1. October Newsletter 2014 Contacts During sessions : - 01604 785123 Out of hours: - 07941 182487 Email: - info@bizzy-bears.com We are already half way through our first half term and all our new children are settling in well. So far this term the children have enjoyed learning about and experiencing topics on ourselves, our families and Autumn. We will be celebrating the Hindu festival of Diwali in October and would welcome any photographs, books, cultural clothing or food that our families can share with us to enhance the children’s learning about different cultures. Information regarding our themes and planned activities are displayed on the curriculum notice board in the corridor. Children are welcome to bring in items relating to our themes. We also record daily activities on our ‘Today We’ board. Newsletter www.bizzy-bears.com Sickness Policy All children are expected to be well on arrival at Pre school. If you feel your child is unwell enough to require Calpol/Nurofen or any other Paracetamol product before coming to Pre school, we would ask that you keep them at home. Please refer to our sickness policy for more information which can be found on our website or alternatively there is a paper copy of all our policies in the changing room. Children’s Cloakrooms Bizzy Bears has sole use of the Pavilion between the hours of 8.30am-3.15am after that time other uses may use the hall and the changing rooms. So please can we ask that all children’s personal belongings(coats, bags, shoes, wellingtons etc) and art work are taken home at the end of each day. We have limited storage so are unable to store them securely. Introducing Signing Following the benefits of introducing signing to young children as a communication and development tool at Bizzy Bears last term. We feel this would again benefit all the children in our setting. Early Years signing supports spoken language, it gives all children a way to get their meaning across reducing frustration. Signing has not been found to inhibit or reduce speech on the contrary, it often increases speech. Signing has been shown to improve children’s confidence and communication skills enabling them to express themselves creatively. We shall be introducing one sign each week using key words that the children use on a daily basis. We shall be making it fun with games, activities, stories and songs focusing on our sign of the week. We will display our sign of the week in the corridor on our planning board. This weeks sign is toilet. You can find more information at www.babysigners.co.uk and www.cbbc/cbeebies.co.ukwww.babysigners.co.uk www.cbbc/cbeebies.co.uk

2. Morrisons lets grow vouchers We are currently collecting Morrisons vouchers, there are a number of items available with this scheme that we feel would enhance our gardening resources, so please tell your family and friends. Dates for your diary Wednesday 8 th October –Tempest Photography Monday 20 th October – Parents voice 9.30am-10.00am Monday 27 th October to Friday 31 st October –Half term Monday 3 rd November – New term starts School Admissions If your child turns 4 before 31 st August 2015 its time to apply for their primary school place. You can make your application and find helpful tips and information online at www.northamptonshire.gov.uk /admissions, or you can apply online at any Northamptonshire County Council library(there will be no charge for using the computers to complete your application or for accessing the emails regarding your school application). You can also apply by post by downloading the information booklet ‘Applying for a Primary school place in Northamptonshire ‘from the website address above and completing the application form at the back of the booklet. www.northamptonshire.gov.uk For more information you can visit a parent’s information event which are being held on various dates in the county: Northampton central library on 14 th October,10am-2pm and November 20 th 4pm-6pm The deadline for applications is Thursday 15 th January 2015 at 5pm. Tempest Photography On Wednesday October 8 th we have a photographer coming into Pre-School to take individual and family photographs. All children and families are welcome, the photographer will be at Bizzy Bears from 8.50am until 11.30am. Please see a member of staff to arrange a time slot if your child is not in that day or if you wish your child to have their photograph taken with siblings. If you do not want your child’s photograph taken please inform a member of staff. Parents voice Our parents voice group meets once a term to enable Parents, carers and Bizzy Bears to work together and share ideas, such as ideas for Pre school outings, fundraising, future events and to share information on various topics ie behaviour, speech and langauge, healthy eating or any other topics parents/carers request. We welcome parents/carers to contribute their ideas and views about all aspects of our provision. Our next meeting will be held on Monday 20 th October 9.30am-10.00am and will include refreshments, siblings are welcome to stay and play. Weather As the weather is starting to turn colder please could you send your child to Pre-school with a named coat, hat etc and if possible a pair of wellington boots as outdoor play still remains an important part of our curriculum.