First day of spring term (all children)
Monday January 5th
Development morning*
Monday 19th January
Closure for training and development
Friday February 13th
Half term for children with termtime places
16th-20th February (inclusive)
Review Day*
Thursday 12th March
Development morning*
Monday 23rd March
Last day of spring term for children with termtime places
Friday April 3rd
First day of summer term for children with termtime places
Monday 20th April
Development morning*
Monday May 11th
Closure for training and development
21st-22nd May
Half term for children with termtime places
25th-29th May (inclusive)
Development morning*
Monday June 15th
Last day of term for children with termtime places
Monday 20th July
Last day of extended nursery
Friday 14th August
*On Development Mornings and Review Days we are closed for children with core day places for the morning. Children with extended day places attend a crèche provision in the morning.
Monday, 5 January 2009
Monday, 15 December 2008
Kate Greenaway Express 15.12.2008
Monday 15th December, 2008
Dear parents and carers
End of term
Thank you very much to everyone who brought food and helped out at the party on Friday – it felt like a lovely way of getting towards the end of the winter term. If you want to enter the raffle for the big basket of beauty products please buy a ticket off Marie or Luisa.
At the end of this term, we are saying goodbye to four children who are going to primary school – Jacob, Masierullah, George and Louis. I know that all the staff will join me in wishing them well in their move to school: we’ll also miss them and their families (though George’s sister Maggie continues at Kate Greenaway).
The school term ends on Friday 19th December. The last day for children with extended day/year places is Tuesday 23rd December. On behalf of all the staff team and the governing body, I’d like to wish you a good holiday (when it starts…)
Julian
Key dates for next term
Monday 5th January Start of term
Monday 19th January Development Morning *
Friday 13th February Staff training: we are closed for all children
Monday 16th- Friday 20th February School Half term
Monday 23rd March Development Morning *
Friday 3rd April Last day of school term
*On Development Mornings, children with core day (termtime) places do not attend in the morning. This enables the staff team to meet and train together. Children with extended day/year places attend as normal with a crèche provision here in the morning.
Dear parents and carers
End of term
Thank you very much to everyone who brought food and helped out at the party on Friday – it felt like a lovely way of getting towards the end of the winter term. If you want to enter the raffle for the big basket of beauty products please buy a ticket off Marie or Luisa.
At the end of this term, we are saying goodbye to four children who are going to primary school – Jacob, Masierullah, George and Louis. I know that all the staff will join me in wishing them well in their move to school: we’ll also miss them and their families (though George’s sister Maggie continues at Kate Greenaway).
The school term ends on Friday 19th December. The last day for children with extended day/year places is Tuesday 23rd December. On behalf of all the staff team and the governing body, I’d like to wish you a good holiday (when it starts…)
Julian
Key dates for next term
Monday 5th January Start of term
Monday 19th January Development Morning *
Friday 13th February Staff training: we are closed for all children
Monday 16th- Friday 20th February School Half term
Monday 23rd March Development Morning *
Friday 3rd April Last day of school term
*On Development Mornings, children with core day (termtime) places do not attend in the morning. This enables the staff team to meet and train together. Children with extended day/year places attend as normal with a crèche provision here in the morning.
Monday, 8 December 2008
8th December 2008
Dear parents and carers
New Programme of Community Services
The community team have put together a new programme for January 2009. The latest building programme included extending the garden around the community space (or ‘pod’) which means we can now offer stay and play sessions almost everyday that are open to any family with children under five.
We will also offer more Saturday sessions and more ‘specialised’ sessions including classes for adults, activities for young babies, and a new group for children with special educational needs.
You can pick up a new programme from reception or ask Kulwinder, Dawn, Liz, Luisa, Jan or anyone in the community team.
Jan
P.S don’t forget on Friday it’s Kate Greenaway’s Christmas Party this week, from 3.30pm-6pm. We hope that as many families as possible can come and have fun together. See you there…
News from the Community Services
Jenny Davis is the Childminding Network Co-ordinator for three Islington Children’s Centres and is based at Kate Greenaway. To join the network a Childminder has to pass a set of quality assurance standards and maintain a high quality of service (in addition to meeting OFSTED requirements). Jenny is available to give advice to families on choosing and finding a local childminder, including network childminders. You can get in touch with her via Luisa in the office or email jenny.davis@islington.gov.uk
News from the nursery
The children have been enjoying celebrating their birthdays in their key groups this term.
We don’t do big whole-nursery parties because they can get overwhelming for the younger children especially. Key group celebrations happen in the children’s special areas; the children share cake and/or fruit.
Michele
New Programme of Community Services
The community team have put together a new programme for January 2009. The latest building programme included extending the garden around the community space (or ‘pod’) which means we can now offer stay and play sessions almost everyday that are open to any family with children under five.
We will also offer more Saturday sessions and more ‘specialised’ sessions including classes for adults, activities for young babies, and a new group for children with special educational needs.
You can pick up a new programme from reception or ask Kulwinder, Dawn, Liz, Luisa, Jan or anyone in the community team.
Jan
P.S don’t forget on Friday it’s Kate Greenaway’s Christmas Party this week, from 3.30pm-6pm. We hope that as many families as possible can come and have fun together. See you there…
News from the Community Services
Jenny Davis is the Childminding Network Co-ordinator for three Islington Children’s Centres and is based at Kate Greenaway. To join the network a Childminder has to pass a set of quality assurance standards and maintain a high quality of service (in addition to meeting OFSTED requirements). Jenny is available to give advice to families on choosing and finding a local childminder, including network childminders. You can get in touch with her via Luisa in the office or email jenny.davis@islington.gov.uk
News from the nursery
The children have been enjoying celebrating their birthdays in their key groups this term.
We don’t do big whole-nursery parties because they can get overwhelming for the younger children especially. Key group celebrations happen in the children’s special areas; the children share cake and/or fruit.
Michele
KG Express 1st December 2008
Sickness at nursery
We are currently experiencing high levels of sickness amongst the children here – and this is reflected across Islington. We are taking a number of steps to reduce the spread of infection in nursery. Please remember that if your child has vomiting or diarrhoea then she or he should not return to nursery for 48 hours. If your child is sick and has to be picked up from nursery, then the First Aider will advise you on the soonest day your child can return.
I understand that it is difficult to juggle family commitments, jobs, deadlines and having a sick child at home.
But the more we can reduce the spread of infection, the less sickness we will have – which will benefit everyone. The nursery school’s policy on winter sickness has been previously given out this term (please ask if you would like another copy). The policy on high temperatures is attached to this newsletter.
Babies and young children at Kate Greenaway with fevers (high temperatures)
Introduction: information from NHS Direct
A normal temperature is between 36-36.8ºC (96.8-98.24ºF). In children, any temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above is considered high and is classed as a fever.
To find out if your child has a fever, a First Aider at Kate Greenaway will use the special ear thermometer.Most fevers are caused by infection or other illness. Fever helps the body fight infections by stimulating natural defence mechanisms. Conditions that can cause fevers are flu, ear infections, roseola (a virus causing a temperature and rash), tonsillitis, kidney or urinary infections, or any of the common childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, chicken pox and whooping cough.Occasionally, a high temperature can happen if a young child (especially newborn) is overdressed in a hot environment because they can't regulate their own body temperature. Teething may also cause a slight rise in body temperature. Babies and children can sometimes get a fever within 48 hours of being immunised.
Kate Greenaway Policy
If babies and children appear unwell then this is referred to a qualified First Aider. The First Aider will take and record the child’s temperature.
The overall judgement of the First Aider is paramount. If a First Aider judges that a child is too unwell to be in nursery, then the head or person deputising will be informed and parents contacted to pick the child up.
If a child’s temperature is over 38ºC then parents will be contacted and asked to pick the child up. At the time of contact the parent should be informed of the temperature and should be asked for an estimated arrival time at Kate Greenaway.
If the child is unusually sleepy, won't take fluids or has other worrying symptoms, such as an unusual rash, headache, neck stiffness or difficulty breathing, then the parent will be strongly advised to take the child immediately to the GP/seek medical advice. If necessary the First Aider will phone 999 for an ambulance if the parent is not close to the nursery and the child’s state is deteriorating.
Febrile convulsions are fits (seizures) that sometimes happen in children (between 6 months and 6 years) who have high temperature. They can happen as a result of any illness that causes a high temperature, over 39C (102F) and can be worrying because they look similar to an epileptic fit. If the fit goes on for more than 4- 5 minutes, or there is a second fit, the First Aider will call 999 for an ambulance. In all cases, the parent will be strongly advised to take the child to the GP/seek medical advice after a fit.
News from the Community Services
Dad’s group
Did you know that Dad’s Group runs the first Saturday in every month? The next group is this week, Saturday December 6th, 10am-12. This is a free friendly group open to all Dads and male carers (step dads, uncles, granddads…) and their under fives and offers access to the big nursery garden and loads of fun activities. In the new year we plan to join forces with Bemerton Children’s Centre and offer some free swimming lessons for Dads and babies/children at the Cally Pool, watch this space for more details! (or ask Jan or Dean).
Jan
News from Nursery
Handa’s Surprise
We have tickets to see a performance of the wonderful story Handa’s Surprise on Friday afternoon. If you would like to come with your child please meet at the nursery at 1.30pm. There is no cost for the tickets.
Review Day
Please remember to check with your key person about your child’s review.
Michele
We are currently experiencing high levels of sickness amongst the children here – and this is reflected across Islington. We are taking a number of steps to reduce the spread of infection in nursery. Please remember that if your child has vomiting or diarrhoea then she or he should not return to nursery for 48 hours. If your child is sick and has to be picked up from nursery, then the First Aider will advise you on the soonest day your child can return.
I understand that it is difficult to juggle family commitments, jobs, deadlines and having a sick child at home.
But the more we can reduce the spread of infection, the less sickness we will have – which will benefit everyone. The nursery school’s policy on winter sickness has been previously given out this term (please ask if you would like another copy). The policy on high temperatures is attached to this newsletter.
Babies and young children at Kate Greenaway with fevers (high temperatures)
Introduction: information from NHS Direct
A normal temperature is between 36-36.8ºC (96.8-98.24ºF). In children, any temperature of 38°C (100.4°F) or above is considered high and is classed as a fever.
To find out if your child has a fever, a First Aider at Kate Greenaway will use the special ear thermometer.Most fevers are caused by infection or other illness. Fever helps the body fight infections by stimulating natural defence mechanisms. Conditions that can cause fevers are flu, ear infections, roseola (a virus causing a temperature and rash), tonsillitis, kidney or urinary infections, or any of the common childhood diseases such as measles, mumps, chicken pox and whooping cough.Occasionally, a high temperature can happen if a young child (especially newborn) is overdressed in a hot environment because they can't regulate their own body temperature. Teething may also cause a slight rise in body temperature. Babies and children can sometimes get a fever within 48 hours of being immunised.
Kate Greenaway Policy
If babies and children appear unwell then this is referred to a qualified First Aider. The First Aider will take and record the child’s temperature.
The overall judgement of the First Aider is paramount. If a First Aider judges that a child is too unwell to be in nursery, then the head or person deputising will be informed and parents contacted to pick the child up.
If a child’s temperature is over 38ºC then parents will be contacted and asked to pick the child up. At the time of contact the parent should be informed of the temperature and should be asked for an estimated arrival time at Kate Greenaway.
If the child is unusually sleepy, won't take fluids or has other worrying symptoms, such as an unusual rash, headache, neck stiffness or difficulty breathing, then the parent will be strongly advised to take the child immediately to the GP/seek medical advice. If necessary the First Aider will phone 999 for an ambulance if the parent is not close to the nursery and the child’s state is deteriorating.
Febrile convulsions are fits (seizures) that sometimes happen in children (between 6 months and 6 years) who have high temperature. They can happen as a result of any illness that causes a high temperature, over 39C (102F) and can be worrying because they look similar to an epileptic fit. If the fit goes on for more than 4- 5 minutes, or there is a second fit, the First Aider will call 999 for an ambulance. In all cases, the parent will be strongly advised to take the child to the GP/seek medical advice after a fit.
In all cases, when the parent picks the child up the First Aider should give advice on treatment, seeking medical advice, and whether the child should attend the next day. Children are expected to stay off if advised, unless contrary advice is given by the GP. Calpol can be administered to children if it has been prescribed by a GP.
Children with a low temperature
Sometimes the temperature of babies and young children can drop below the normal range. If a child has a low temperature then:
Wrap the child up with further layers of clothing;
Encourage the child to move around (but not so much as to raise a sweat which will cause the temperature to fall again);
Do not rub or massage the child
The overall judgement of the First Aider is paramount. If a First Aider judges that a child is too unwell to be in nursery, then the head or person deputising will be informed and parents contacted to pick the child up.
News from the Community Services
Dad’s group
Did you know that Dad’s Group runs the first Saturday in every month? The next group is this week, Saturday December 6th, 10am-12. This is a free friendly group open to all Dads and male carers (step dads, uncles, granddads…) and their under fives and offers access to the big nursery garden and loads of fun activities. In the new year we plan to join forces with Bemerton Children’s Centre and offer some free swimming lessons for Dads and babies/children at the Cally Pool, watch this space for more details! (or ask Jan or Dean).
Jan
News from Nursery
Handa’s Surprise
We have tickets to see a performance of the wonderful story Handa’s Surprise on Friday afternoon. If you would like to come with your child please meet at the nursery at 1.30pm. There is no cost for the tickets.
Review Day
Please remember to check with your key person about your child’s review.
Michele
Sunday, 23 November 2008
KG Express 24.11.08
News from the nursery
Dear parents and carers,
Recently the children have been very interested in transport and vehicles. When using the large blocks in the garden the children have been building buses, trains, aeroplanes and superhero cars.
To develop and support this interest we have planned to take the children on short trips out on the bus and to Kings Cross train station to look more closely at the trains. Real life, first hand experiences are very important to a child’s learning and development. By developing children’s interest in buses and trains we are enabling them to become more deeply involved in construction and block play as well as introducing print and numbers in real situations.
If you would like to accompany us on any of these short outings please let your key person know.
Michele
News from the Community Services
Cost price art materials!
Young children learn a huge amount by playing with messy and sensory materials like paint and clay but we know that sometimes it can be difficult to offer these activities at home.
To help out, we run a dedicated Art and Messy Play Group at Vittoria Primary School every Tuesday afternoon in term-time (2-3pm). All children under five and their parents and carers are very welcome. From January the group will be running at Kate Greenaway.
For more information please ask Jan or any member of the Community team. We will also offer cost price art materials from our Art Shop at the entrance to Kate Greenaway every Thursday morning, 9 o’clock to midday. The materials we sell are most half the price of what you’d pay at the shops.
Jan
Dear parents and carers,
Recently the children have been very interested in transport and vehicles. When using the large blocks in the garden the children have been building buses, trains, aeroplanes and superhero cars.
To develop and support this interest we have planned to take the children on short trips out on the bus and to Kings Cross train station to look more closely at the trains. Real life, first hand experiences are very important to a child’s learning and development. By developing children’s interest in buses and trains we are enabling them to become more deeply involved in construction and block play as well as introducing print and numbers in real situations.
If you would like to accompany us on any of these short outings please let your key person know.
Michele
News from the Community Services
Cost price art materials!
Young children learn a huge amount by playing with messy and sensory materials like paint and clay but we know that sometimes it can be difficult to offer these activities at home.
To help out, we run a dedicated Art and Messy Play Group at Vittoria Primary School every Tuesday afternoon in term-time (2-3pm). All children under five and their parents and carers are very welcome. From January the group will be running at Kate Greenaway.
For more information please ask Jan or any member of the Community team. We will also offer cost price art materials from our Art Shop at the entrance to Kate Greenaway every Thursday morning, 9 o’clock to midday. The materials we sell are most half the price of what you’d pay at the shops.
Jan
Saturday, 15 November 2008
KG Express 17.11.2008
Visit from Sir Jim Rose
Thanks to the parents who talked to Sir Jim Rose who came to visit on Wednesday last week. He has been asked by the government to review the Primary School curriculum and he came to Kate Greenaway to find out more about early years. The curriculum your child receives at Primary School will be shaped by the Rose Review, and he was especially interested in our garden and how children learn outside, in play, and in Developmental Movement Play. After leaving he commented: “We came away greatly impressed by the quality of what we saw, especially the responses of the children and their parents to the dedicated staff and highly professional calibre of leadership that were all too evident. Please thank everyone on my behalf.”
News from the Community Services
Have you heard about our new service 'Parents as First Teachers' (PAFT)? If you are pregnant or have a baby or child under three and live locally to Kate Greenaway you can take part in PAFT. A project worker will visit monthly (or more often if you like) and bring a fun activity for you to do with your child/children which is closely matched to their developmental and learning needs. We will also bring along information about local services for families and about common childhood issues such as tantrums or toilet training.
Please ask Jan or Liz to find out more - jan.stillaway@islington.gov.uk or liz.dolan@islington.gov.uk
Monday, 10 November 2008
Kate Greenaway Express 10.11.2008
Monday 10th November, 2008
Dear parents and carers,
This is the first issue of KG express, which you can pick up every week from the nursery, or read online at www.kategreenaway.blogspot.com.
Review Day
We are returning to holding a Review Day every term, so you can be sure you get a chance to discuss your child's progress and wellbeing every term. This term's Review Day will be on the 2nd of December. Children with termtime places will have a crèche place that day i.e. your child will come into nursery during the meeting, and will not have their usual place.
What do you think of Kate Greenaway?
We hope that we are always open to feedback - where we do things well, it's good to hear. If we don't do well, we would like to improve. Over the next two weeks we will be distributing our Parent Survey. It’s anonymous, and is analysed by independent staff working for Islington's Children's Services. It really is a chance for you to get your views across. Also, by completing the survey, you will be automatically entered into a raffle with a top prize of £25.
Julian
News from the Community Services
We are offering the following NEW services:
Money Matters: starts Tuesday 11th, 1pm-3pm, for 4 weeks with free crèche.
Saturday Dads’ Club: first Saturday morning of the month, 10am-12pm, with brunch and lots of fun things for children to do
and don’t forget that our current programme has something on every day – pick a flyer up from the office
Jan
News from the nursery
The children are enjoying using recycled materials to create complex and exciting models, so much so that we have run out of things to use.
Could you please bring us your empty cereal boxes, kitchen roll tubes, yoghurt pots etc so we can continue to be creative.
Michele
Dear parents and carers,
This is the first issue of KG express, which you can pick up every week from the nursery, or read online at www.kategreenaway.blogspot.com.
Review Day
We are returning to holding a Review Day every term, so you can be sure you get a chance to discuss your child's progress and wellbeing every term. This term's Review Day will be on the 2nd of December. Children with termtime places will have a crèche place that day i.e. your child will come into nursery during the meeting, and will not have their usual place.
What do you think of Kate Greenaway?
We hope that we are always open to feedback - where we do things well, it's good to hear. If we don't do well, we would like to improve. Over the next two weeks we will be distributing our Parent Survey. It’s anonymous, and is analysed by independent staff working for Islington's Children's Services. It really is a chance for you to get your views across. Also, by completing the survey, you will be automatically entered into a raffle with a top prize of £25.
Julian
News from the Community Services
We are offering the following NEW services:
Money Matters: starts Tuesday 11th, 1pm-3pm, for 4 weeks with free crèche.
Saturday Dads’ Club: first Saturday morning of the month, 10am-12pm, with brunch and lots of fun things for children to do
and don’t forget that our current programme has something on every day – pick a flyer up from the office
Jan
News from the nursery
The children are enjoying using recycled materials to create complex and exciting models, so much so that we have run out of things to use.
Could you please bring us your empty cereal boxes, kitchen roll tubes, yoghurt pots etc so we can continue to be creative.
Michele
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