Archived Newsletters are below
- Christmas Singing - 19th December 2019 ∨
- Curriculum Letter - September 2019 ∨
- Term Dates 2019/20 ∨
- New Term Newsletter - September 2019 ∨
- Extended Hours Provision ∨
Dear Parent/Carer
Welcome to our new term at Young Discoverers. This half term we will be settling in your children and introducing them to our pre-school routine.
We value your contribution to pre-school and would ask you to bring in photographs of your child and their family for our Home Board. This will help settle and reassure your child as they learn how to say ‘good bye’ to you.
You can also help us celebrate your child’s achievements by filling out a ‘Wow’ star and sharing it with their Key Person (attached). Tell us about your child being brave when trying out new things at the park and any family celebrations or holidays that you have been on.
You will also see on the notice board what we have been learning at pre-school. One of the best ways to help your child to learn is to enjoy sharing a book with them and singing. This will help them learn to distinguish sounds and recognise shapes which will help them to speak and learn to read (see attached).
Outside play is an important part of Young Discoverers, please could you bring in any unwanted baking tins and trays for our Forest School and mud kitchen.
We like to arrange a number of small group outings for your children, including library visits, and visits to the water gardens and post office. Please keep a look out for the sign-up sheet giving permission for us to take your child on a visit. All outings are risk assessed and a ratio of 1 adult to 2 children is maintained. If you would like to help on these visits please speak to Kelly or Karen and Denis in the office. We will always tell you when your child is going on a visit.
We will be organising a number of coffee mornings so that you can get to know us and other parents. We will confirm dates shortly.
If you play an instrument or have any special skills or hobbies you can share with the children please speak to your Key Person or the office to arrange a visit to pre-school.
Regards
The Young Discoverers Team
Academic Year 2019/2020
Autumn Term 2019
Wednesday 4th September – Friday 25th October (8 wks)
Half Term/Holiday Club Monday 28th October to Friday 1st November
Monday 4th November – Thursday 19th December (7wks)
Spring Term 2020
Tuesday 7th January – Friday 14th February (6 wks)
Half Term/Holiday Club Monday 17th February to Friday 21st February
Monday 24th February – Thursday 2nd April (6 wks)
Easter Break/Holiday Club
Monday 6th April – Friday 17th April
Good Friday - 10th April (Closed)
Easter Monday – 13th April (Closed)
Summer Term 2020
Monday 20th April – Friday 22nd May (5 wks)
May Day – Monday 4 May (Closed)
Half Term/Holiday Club Tuesday 26th May – Friday 29th May
Bank Holiday Monday 25th May (Closed)
Tuesday 2nd June – Friday 17th July (6 wks)
Summer Break/Holiday Club
Monday 22nd July – Friday 28th August
Autumn Term 2020
Thursday 3rd September – Friday 23rd October (8 Wks)
Half Term/Holiday Club Monday 26th October – Friday 30th October
Monday 2nd November – Friday 18th December (7 wks)
Inset Days
Monday 1st June 2020 – Closed for Staff Training
Wednesday 2nd September 2020 – Closed for Staff Training
Correct at time of printing – may be subject to change
Dear Parents/Carers
A warm welcome, for the Autumn Term, to all our new and returning families from Young Discoverers. We trust you had a relaxing Summer holiday and that you enjoy the term ahead.
A few reminders on starting pre-school this term. Please would you make sure that all your new starter paper work has been completed and handed in, including your child’s birth certificate which we will photocopy and return to you. If your child was 3 before 31 August 2019 please contact the office to complete grant paperwork. If you are claiming under the 30 hours scheme for working parents please remember to renew your application in time usually every 6-8 weeks. You can do this at www.childcarechoices.gov.uk
Nursery/School Applications
School applications are to be completed online at www.hertsdirect.org/admissions. The primary school application deadline isTuesday 14th January 2020. Please see poster for details. Please keep an eye on the notice board for the Nursery application dates, I will post them as soon as they come out. Young Discoverers run a nursery class which includes a comprehensive Forest School curriculum. Please speak to Karen and Denise about applying for our Nursey Class.
Extended Hours and Holiday care
Young Discoverers provide Extended hours from 8.00am to 5.00pm every day during term time.
Young Discoverers also run a holiday club for your child and their siblings up to the age of 8 years old. You can also access the holiday club once your child attends school up till the age of 8 years.
Urgent - Allergy / Illness Awareness
- The office must be informed of any child with allergies or medication needs. No medication will be administered without written consent.
- Please be aware we require a 48 hour absence from preschool following sickness and/or diarrhoea to prevent the spread of infections.
- Please let a member of staff know if your child has been given Calpol (or any medication) before coming to pre-school. If your child is unwell and has a persistent temperature please keep them at home.
- We are happy to help you toilet train your child. We ask that you do not use pull ups as these are difficult for us to change and can often pro-long toilet training.
- We have a number of SEVERE food allergies this year. Please do not bring nuts or anything containing nuts into the building or in lunches including Nutella and peanut butter.
Security and Access
Please be aware that mobile phones and cameras are not to be used in this building. Please do not take photographs at any time or make or receive calls when dropping
off and picking up your child. Please make sure the main building door, electric gate and small side gate are shut behind you as they provide security for your children and those of other parents (ensure your child is supervised at all times whilst in your care).
Collecting Children
Please inform us if someone different is going to collect your child. Please ensure that you speak to the office or a member of staff personally each time someone different is going to collect. If someone other than yourself if going to pick up permanently please arrange this with the office.
Car Park/drop-off area
All families please be alert when using the drop off parking area, children need to be supervised at all times. No extended parking at any time.
Term Dates:Please see our website for term dates to the end of December 2020.
We have an exciting autumn term planned for you. Home Learning ideas and ‘Wow’ stars are available on the Planning Board for you to take home. Please remember that we are here to help your child gain the most enjoyment and skills from attending Young Discoverers, if you have any questions feel free to speak to us.
Thank you for your support,
Karen Keene
Manager of Young Discoverers Pre-School
