HOPSCOTCH MONTESSORI NURSERY NEWSLETTER AUTUMN 2014 Record Keeping Information Evening Since January we have been using a different record keeping system called My Montessori Child. The system tracks each child's progress by linking all the Montessori materials and other activities to the EYFS .The main reason for choosing this system is that there is a parent portal through which you can observe your child's progress and activities during their time at Hopscotch. This includes some photographs. The system was designed by David Gettman who is also the author of Basic Montessori. David has very kindly offered to introduce the system and the parent portal to parents on Monday 17th November from 18.30— 20.00 . Please sign the sheet in the foyer or let me know by email if you can make it. Late pick up = a charge! Please make sure you make every effort to pick up your child on time at the end of their session. I would like to remind you that there is a charge for children who are picked up late without prior notice from parents. If you have not informed us that you will be late you will be charged £5 for each extra 15 minute period (or part of) that your child is at the nursery. Staff often have commitments of their own after work so cannot be hours expected to stay after Packed lunches At Hopscotch we encourage healthy eating so please do not put chocolate, sweets nuts or products that contain nuts in your child's lunchbox. Please remember to include a drink and an ice pack. Thank you. Snacks The new snack system seems to be working well. The children continue to take snack time when they choose and take their snack from their tray. Please try not to send in too much food as some are struggling to finish what is in their snack box. La elling and oot ear ea e en ear re a a e e ot e oe i er ag an e ta an not ta e re on i i it n o e are or an item t at are not name ea e en re o r i e go into t e gar en an ear anva ita e oot ear a it i o ten oe get oa e t ro g et en Welcome We would like to welcome Maren (who started in April!) Paddy Kourtney Georgia Joseph Daniel Edie Sam (starting after half term) Zach Congratulations To Shabina who gained a First Class Degree in Early Years in the summer. As a result of this she has had some of her work published in a professional journal. So impressed was I that I have now started my last year of the Ba hons Professional Studies in Learning and Development hence I am not in assured however that I continue to work hard Hopscotch as much. Rest behind the scenes! Christmas Carol Concert and Party Tuesday 16th December. More details nearer the time. Early Drop Off If there is enough interest we would like to offer an early drop off from 8.30 on a Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday morning. Please let me know if you would use this service and on which day. Thank you. Sickness and A sences If your child is absent from nursery please ring or text and let us know on the day that they are absent 07849226567. I would like to remind you that if your child has vomiting or diarrhoea they should be absent from nursery for 48 hours following the last episode. These are the guidelines of the Health Protection Agency. Topics The topics we will be covering this year are The Farm Growing Clothes Festivals Canada The Zoo Staff This term we have seen a few changes. Thea has left us for a well-earned rest and Janine has joined us for 3 days a week. Janine is Montessori trained and has had a varied career in child care. As well as working in Montessori Settings she is a qualified play therapist and her most recent role has been in the Children’s Unit at Pembury Hospital. In addition, Janine’s son and daughter both came to Hopscotch and survived to tell the tale! Scarily her son is looking at Secondary School choices! Toys We do not encourage toys to be brought in from home but if they are they are treated the same as any other materials in the classroom and are there for ALL the children to share. Staff are not responsible for any loss or damage that occurs whilst the toys are at nursery.