Dear Parents

Welcome back to the second half of the Autumn Term. This term we will be recreating firework pictures, looking at Autumn including the different coloured, shaped leaves and their textures, animals who hibernate, Divali and Christmas.

Harvest Festival:

Thank you to everyone who supplied groceries for Harvest Week. The non perishable foods were packaged up and donated to the Food Bank in Netley.

Royal Southern Yacht Club – Race Night:

Thanks go out to two of our parents, Kirsty Taylor and Caroline Barber, who put Hamble Village Playschool forward as one of the charities the race night would support. Along with their helpers a great night was had by all, culminating in a fundraising cheque for playschool in the amazing sum of £3,900.00. Playschool intends to use some of this money to refurb the decked area. A huge thank you to Kirsty, Caroline and the team.

Decking/Pirate Ship:

You may be aware, or the children may have told you, that the decked area and pirate ship is currently unsafe. This is due to the fact that the decking (under the astro turf) has rotted in places creating dips and holes around the ship. We are currently obtaining quotes to have the area cleared, including the removal of the trees and metal work at the back. Once cleared, we are looking to re-fence the area, erecting a permanent roof cover, re-painting the ship and creating a new digging/planting area. If you know of anyone that may be able to help or willing to submit a quote, please see Julie A.

Day Closure:

As per previous letter, Hamble Village Playschool has been offered the opportunity to attend a day’s bespoke training on ‘Communicating Friendly Spaces’. This training is very hands on and focuses on the role of the environment in supporting speaking and listening, emotional well-being, physical development and general engagement.

I believe the training will have a positive effect on our environment and as such all staff will benefit from attending to understand the principles and identify any areas for development through evaluation and reflection.

Therefore, playschool will be holding an inset day on Wednesday 27 November 2013 and will not open.

Weather:

Now the weather is getting colder can you ensure your child brings named gloves/mittens and warm coat to playschool every session.

Opening of gates:

The black gates are kept closed for a reason, to keep the children safe. Please wait for a member of staff to open the gates during opening times.

Starting School 2014:

Admission to school – September 2014. If your child will be 4 years old between 1 September 2013 and 31 August 2014 you can apply for a school place:

From 1 November 2013, Hampshire residents can apply:

• Online at www.hants.gov.uk/admissions where you will also find information about schools in Hampshire, or
• On a paper application form available from a Hampshire infant or primary school

Schools make individual arrangements for open events in the autumn term. Should you wish to visit Hamble Primary I would suggest that you call the office to arrange an appointment – 023 80453298. Similarly, Bursledon Infant School is 023 80402869 and Netley Abbey Infants is 023 80452263.

Application deadline for a school place is WEDNESDAY 15 JANUARY 2014.

Christmas:

We will finish for Christmas on Thursday 19 December at 3.00pm. On Friday 20 December ALL playschool children (irrespective of whether they attend a Friday), are invited to our Christmas party. This will start at 0930 and finish at approx 1200 noon. The primary school finishes as 1230, so this should give parents with older siblings enough time to walk to the primary school. Please complete and return the slip at the end of the newsletter.

If your child is able to attend can you ensure that you send in a wrapped, clearly NAMED, present for Father Christmas to give to your child at the party (about £5 in value). Please secret squirrel the present into playschool by Friday 13 December.

The party will consist of party games, a visit from Father Christmas and party food. Playschool will supply the food but a voluntary donation of £1.00 towards costs would be gratefully received. Should your child have any allergies, myself or Debbie will speak to you before the party to run through the food on offer and to check it is ok. If the children wish to dress up with a Christmas theme in mind, that is fine.

The party will end with the children singing a few songs in the main hall. The doors will open at 1105 for the parents offering to help put out chairs (and put away), otherwise can you arrive at 1120. There will be refreshments available for the adults and a Christmas raffle will be held - we have received some donations from parents and from local businesses but could do with some more. If you know anyone or any business that would be happy to donate a prize please ask them. All proceeds will go to the playschool. Afterwards, we will escort the children back into playschool and while we get the children ready for you to collect them, the raffle will be held.

Letter To Santa:

Attached is a letter to Santa. Please complete this with your child, if you wish, and return to playschool.

Parent Rota:

The parent rota sheet is on the parents’ information table near the book corner. If your child is settled at playschool and you would like to stay for a session with your child, please put your name down. The children really enjoy showing their parents what they get up to whilst at playschool.

Late Arrivals/Collections:

By arriving late registration is disrupted and can be intimidating for the child, likewise it can be distressing for the child when collected late. If you know you are going to be late, due to unforeseeable circumstances, please telephone the playschool (07708 426134) to let a member of staff know. This way they can reassure your child.

Named lunch boxes / bags:

Please ensure all lunch boxes and bags are clearly named on the OUTSIDE, for easy identification.

Diary Dates 2013/14:

Playschool Contact Numbers:

If you need to contact playschool please telephone on:
07708 426134 During sessions
07903 388568 Out of sessions

Kind Regards
for HAMBLE VILLAGE PLAYSCHOOL

Julie Ash
Manager