhelming
• Ensure fruit and veg options are available (ensure grapes and berries are cut long ways in half to reduce the risk of choking)
• No high salt, sugary foods, no sweets or fizzy drinks.
• Any uneaten food will be put back in their lunch box so you can see what has been eaten.
• Please use reusable containers to help us reduce waste at preschool as part of our sustainability plan.
• Please ensure lunch boxes, drinks bottles and containers are manageable and clearly labelled

For further information see the Eat Well guidance or speak to your keyperson for advice.

At preschool we love to celebrate the children’s birthdays, but we ask that you do not bring in sweets and cakes for children to give out but suggest stickers instead.

Many thanks
Chantael –Supervisor

Click here to download a copy!