News Updates Chatham and Holborough

Dates for diary

Hindi Day 14^th September 2020

Jeans for Genes Day 18^th September 2020

International day for Sign Language 23^rd September 2020

Hello

Welcome to back to all our term time only families and new families whom have joined us. We are looking forward to the term ahead.

Weather

As the weather gets cooler, please remember suitable clothing for your children. We do go into the garden in all weathers so remember coats and wellies. Make sure that everything is clearly labelled.

School Admission Dates

If your child was born between 1^st September 2016 and 31^st August 2017, then it is time to start thinking about BIG schools!! The online portal for applications in Medway is now open until Friday 15^th January 2021. Kent County Council applications open 5^th November 2020 until 15^th January 2021. If you require more information, then please ask Kelly or Jo.

Key Workers

There have been a few changes at both sites with regards to room changes so this may have had an impact upon your child’s keyworker. Please ask if you are unsure when you drop off or collect.

Cough and Cold Season

We all know that we are coming into cough and cold seasons. With the Covid 19 situation we are remaining alert to the three main symptoms (high temperature, persistent cough and loss of taste/smell). If a child is displaying cold symptoms, we do advise they are monitored at home to ensure that it is not more serious. If symptoms develop whilst in nursery, we will monitor their temperatures and general well-being and see how this develops. Please do expect a courtesy call at this point. If symptoms worsen, then we will contact you to arrange collection.

Saturdays

We now have a plan for our Saturday opening times at the Chatham nursery. Our sessions will be 9.00am to 3.00pm. The first dates are Saturday 5th, 12th and 19th December. A morning and afternoon light snack will be provided during the session. The cost per session is £36 per child. You will need to provide your child a packed lunch. This must be pre-booked and payment must be made before attendance. Please ask a member of management for a form as places are limited to 15 children. At Holborough, we are thinking of opening an afterschool club in the future. If this is of interest to you, please let us know.

Zoom Calls

Thank you to all those whom have got in touch requesting a zoom call. These will be booked in the coming weeks to discuss your child’s progress.

What we are up to

At the Holborough site, all the children have started a topic all about “Ourselves” The children have already been learning about body parts and have been role playing with the doctors set in the home corner. In the coming weeks, we will be focusing and exploring our senses. There will be sensory scavenger hunts and food tasting going on. Emotions will be next, with fun activities planned to talk about how we are feeling and thinking about other people’s emotions. In the final week of September, the children will be talking about their likes and dislikes.

At the Chatham site, the preschool is also going to be focusing upon ‘all about me’. There will be looks of activities going on helping us to make friends. Preschool are focusing up a book call ‘little mouse’s new friend’ It is all about a little mouse whom is starting school and is worried about making new friends. Preschool are restarting workout Wednesdays! Babies are also focusing on welcoming their new babies and will be looking at Autumn in the coming weeks. Toddlers will be doing room on the broom activities, such as different colouring activities. Dinosaurs are a strong interest for the toddlers, so there will be sizing activities and hunts for dinosaurs.

Preschools signs of the month are hello, goodbye, thank you and please.

We are and will continue to deep clean and sterilise all toys and equipment for the duration of Covid-19.
We are accepting the children at the entrance, taking their temperatures and washing their hands before entering the rooms. This minimises the risk of spreading germs and bacteria.
We are asking that if your child has a new cough or high temperature that you follow the recommended guidelines from the government and keep them at home.

If you have any questions or query, please get in contact with the setting manager.

Nursery Fees

Nursery fees are to be paid no later than the 7^TH of each month. Fees can be paid via BACS. Cash and cheques are also accepted. If there is an invoice query, please email details of this so it can be checked promptly. Please pay these to Joanne or Kelly in the office.

Thank you.

Early Years Pupil Premium

Early years pupil premium is funding that is available to support 3 and 4 year olds with their learning and development. We as a setting could can claim this extra funding when parents of 3 and 4 year olds are receiving certain benefits or for children who have been in care or are adopted. This funding will benefit the child through better resources catered to their individual needs. Please speak to the office if you have any questions about EYPP.

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Nursery Fees

Nursery fees are to be paid no later than the 7th of each month. Fees can be paid via BACS, Cash and cheques are also accepted. Just to remind you, a 5% charge may be added to all balances outstanding after 7th of each month. Thank you