22 Street Lane Nursery - December 2017 Newsletter

Newsletter December

Play. Discovery. Growth.

December Newsletter

Dear Parents and Carers,

Welcome to our December Newsletter and as always, a big warm welcome to our new families who have recently joined us.

We have lots of fantastic activities and parties planned in December and even though it is a little early we would all like to take this opportunity to wish you all a very very Merry Christmas!

December Newsletter

Staff News;

We would like to welcome the following practitioners to the 22 Street Lane Nursery team;

Ariana Barillari ;

Room Leader: Cygnets Room.

Zoe Mcveigh; Zoe has previously been working at the Lakeside Café within Roundhay Park; she takes up a full time position as kitchen assistant working to support our Head Chef, David Salter in preparing the meals for the children. Zoe has a passion for healthy eating and children’s nutrition and is looking forward to being part of the 22SLN team. “ Studying Psychology at University fuelled my interest in the importance of nutrition on the developing brain. My dissertation focused on the childhood obesity epidemic and highlighted that both parents and schools have to take responsibility. Integrating my interest in childhood nutrition with my passion for creative cooking will hopefully aid the children’s physical and mental development even further ” " I firmly believe early childhood to be one of the most wonderful of all life's seasons. I am fortunate enough to be able to dedicate my life making sure children are happy, loved and have access to as many educational and fun opportunities as possible. I began working with children nearly ten years ago. When I was 18 I joined a volunteering team that worked with children on weekends, supporting them with school homework, organising trips and arranging family activities. After two months volunteering there I knew I wanted to be able to make a difference in children's lives. I currently hold a QTS as well as a Level 3 in Forest School Leadership. My mother tongue is Spanish, a language which I try to use with children through songs and stories, but I am also fluent in Catalan and speak Italian. In my free time I enjoy helping organisations like St.Gemma's Hospice by volunteering.” Arianna has previously been working at an Outstanding Montessori Nursery leading a Preschool of 35 children and 7 staff. Arianna has a 1 st class honours degree and brings with her a wealth of experience as a qualified Teacher; she is also fully qualified to deliver ‘Forest School’ sessions. She is extremely passionate about Early Years and has some fantastic ideas to bring to our Cygnets room, we would therefore ask parents to give her a warm welcome as she settles in to Nursery life. Kitchen Assistant.

December Newsletter

Staff News; Employee of the Month - November

November’s Employee of the Month has been awarded to Hannah Dunning from our Goslings room. Hannah has been nominated for Employee of the month by the Management Team. Hannah has recently taken over as ‘Room Leader’ in the Goslings room and showed great passion in enhancing the environment and implementing new ideas to facilitate the children’s care and learning. Keep up the good work Hannah!

New Voting System; Place your vote each month; We value your opinion and need your help to recognise the amazing work that our staff undertake each day at 22 Street Lane Nursery . We have introduced a new web based monthly voting system as your VOTE and feedback is essential in order to recognise and praise the people that you feel go above and beyond each day at Nursery. Please can we ask you to help and vote for your December Employee of the month. The new voting page can be accessed using the following web link; • http://www.22streetlanenursery.co.uk/employee-of-the-month-vote/ • Select room name - This will automatically show the staff in each room. • Click on the highlighted circle to lock your vote - This will open a feedback area for any comments in support of your vote. • Enter your first and last name, email address and click submit VOTE. • We thank you and appreciate your input.

Staff News; Congratulations to Hayley in Cygnets

We would like to congratulate Hayley Fryer from our Cygnets room who has just gained her level 3 qualification.

As some of you may be aware, Hayley previously worked in sales however her dream was always to work with children. Last year, Hayley made the break and joined 22 Street Lane as an apprentice and has worked so hard over the past year to become a Qualified Practitioner. Hayley has shown great commitment, determination and passion since joining us and she is such a credit to the nursery. I am sure that all the parents and children agree.

Staff News; Congratulations to Shamyla on her Wedding Day;

We could like to congratulate Shamyla Ahmed from our Ducklings room who has recently married in Pakistan. We thought that you would like to see a picture of the beautiful bride on her special day. 22 Street Lane and all her colleagues wish her all the happiness in her new marriage.

December Newsletter

Forest School;

The children are continuing to enjoy their Forest School sessions which are currently held for our Swans children at Roundhay Park on a Friday morning. So far, the children have been making houses for animals, building dens, making faces using mud, hunting for bugs and insects and exploring the woodland and nature!

All of the children in the Swans Room will have the chance to engage in Forest School Sessions throughout next year.

Forest Schools will aim to develop:

• Self Awareness • Self Regulation • Intrinsic motivation • Empathy • Good social communication skills • Independence • A positive mental attitude, self-esteem and confidence

“A Forest School is an innovative educational approach to outdoor play and learning.”

The philosophy of Forest Schools is to encourage and inspire individuals of any age through positive outdoor experiences. By participating in engaging, motivating and achievable tasks and activities in a woodland environment each child has an opportunity to develop intrinsic motivation, sound emotional and social skills. These, through self awareness can be developed to reach personal potential. This type of teaching has demonstrated success with children of all ages who visit the same local woodlands on a regular basis and through play have the opportunity to learn about the natural environment, how to handle risks and most importantly to use their own initiative to solve problems and co-operate with others.

Children use full sized tools, play, learn boundaries of behaviour; both physical and social, establish and grow in confidence, self-esteem and become self-motivated.

December Newsletter

Parents Evening;

We would like to thank all of those who could attend our parents evening last week, it was lovely for us to be able to share your child’s nursery experience with you and answer any questions that you may have had. Working in partnership with parents is extremely important so that we can help each child reach their maximum potential.

Please can we ask that you all keep sharing observations via Tapestry and your Key Person as it is great to see what the children’s interests are outside of nursery, needless to say it is much appreciated.

Parent Feedback Form;

22 Street Lane Nursery is always looking for ways to improve the setting in order to maintain and develop our ongoing practice. For that reason, we are always keen to hear what our parents are thinking and look to encourage feedback on a regular basis which is vital to help us deliver and meet your expectations.

Please click on the link below, complete and answer the questions and feedback where possible, once complete simply press the ‘’Submit your Feedback’’ button at the end of the webpage.

http://www.22streetlanenursery.co.uk/parent-feedback-form/

May we take this opportunity to thank all of those parents who have already given feedback; for any of those who haven’t yet had chance we encourage as much feedback as possible so please do try if you can. We will continue to analyse the results internally, update and track progress whilst setting new standards as a result of the feedback, either positive or negative. We look forward to hearing from you.

Swans Room – Christmas Carol Service at St Andrews Church;

The children will be joining Minister Tim in celebrating the Christmas story, with a Christmas Sing-A-Long at our local Church. The Swans have been practicing hard for their performance and we very much look forward to seeing you on the day. We have arranged for 3 very special guests to join us at the Church

* Father Christmas and 2 of his Reindeers!*

The children are invited to meet Father Christmas’s reindeers before the service as a special surprise. Please arrive a little earlier than the original time of 10:00am to allow time for this;

IMPORTANT; The Reindeers will be ready to feed from 9:15am onwards.

If you haven’t already confirmed your attendance, please RSVP to Alex Thornton;

alexandra@22streetlanenursery.co.uk

December Newsletter

The children of 22 Street Lane Nursery had a fantastic day fundraising for Children in Need, we raised an amazing £163.71 The Nursery offered parents and carers the chance to win a family X-mas ticket to visit Stockeld Park! We placed a huge jar of spotty Pom Poms in our reception area and asked for £1 donations; parents and carers had to guess how many Pom Poms they thought were in the Jar.

Congratulations to Lee Bellwood who won this amazing prize!

FUNDRAISING FOR CHILDREN IN NEED!

December Newsletter

Mini First Aid;

On Friday 10th November, Mini First Aid came to meet our pre-school children. Clare from Mini first Aid for children brought along her special first aid helpers; 'Max the Bear' & Michele.

Clare, Michele and Max the Bear helped the children understand what happens to their bodies if they get hurt; where blood comes from; and why you get a lump if you bang your head. The children then practiced applying pressure, plasters, and a cold compress on Max the bear and then on one another!

The children were encouraged to learn the first line of their home address in case they ever have to call for help and practiced calling the Emergency Services number - 999.

The children were then read a story about a brave accident prone little boy, in a book called ‘the mini adventures of Freddie’. Freddie had a busy day and his story helped remind them of all the things they had learnt during their first aid session.

Finally everyone received their very own first aid certificate in recognition of their hard work!

Recipe of the Month December Newsletter

Rustic Homemade Sausage Casserole;

• 300g (10½oz) green or brown lentils • 2tbsp olive oil

• 8 best-quality sausages • 2 onions, thinly sliced • 3 sticks of celery, trimmed and sliced • 2 garlic cloves, crushed • 1 large red pepper, deseeded and diced • 3 sprigs of thyme, leaves picked • 1 bay leaf • 3 large tomatoes, skinned, deseeded and roughly chopped • 4tbsp tomato purée • 200ml (7fl oz) red wine • 400ml (14fl oz) hot chicken or vegetable stock • A handful of flat-leaf parsley

Method;

1. Soak the lentils overnight in cold water then drain thoroughly and set aside.

2. Preheat the oven to 200°C/fan 180°C/gas 6.

3. Heat 1tbsp of the olive oil in a large, lidded casserole dish over a medium heat. Add the sausages and cook, shaking the pan frequently, until they have a good, even colour on them.

4. Remove and set aside for later. Add the remaining olive oil to the pan and sauté the sliced onions, celery and crushed garlic for about 5 minutes, until softened.

5. Stir in the diced red pepper, thyme leaves, bay leaf, chopped tomatoes and tomato purée and cook for 5 minutes, stirring regularly.

6. Add the soaked lentils, red wine, hot chicken or vegetable stock and stir well. Place the sausages on the top, cover with the lid and cook in the oven for about 30-40 minutes. Season to taste, then chop the parsley and scatter over the dish just before serving.

December Newsletter

Upcoming events Update;

Thursday 7 th December: Swans Christmas Carol Service

Friday 15 th December: Christmas Jumper Day

12 th December: Hanukah Celebrations

Wednesday 13 th December: Street Lane Christmas Dinner

Thursday 21 st December: Street Lane Christmas Party Day (Party clothes welcome)

Friday 22 nd December: Nursery Closes for Christmas

Tuesday 2 nd January 2018: Nursery re-opens

December Newsletter

Lunchtimes;

Can we kindly ask parents not to call the rooms during lunch time (11.30am – 1.30pm) unless it is urgent. It is an extremely busy time with staff supporting children with their meals and sleep times. Staff also have their lunch breaks

Absence;

P lease note that we are unable to swap days or offer an alternative day if your child is absent from nursery. We are now extremely busy and it is impossible for us to do this for all children. This is stated in our terms and conditions. Thank you for your cooperation.

Parents Suggestions;

We continue to welcome all feedback from parents, if you would like to make a suggestion then please post this in our ‘Parents Suggestion Box’ which is based on reception. Alternatively, you can speak to a member of staff.

Drop Off and Collection;

Can we kindly remind you that we open at 7.30 a.m. and cannot accept children into the nursery before this time. We close at 6.00 p.m. and any parents that pick up after this time will be charged. Thank you for your cooperation.

Parking;

Please can we politely ask you NOT to park outside the nursery on the double yellow lines or outside the nursery front door . This is to ensure the safety of the children.

Glass Door;

For safety of the building, please can you ensure that when you are entering and leaving the building that you close the glass door behind you. Thank you.

Lost Property;

We have lots of items of ‘lost Property’ which we will be displaying in our parent’s room over the next couple of weeks. Please can parents take the time to visit the parents room and see if anything belongs to your child. Anything which isn’t collected by Friday 22 nd will be given to charity or used as nursery spare clothing.

Labels in Clothing;

To avoid items being lost, please can you ensure that your child’s uniform is clearly labelled including their coats, hats, scarves and wellies. If you’re child brings gloves to nursery we strongly advise for these to be attached and threaded through their coat to avoid any gloves going missing .

CONTACT.

03330 43 22 22 info@22streetlanenursery.co.uk 22 Street Lane, Roundhay, Leeds, LS8 2ET

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