Newsletter October 2014
Welcome
A big HELLO to all the children and parents/carers who have joined Playgroup this term. We hope everyone is settling in well and making lots of new friends.
Parents’ matters
Dear Parents & Carers
Welcome back to the new school year to new and returning families at playgroup. Again this year like last most sessions are full which is fantastic to see our brilliant village facility being utilised so well by the community. Friday afternoon sessions will begin after Christmas please speak to the staff if you would like to put your child down for this session as we still have places available...a good opportunity to whizz round Tesco’s child free?!
Hopefully as some of you may have noticed we have had some much needed maintenance work done to the playgroup building over the summer, including the exterior wood and fencing repainted, the bikes overhauled, a new felt roof for ‘Bluebell Cottage’ and a new french grate fitted by the gate (so we hope to avoid the large puddle as per last year when it rained!)
Our main fundraising focus this year is to continue to work towards buying an interactive white board for the children to use. We are keen to provide this key learning tool as IT was the only area our OUTSTANDING ofsted suggested we should to address. The annual Easter Egg Hunt will be held on Saturday 4th April 2015 let’s see if we can beat last years’ £3000 total!, more details to follow but can I please ask ALL parents to support us where you can with this event!
Best Wishes, Emma Smith
Chair
Congratulations
Congratulations to Vicki Boon who has passed her level 2 childcare qualification, well done Vicki!
Next Committee Meeting
Thursday 6th November – 7.30pm at Playgroup. Everybody is welcome! Come and see what we are planning and share your thoughts and ideas. Drinks and nibbles will be provided.
Topics this Term
During Term 1 and Term 2 the children will be focusing on the topics of ‘Me & My Family’ and ‘Festivals’ including Divali, Bonfire Night and Christmas.
New Committee
Your new committee members are:
Chair / Emma SmithDeputy Chair / Becca Eccles
Treasurer / Lisa Warnaby
Vice-Treasurer / Jules Rogers
Secretary / Amy Leivers
Victoria Compton
Committee / Emma Mercer
Magda Black
Sarah Bishop
Laura Drake
Kate Kus
Aimee Rich
Contact details for all committee members can be found on the notice board in the Playgroup foyer.
Ways to Pay
Payment can be in cash, cheque payable to Painswick Playgroup or bank transfer to account number 00120323 sort code 30-98-29.
If you are having difficulties paying your fees, or have any other issue, please speak to our Treasurer, Lisa Warnabyin complete confidence, on 01452 812902 or and she will be very happy to arrange a schedule of payment to suit both parties.
Childcare Vouchers
We accept employers’ childcare vouchers which is a tax-efficient way of paying childcare fees. At present we accept Care 4, Fideliti, Accor, Busy Bees and Computershare. If your employer is with another scheme we can get that set up too. Any questions, please ask our treasurer, Lisa, or a member of staff for our account number for each scheme.
Spare Clothing
Just a polite reminder to return any change of clothes your children may have used following ‘accidents’ as Playgroup relies on these and our supplies are very low! Remember to pack a selection of spare clothes in a bag to bring to Playgroup at all times.
Jobs List
Thank you to everyone who has already volunteered for a job but we still have quite a few to fill. If you haven’t already done so, please take a look at the job description list in the foyer and sign up for something on the jobs list. All volunteers will be given any support needed. Thank you in advance.
Stay and Play
Why not come in for a session (or part session) to see what your child really does at Playgroup? Children love it when their parent or carer stays for a session, and staff do appreciate the extra help too – especially at snack time. You are welcome to bring a younger sibling with you, but please check with a member of staff first.
Sign up on the list in the foyer to volunteer.
Donations
Playgroup welcomes donations from parents and community groups. As we are a charity these donations are tax deductable. If you have an account with Charities Trust donations can be made online.
Playgroup would also greatly appreciate any spare laptops that parents no longer need. Playgroup has one already, but more would enable more children to use the computer at the same time. Suitable software would also be kindly received.
Playgroup has a dark tent and a number of torches. If you have any spare torches, particularly the wind up type, they would be gratefully received!
Gate and fence
Please do not allow children to swing on the gate, or to climb along the gate.
Fundraising and social events
Halloween
Children are invited to dress up in Halloween costumes during the week 20st October – 24th October, but we do ask, please no scary masks!
Note: There is no Playgroup on Monday 3rd November due to an Inset day.
Nativity Play
Closer to Christmas the children will be rehearsing a nativity play.
The dress rehearsal will be on Monday 15thDecemberto which siblings at the Croft School will be invited.
Performances to family and friends will be on Tuesday 16thDecemberand Wednesday 17th December. The nativity will take place during the morning session, exact time to be confirmed.
All children are welcome to take part in all performances whether or not they normally attend those sessions.
Nativity filming
Please get in touch if you would be able to film the nativity. In the past, the nativity has been filmed, copies sold to raise funds and it makes a great keepsake!
Children’s Christmas Party
This will be on the last day of term – Friday 19thDecember from 12.00 to 1.30pm.
Please note: there will be no lunch club or afternoon session on that date – parents/carers will take responsibility for their own children at the party.
Raffle Prizes
We will be holding a charity raffle to be drawn at the Christmas Party. Can you or other family members or your employer help with prizes? Please let a member of staff knowif you are able to donate anything.
Summary of Dates
Friday24th October / End of Term 1Monday3rd November / INSET DAY – No Playgroup
Tuesday 4th November / Start of Term 2
Wednesday 5th November / Croft Bonfire Night
Thursday 6th November – 7.30pm / Committee Meeting @ Playgroup
Monday 15th December (am) / Nativity Dress Rehearsal
Tuesday 16th December (am) / Nativity Performance 1
Wednesday 17th December (am) / Nativity Performance 2
Friday 19th December / End of Term 2
Christmas Party 12.00 – 1.30pm (no lunch club or afternoon session)
Monday 5th January / Start of Term 3
Thursday 12thFebruary / End of Term 3
Friday 13th February / INSET DAY – No Playgroup
Monday 23rd February / Start of Term 4
Friday 27th March / End of Term 4
Saturday 4th April / Easter Egg Hunt
Monday 13thApril / Start of Term 5
Monday 4th May / Bank Holiday
Friday 22ndMay / End of Term 5
Monday 1stJune / Start of Term 6
Friday 17th July / End of Term 6
Monday 20thJuly / INSET DAY – no Playgroup
Amy Leivers