Don’t forget - it’s Review Day on Thursday
Your key person will have spoken to you about Review Day, when we arrange to meet every parent so we can focus on how each child is getting on, and how we can work together to help each child make further progress.
On Review Day children with core day places just come for a crèche place whilst you meet with your key person. Children with extended day places attend as normal. If you are unsure of anything please speak to your key person or email Michele.
We need a new parent governor
Lucy, Petra’s mother, is coming to the end of her period as a parent governor very soon. So we are looking for a new parent governor to join the governing body.
Being a governor is a really good way of supporting the development of the nursery school and children’s centre. The governing body has responsibility for strategic development, budget and staffing, with day to day leadership and management in the hands of the headteacher. It is an important role.
You do not need any special training or experience to be a parent governor – Islington offers a training programme, and the governing body is friendly and helpful to newcomers!
If you are interested, or want to find out more, please email Marie with your name and your child's name. A member of the governing body will then be in touch with you shortly.
Monday, 15 March 2010
Wednesday, 10 March 2010
10th March 2010
Celebrating 50 years of Kate Greenaway Nursery School
All this week, we are celebrating Kate Greenaway’s Golden Birthday – and we hope you will be able to join in with some of the celebrations.
The nursery school is named after the children’s author and illustrator Kate Greenaway, who grew up in Islington in the 19th Century.
So our celebrations are focussed on children’s books and literature. We are working with local schools, the schools’ library service, and Lewis Carroll library.
All this week children are making books and telling stories through video.
Today (Wednesday) London zoo are coming to tell stories with animals
On Friday girls from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School are bringing the multi-lingual books they have created for the children into nursery, and will be sharing them.
On Friday we are inviting children to come dressed up as their favourite book character. Home-made stuff is great – there is no need to have a full costume. We’d prefer no TV characters, Batman suits etc as the focus is on books.
Friday evening (6pm-8pm) we are holding an event at The Guardian (King’s Place, York Way) on the history and future of the nursery school. The main speaker will be Professor Tina Bruce (who works closely with us) and there will be a panel discussion at the end chaired by Polly Toynbee. If you would like a ticket, please ask Julian. More details here.
On Saturday we are open from 10.30am to 2.30pm for a day of storytelling, songs and music, face painting and more – so come along if you are free. There will be activities for older children at Lewis Carroll Library. More details here.
We hope you will come along and enjoy one or more of these events.
All this week, we are celebrating Kate Greenaway’s Golden Birthday – and we hope you will be able to join in with some of the celebrations.
The nursery school is named after the children’s author and illustrator Kate Greenaway, who grew up in Islington in the 19th Century.
So our celebrations are focussed on children’s books and literature. We are working with local schools, the schools’ library service, and Lewis Carroll library.
All this week children are making books and telling stories through video.
Today (Wednesday) London zoo are coming to tell stories with animals
On Friday girls from Elizabeth Garrett Anderson School are bringing the multi-lingual books they have created for the children into nursery, and will be sharing them.
On Friday we are inviting children to come dressed up as their favourite book character. Home-made stuff is great – there is no need to have a full costume. We’d prefer no TV characters, Batman suits etc as the focus is on books.
Friday evening (6pm-8pm) we are holding an event at The Guardian (King’s Place, York Way) on the history and future of the nursery school. The main speaker will be Professor Tina Bruce (who works closely with us) and there will be a panel discussion at the end chaired by Polly Toynbee. If you would like a ticket, please ask Julian. More details here.
On Saturday we are open from 10.30am to 2.30pm for a day of storytelling, songs and music, face painting and more – so come along if you are free. There will be activities for older children at Lewis Carroll Library. More details here.
We hope you will come along and enjoy one or more of these events.
Tuesday, 2 March 2010
March 3rd 2010
How well do children get on after they leave Kate Greenaway?
Islington Council has recently followed up the outcomes for children who attend the Children’s Centres. We are very pleased to let you know that children from Kate Greenaway go on to do very well in primary school.
Our aim is to provide a high-quality nursery education planned around play (indoors and outdoors), together with a strong emphasis on care (the key person approach) on helping children to develop positive behaviour.
We employ qualified nursery education workers (at level 3) and early years teachers because research evidence shows that the level of staff training directly affects the development and learning of the children.
At the end of their reception year, all children are assessed using the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile. A score of 78 points or more is considered by the Department of Children, Schools and Families to show that the child is “developing well”.
8 out of 10 children from Kate Greenaway achieve a score of 78 points or more. This is much higher than the level for Islington as a whole. Nationally, 75% of children reach this level, so you can see we are also ahead of the rest of the country too.
Of course, we have to be careful about numbers, results and targets for such young children.
For us, the important thing is that children enjoy nursery and the company of other children. By working with parents, we aim to help children to develop their learning.
We are very pleased to be able to say that all the evidence shows that your child is getting the best possible start by coming to Kate Greenaway.
The staff team at Kate Greenaway
P.S. Do you want to feedback your views and shape the direction of Kate Greenaway?
Don’t forget to come to the Parent Forum, this Saturday at 10.30am.
Islington Council has recently followed up the outcomes for children who attend the Children’s Centres. We are very pleased to let you know that children from Kate Greenaway go on to do very well in primary school.
Our aim is to provide a high-quality nursery education planned around play (indoors and outdoors), together with a strong emphasis on care (the key person approach) on helping children to develop positive behaviour.
We employ qualified nursery education workers (at level 3) and early years teachers because research evidence shows that the level of staff training directly affects the development and learning of the children.
At the end of their reception year, all children are assessed using the Early Years Foundation Stage Profile. A score of 78 points or more is considered by the Department of Children, Schools and Families to show that the child is “developing well”.
8 out of 10 children from Kate Greenaway achieve a score of 78 points or more. This is much higher than the level for Islington as a whole. Nationally, 75% of children reach this level, so you can see we are also ahead of the rest of the country too.
Of course, we have to be careful about numbers, results and targets for such young children.
For us, the important thing is that children enjoy nursery and the company of other children. By working with parents, we aim to help children to develop their learning.
We are very pleased to be able to say that all the evidence shows that your child is getting the best possible start by coming to Kate Greenaway.
The staff team at Kate Greenaway
P.S. Do you want to feedback your views and shape the direction of Kate Greenaway?
Don’t forget to come to the Parent Forum, this Saturday at 10.30am.
Monday, 22 February 2010
23rd February 2010
Did your child go home in nursery boots during the snowy weather?
We are running really low on boots in nursery, and we think that some are missing because children went home in them when it was snowy and they did not come back.
Please could you check at home, and return boots if you have them. Having the boots here allows children to enjoy the garden when it’s wet and muddy.
Also, if you have old wellington boots that no longer fit your child – we’d love to have them!
Thanks, Michele
Update: front garden
As you can probably see, work has not quite gone to plan with the front garden. The bad weather has delayed progress and it will be at least another week before the garden is reopened.
Because of this, the Pod will be closed all week, and all our Stay and Plays are cancelled except for the Friday and Saturday groups. We are sorry to do this, but there is no other safe or sensible option.
If it keeps raining then it is possible there will be even more delays – we will let you know.
New Children’s Centre programme
Don’t forget to check out our new programme. We have new services running at the Barnsbury Community Hall, including classes for people learning English as an Additional Language (ESOL) and an even bigger and better exercise/Pilates class.
We are running really low on boots in nursery, and we think that some are missing because children went home in them when it was snowy and they did not come back.
Please could you check at home, and return boots if you have them. Having the boots here allows children to enjoy the garden when it’s wet and muddy.
Also, if you have old wellington boots that no longer fit your child – we’d love to have them!
Thanks, Michele
Update: front garden
As you can probably see, work has not quite gone to plan with the front garden. The bad weather has delayed progress and it will be at least another week before the garden is reopened.
Because of this, the Pod will be closed all week, and all our Stay and Plays are cancelled except for the Friday and Saturday groups. We are sorry to do this, but there is no other safe or sensible option.
If it keeps raining then it is possible there will be even more delays – we will let you know.
New Children’s Centre programme
Don’t forget to check out our new programme. We have new services running at the Barnsbury Community Hall, including classes for people learning English as an Additional Language (ESOL) and an even bigger and better exercise/Pilates class.
Wednesday, 10 February 2010
News, and key dates, February 10th 2010
Closure of the Pod for works to the garden
The Pod will be closed all next week for all users. This means that the Monday and Thursday Stay and Plays are cancelled. The Friday Stay and Play will go ahead as usual, with parents and children using the main nursery entrance. We are having a sand and water garden, willow tunnel, music area and growing beds installed in the front garden, and look forward to much-improved play facilities there ready for the spring and summer.
Important dates
If you child has a core day place, then Friday is the last day of nursery before half term. We start back on Monday 22nd February. If your child has an extended day/year place, then nursery continues as normal next week. But please note the change to the last day of the extended summer nursery, which is now confirmed by Islington as Monday 16th August. Please check the complete list of dates below:
Reminder: Key dates at Kate Greenaway 2009-2010
Monday 15 – Friday 19th February inclusive
School half term
Monday 1st March
Development Morning Closure *
Thursday 18th March
Review Day **
Thursday 1st April
Last day of spring term
Monday 19th April
First day of summer term
Monday 10th May
Development Morning Closure *
Monday 17th May
Whole centre and nursery closed for training and development
Thursday 27th May
Review Day **
Monday 31st May – Friday 4th June inclusive
School half term
Monday 21st June
Development Morning Closure *
Friday 23rd July
Last day of summer term
Please note this changed date: Monday 16th August
Last day of extended year summer scheme (confirmed)
School term starts in Islington on Wednesday 1st September, when all schools are closed for training and development. We will confirm the first day back for children once next year’s dates have been agreed.
* On Development Mornings, the nursery is closed all morning and opens at 1pm.
** On Review Days the nursery is closed so that we can meet with every parent and carer to review each child’s development. The nursery stays open for children with extended day/year places.
The Pod will be closed all next week for all users. This means that the Monday and Thursday Stay and Plays are cancelled. The Friday Stay and Play will go ahead as usual, with parents and children using the main nursery entrance. We are having a sand and water garden, willow tunnel, music area and growing beds installed in the front garden, and look forward to much-improved play facilities there ready for the spring and summer.
Important dates
If you child has a core day place, then Friday is the last day of nursery before half term. We start back on Monday 22nd February. If your child has an extended day/year place, then nursery continues as normal next week. But please note the change to the last day of the extended summer nursery, which is now confirmed by Islington as Monday 16th August. Please check the complete list of dates below:
Reminder: Key dates at Kate Greenaway 2009-2010
Monday 15 – Friday 19th February inclusive
School half term
Monday 1st March
Development Morning Closure *
Thursday 18th March
Review Day **
Thursday 1st April
Last day of spring term
Monday 19th April
First day of summer term
Monday 10th May
Development Morning Closure *
Monday 17th May
Whole centre and nursery closed for training and development
Thursday 27th May
Review Day **
Monday 31st May – Friday 4th June inclusive
School half term
Monday 21st June
Development Morning Closure *
Friday 23rd July
Last day of summer term
Please note this changed date: Monday 16th August
Last day of extended year summer scheme (confirmed)
School term starts in Islington on Wednesday 1st September, when all schools are closed for training and development. We will confirm the first day back for children once next year’s dates have been agreed.
* On Development Mornings, the nursery is closed all morning and opens at 1pm.
** On Review Days the nursery is closed so that we can meet with every parent and carer to review each child’s development. The nursery stays open for children with extended day/year places.
10th February 2010
Leaving Kate Greenaway
Dear parents and carers
I’m writing to let you know formally that I will be leaving Kate Greenaway at the end of this term and taking up a new post in Tower Hamlets in the summer. I can’t begin to say in a short space how much I have enjoyed being headteacher here at Kate Greenaway, getting to know so many children and families, and being supported so well by the staff team, governing body and so many others in the local community. I have learnt more since I came here in 2003 than in any other part of my career, and I’ll always hold a special affection for Kate Greenaway and the whole community in North Kings Cross. There is a letter from Lucy, our chair of governors, below.
Julian
Dear parents
We are writing to let you know that our Headteacher Julian Grenier has found a new job with Tower Hamlets as their Early Years adviser. This means he will be leaving Kate Greenaway at the end of March. Julian has made a big impact on the lives of so many families in our community. He has made Kate Greenaway into a special place for all of us, always focusing on how he can ensure the Centre does the very best for our children. We will all be sad to see him go but we wish him the very best for his next steps and hope that the new job will be fulfilling for him.
The Governing Body is now seeking a new permanent Headteacher from the Autumn Term 2010 or earlier. We are currently making interim arrangements to take responsibility for Kate Greenaway after Julian leaves until the new Headteacher starts.
The Governors wish to appoint a Headteacher who will take forward and build on Julian’s work and lead the strong and highly skilled staff team that we have in place.
As soon as we have more news for you, we will be in touch
With best wishes
Lucy Lloyd, Chair of Governors
On behalf of Kate Greenaway Nursery School and Children’s Centre Governors
Dear parents and carers
I’m writing to let you know formally that I will be leaving Kate Greenaway at the end of this term and taking up a new post in Tower Hamlets in the summer. I can’t begin to say in a short space how much I have enjoyed being headteacher here at Kate Greenaway, getting to know so many children and families, and being supported so well by the staff team, governing body and so many others in the local community. I have learnt more since I came here in 2003 than in any other part of my career, and I’ll always hold a special affection for Kate Greenaway and the whole community in North Kings Cross. There is a letter from Lucy, our chair of governors, below.
Julian
Dear parents
We are writing to let you know that our Headteacher Julian Grenier has found a new job with Tower Hamlets as their Early Years adviser. This means he will be leaving Kate Greenaway at the end of March. Julian has made a big impact on the lives of so many families in our community. He has made Kate Greenaway into a special place for all of us, always focusing on how he can ensure the Centre does the very best for our children. We will all be sad to see him go but we wish him the very best for his next steps and hope that the new job will be fulfilling for him.
The Governing Body is now seeking a new permanent Headteacher from the Autumn Term 2010 or earlier. We are currently making interim arrangements to take responsibility for Kate Greenaway after Julian leaves until the new Headteacher starts.
The Governors wish to appoint a Headteacher who will take forward and build on Julian’s work and lead the strong and highly skilled staff team that we have in place.
As soon as we have more news for you, we will be in touch
With best wishes
Lucy Lloyd, Chair of Governors
On behalf of Kate Greenaway Nursery School and Children’s Centre Governors
Tuesday, 9 February 2010
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