Letter to all parents: building works, Ofsted, dates

Dear parents and carers

Building works at Kate Greenaway
What can I say…apart from the fact that the works are continuing to over-run. I’m sorry for the disruption this is causing, and I can assure you that everything possible is being done to ensure that the works are completed as quickly as possible.

I am pleased to say that we now have the full nursery area back in use, and that in general the nursery education and care we are offering to the children remains very good, despite the circumstances, thanks to the hard work and commitment of the staff team.

Headlice
We have a few cases of headlice at the moment. Please see the earlier blog entry for advice and information. Please check your child’s hair every day, so that we can all get on top of this.

Ofsted report
We have now had our official letter from Ofsted, following their visit on 12th October. It is a real tribute to the whole staff team that we got a second “Outstanding” grade for our work.

Nice though this is, we feel that there is still a lot to do and we continue to value feedback from parents – letting us know what you think we do well, and also what we should improve. I hope you’ll read the whole letter, but here are some of our best bits…

• Children revel in the wonderful outdoor learning environment, the garden experiences are of an exemplary standard
• Babies…are an integral part of this family environment, enjoying their diverse activities and the older children who often watch and encourage them
• Resources are exciting and encourage children to be active and independent learners
• Those with learning difficulties and disabilities are fully integrated and included
• There is clear strategic vision and practical management and leadership which strives to reach the whole community in imaginative ways.


Nursery dates
Please can I remind you of the following dates:

Monday 26th November Nursery closed for all children
Training and development for staff

Wednesday 5th December Development morning
Children with morning-only places have no nursery.
Children with core day places have a 1pm-3.30pm place (no morning).
We are open for children with extended day places as usual.

Thursday 6th December International Evening from 4pm-6.30pm More details soon!

Wednesday 19th December Last day of the Islington school term

Friday 21st December Last day of the extended nursery provision

Wednesday 2nd January 2008 Extended nursery re-starts

Thursday 3rd January First day of Islington school term

Monday February 18th-Friday February 22nd Islington school half term

Friday 21st and Monday 24th March Nursery closed for all children
Good Friday and Easter Monday bank holidays

Friday 4th April Last day of the Islington school term

Monday 21st April First day of Islington school term

Monday 5th May Nursery closed for all children
May Day bank holiday

Monday 26th May-Friday 30th May Islington school half term

Monday 2nd and Tuesday 3rd June Nursery closed for all children
Training and development for staff

Wednesday 23rd July Last day of the Islington school term

Friday 15th August Last day of the extended nursery provision