Dear Parents/Carers

 

A big warm welcome to all of our new parents and a big warm welcome back to our ‘old’ parents. We hope you all had a wonderful summer and are ready for the new autumn term 1.!

 

Let me introduce myself, my name is Siân Knappett and I am the new Manager at Orchard Pre-School. I have worked at Orchard Pre-School since September 2021 as Practitioner and I am very excited to get started in my new position as Manager, managing a wonderful team and being responsible for all of your wonderful children.

 

Our wonderful team consists of Mrs Fearnley (Deputy), Mrs Pester, Mrs Brand, Mrs House, Miss Jones and Miss Vonlandau. Miss Jones and Miss Vonlandau are our newest members to the team and we are so happy to welcome them to Orchard Pre-School.

 

 

Water bottles

 

It is your choice whether you’d like to send your child in with a water bottle. Children do have access to water, independently, throughout the day which we strongly encourage and prompt; however, this will be encouraged, even if they have their own water bottle too, as it is a great skill for growing their independence.

 

At snack time, children will have the choice of milk and water and they can pour this themselves using a suitable jug - we will support them with this. The children really do love this task.

 

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Lunch

 

We are a nut free setting. Please ensure that you do not pack anything in your child’s lunch box that contains nuts - homemade and shop bought considered.

 

Please can we also ask that grapes are cut long ways to prevent a choking hazard.

 

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This Term – Autumn Term 1

 

Individual Photographs -  Friday 18th October from 11:15am

Our photographer, Jo, will be coming into the pre-school to take individual photographs of the children (plus any siblings) if you wish. The photographs will then be available to purchase. These pictures make for lovely memories and also great gifts ready for Christmas etc. Letter to follow nearer the time.  

 

 

Topics for this Term

• Settling in (03.09.24)

• Favourite Things (09.09.24)

• All About Me (30.09.24)

• Favourite Stories – Author, Julia Donaldson (21.10.24)

 

During the term, we will be taking time to reflect on each topic with the children individually, allowing them the chance to rediscover what they enjoyed the most about the topic and take the lead, i.e. a particular creative activity or role play etc.

 

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Reminders

 

We are always available to discuss anything, either at drop off and pick up, via email or on the phone. We want our parents/carers to feel valued and listened to and we will always do our best to make you feel this way. If we can help, we will.

 

If there is something you wish to discuss with myself (Sian) or your child’s key person, then please let us know. If you wish to discuss something in private or in further detail, if possible, please can I ask that you stand to the side during drop off and pick up and then we can help you as soon as all the other children and parents/carers leave.

 

We cannot always update and talk with you at the end of each session but rest assured, if there is anything we feel needs to be discussed with you or anything that is relevant to your child’s session(s), then we will let you know by either chatting to you at pick up or with a phone call during the session.  

 

On from this, we do use Tapestry. We aim to provide pictures and updates on your child during our ‘reflection’ weeks, so that’s twice a term. If there is something you specifically want to be updated about, i.e. your child’s fine motor skills, are they sharing well, or just lots of pictures etc. then please let your key person know. They can then make note of this and it helps them to individually understand what is most important to you.

 

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Dates for you Diaries

 

Last day of Autumn Term 1 is Friday 25th October 2024

 

First day back ready for Autumn Term 2 is Monday 04th November 2024

 

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Future Topics

 

Autumn Term 2 (04.11.24 – 20.12.24)

• In the Dark

• Autumn/Hibernation

• Christmas preparations

 

If there is anything I have missed or anything that you are unsure about, please come and ask. Myself or Mrs Fearnley are always on the door and always happy to help and answer any questions.

 

We look forward to the term ahead.

 

Love from,

 

 

The Orchard Pre-School Team