There are some cases of headlice going round Kate Greenaway at the moment. I know that some parents have checked their child’s hair and treated the headlice – only to find that their child has picked them up again a few days later. Unfortunately headlice are a fact of life in all schools in England – there is only one solution, which is for everyone to check their child’s hair every day, looking carefully for lice or eggs.
Head lice are tiny grey-brown, wingless insects, which live by sucking blood from the scalp. Their eggs are known as nits and they are laid glued to the base of hairs, and look like tiny white specks. Infestation often causes itching of the scalp, but may also go unnoticed. If you suspect head lice, check the base of hairs for eggs and comb the hair over a piece of white paper to see if you can spot any dark mature lice.
If you or your children have head lice you should check the rest of the family, and tell close friends and your child’s key person.
We recommend two approaches to treating lice: either over-the-counter medication, from a chemist, or using the “bug-busting” approach with conditioner and use of a nit-comb.
Bug busting
Wet combing, or ‘bug-busting’ is used to remove lice without using chemical treatments. This method can be helpful because head lice are growing increasingly resistant to the insecticides used to remove them. The best procedure is as follows:
• wash the hair as normal,
• apply lots of conditioner (this causes the lice to lose their grip on the hair),
• comb the hair through with a normal comb first,
• with a fine tooth nit comb, comb from the roots along the complete length of the hair and after each stroke check the comb for lice and wipe it clean. Work methodically over the whole head for at least 30 minutes,
• rinse the hair as normal, and
• repeat every three days for at least two weeks.
Do not use medicated lotions or rinses ‘just in case’, for example in close friends or family members. They should only be used if live lice are found. Regular combing of hair using the bug-busting method can help with early detection as well as treatment.
If you want more help or guidance then the best thing to do is to make an appointment to see the practice nurse at your GP surgery, or speak to the pharmacist at the chemist’s.
Friday, 29 June 2007
Monday, 4 June 2007
Minutes of the governing body, April 2007
Minutes of the meeting of the Governors of Kate Greenaway Nursery School, held in the school, York Way Court, Copenhagen Street, London N1 0UH on, Monday 30 April 2007 at 6.30pm.
PRESENT
Phyllis Richardson Chair
Julian Grenier Headteacher
Fiona Dodd
Lucy Lloyd
Sanchia Lyon
Peter Warren
ALSO PRESENT
Judy Okello Clerk to the Governors
Georgette Djaba Observer
1. APOLOGIES/CONSENT FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received and consent given to absence from Carole Warden and Maggi Mahoney.
RECEIVED
2. COMPOSITION OF THE GOVERNING BODY, COMMITTEES AND LINK GOVERNORS
Information on the current composition, committee membership and link appointments had been previously circulated to governors.
Cllr Dorrie Valery had not attended a meeting since January 2005 and her term of office would lapse if she did not attend the next governing body meeting. The governors enquired about the arrangements for appointing a governor to the possible LEA vacancy.
Governors noted the outstanding community vacancy and were asked to consider appropriate people for filling it. The headteacher had been in touch with Ms Georgette Djaba, an active local resident, but was not sure whether she would have the time commitment. Ms Djaba joined the meeting later to introduce herself to the governing body and offered to support the nursery wherever required. It was suggested that people with links to children/community or with health/social services perspective would be useful to the governing body. All governors were asked to pursue any possible candidates / put out a feel for different people and feedback to the chair.
Following the poor attendance at the committees, the chair questioned whether the governing body should continue to work with committees, which required governors to feel committed/make the effort to attend meetings and to have committee structures that worked. It would be practical not to have a committee structure if the cycle of meetings was problematic for governors. It was proposed that all matters should be dealt with at full governing body meetings, including ad hoc extra ordinary meetings when necessary. This arrangement would be reviewed in the spring term.
After discussion,
RESOLVED: that the committee structures should be abolished and this arrangement should be reviewed in the spring term.
3. MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
i) Minutes of the meeting held on 29 January 2007 had been circulated prior to the meeting.
After discussion,
RESOLVED: that the minutes be signed as a true record.
4. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The date of the next meeting had previously been agreed for 24 September 2007.
After discussion,
RECEIVED
5. HEADTEACHER’S REPORT
A report by the Headteacher had been circulated prior to the meeting.
In addition the written report, the following was drawn to the attention of governors:
i) Budget Monitoring
Large amounts had been carried forward over the last two years, which was earmarked for the new build. However, the budget would be tight as a result of staff regarding. The school was now entering a period when the budget will be tougher and in a more realistic place. They were leaving an era of planning projects and moving into maintenance.
ii) Community Kitchen Campaign
The community kitchen group was looking at proposals for consulting parents and considering sources of additional funding. A business plan was required to make the project work. The headteacher was cautiously optimistic that they could manage their own kitchen and that it was the ideal time to do this. Islington Council had agreed to extend the decision of whether to opt into the borough-wide contract until the end the current term.
iii) Staffing
The staff team was now much bigger, following some good appointments, but also more challenging to manage. The nursery was full and the uptake of programmes very high but the downside to this was the potential effect on staff morale. The change to the late start on Thursday was going well and would not be reinstated because parents had vigorously expressed their unhappiness with the arrangement. Parents did have an understanding of what the time was being used for the late mornings but the reality was that many working parents did not the option of flexible working which could accommodate the late starts. The core function of a children’s centre is to cater for working parents. It was also not ethical to put something to consultation to parents knowing that their views would be ignored. In the larger staff more formal systems of working were required and more major changes were expected in the future. Increasingly parents wanted more flexibility and staff had to find different ways of meeting and getting together. This was an experimental period and some of the systems would not work. However, it also provided a coaching role for the senior management team. The staff were very competent and these changes would help them grow and develop at the same time.
iv) Building News
The building works were progressing satisfactorily and the job had now gone out to tender. A meeting would be convened to update governors once the outcome of the tenders was known.
iv) Children’s Centre Developments
A detailed report on the new style of programmes had yet to be completed. The response to the support groups was very positive. There were concerns around the multi-agency approach to child protection issues and this was being resolved through mediation.
v) School Improvement Plan
The four-year SIP had been circulated to all governors. The key point noted was regular governing body involvement in monitoring/evaluation. There was a definite cycle of what governors should receive and when in order to made a valuable contribution. The governing body was also required to make more of an effort in visiting and getting involved into the school. Governors were asked to make targeted visits once a term on a particular theme, which involved meeting with subject coordinators. Governors were asked to arrange convenient dates for visits with Sanchia Lyon as follows:
Lucy Lloyd /Georgette Djaba to visit after half term
Shakyra Dowling & Peter Warren to visit in the autumn term (focus on teaching & learning)
Phyllis Richardson to visit in the spring term (provisionally)
Governors were also asked to support the parent’s groups. Lucy Lloyd agreed to do this. The next parents conference would be held on 29 September 2007.
vi) Curriculum & Care
A report on the core experiences at Kate Greenaway was laid on the table.
vii) Attendance
Islington had one of the worst attendance levels in the country at primary level and although nursery attendance was not statutory, it was felt that it was important to encourage good attendance and timekeeping. It was agreed that families would be asked to phone in if they were going to be late and the nursery would adopt a better monitoring process to follow up on children who are consistently late or missing for no compelling reason.
viii) Fire drill
A fire drill took place; evacuation time was 1 minute. This was a vast improvement from the previous drill.
iii) School closure
None reported.
After discussion,
RECEIVED
6. BUDGET 2007/08
A budget summary report for 2007/08 was laid on the table.
After discussion,
RESOLVED: that the draft budget for 2007/08 be approved.
7. REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDCUATION SERVICES FOR ACTION
Reports from the Director of Education Services were previously circulated.
i) New Model Sickness Absence Management Policy for Schools
Governors were asked to consider adopting the new model policy.
ii) New Model Organisational Change Policy for Schools
Governors were asked to consider adopting the new model policy.
iii) Extended Services in Schools
Noted
iv) Planned Changes to Exclusion Procedures fromSeptember 2007
Noted
After discussion,
RESOLVED: that the new model sickness absence management and organisational change policies for schools be adopted.
8. REPORT BACK FROM COMMITTEES
i) Personnel Committee
A note of the meeting held on 5 March 2007 had been circulated prior to the meeting.
After discussion,
RECEIVED
9. GOVERNORS’ VISITS
There were no visits reported.
10. DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING PROGRAMME
Governors were reminded of the previously circulated programme for the Summer term.
The chair recommended training on extended services and support for parent governors. Governors were also encouraged to visit CEA@Islington’s website for useful information.
After discussion,
RECEIVED
11. CHAIR’S REPORT
There was no report from the Chair to consider.
12. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS
i) Any Other Business
A planned visit with the publicity consultant, Andrew Smith, was taking place on 10 May 2007 at 10am to which governors were invited.
After discussion,
RECEIVED
PRESENT
Phyllis Richardson Chair
Julian Grenier Headteacher
Fiona Dodd
Lucy Lloyd
Sanchia Lyon
Peter Warren
ALSO PRESENT
Judy Okello Clerk to the Governors
Georgette Djaba Observer
1. APOLOGIES/CONSENT FOR ABSENCE
Apologies were received and consent given to absence from Carole Warden and Maggi Mahoney.
RECEIVED
2. COMPOSITION OF THE GOVERNING BODY, COMMITTEES AND LINK GOVERNORS
Information on the current composition, committee membership and link appointments had been previously circulated to governors.
Cllr Dorrie Valery had not attended a meeting since January 2005 and her term of office would lapse if she did not attend the next governing body meeting. The governors enquired about the arrangements for appointing a governor to the possible LEA vacancy.
Governors noted the outstanding community vacancy and were asked to consider appropriate people for filling it. The headteacher had been in touch with Ms Georgette Djaba, an active local resident, but was not sure whether she would have the time commitment. Ms Djaba joined the meeting later to introduce herself to the governing body and offered to support the nursery wherever required. It was suggested that people with links to children/community or with health/social services perspective would be useful to the governing body. All governors were asked to pursue any possible candidates / put out a feel for different people and feedback to the chair.
Following the poor attendance at the committees, the chair questioned whether the governing body should continue to work with committees, which required governors to feel committed/make the effort to attend meetings and to have committee structures that worked. It would be practical not to have a committee structure if the cycle of meetings was problematic for governors. It was proposed that all matters should be dealt with at full governing body meetings, including ad hoc extra ordinary meetings when necessary. This arrangement would be reviewed in the spring term.
After discussion,
RESOLVED: that the committee structures should be abolished and this arrangement should be reviewed in the spring term.
3. MINUTES AND MATTERS ARISING FROM THE MINUTES
i) Minutes of the meeting held on 29 January 2007 had been circulated prior to the meeting.
After discussion,
RESOLVED: that the minutes be signed as a true record.
4. DATE OF NEXT MEETING
The date of the next meeting had previously been agreed for 24 September 2007.
After discussion,
RECEIVED
5. HEADTEACHER’S REPORT
A report by the Headteacher had been circulated prior to the meeting.
In addition the written report, the following was drawn to the attention of governors:
i) Budget Monitoring
Large amounts had been carried forward over the last two years, which was earmarked for the new build. However, the budget would be tight as a result of staff regarding. The school was now entering a period when the budget will be tougher and in a more realistic place. They were leaving an era of planning projects and moving into maintenance.
ii) Community Kitchen Campaign
The community kitchen group was looking at proposals for consulting parents and considering sources of additional funding. A business plan was required to make the project work. The headteacher was cautiously optimistic that they could manage their own kitchen and that it was the ideal time to do this. Islington Council had agreed to extend the decision of whether to opt into the borough-wide contract until the end the current term.
iii) Staffing
The staff team was now much bigger, following some good appointments, but also more challenging to manage. The nursery was full and the uptake of programmes very high but the downside to this was the potential effect on staff morale. The change to the late start on Thursday was going well and would not be reinstated because parents had vigorously expressed their unhappiness with the arrangement. Parents did have an understanding of what the time was being used for the late mornings but the reality was that many working parents did not the option of flexible working which could accommodate the late starts. The core function of a children’s centre is to cater for working parents. It was also not ethical to put something to consultation to parents knowing that their views would be ignored. In the larger staff more formal systems of working were required and more major changes were expected in the future. Increasingly parents wanted more flexibility and staff had to find different ways of meeting and getting together. This was an experimental period and some of the systems would not work. However, it also provided a coaching role for the senior management team. The staff were very competent and these changes would help them grow and develop at the same time.
iv) Building News
The building works were progressing satisfactorily and the job had now gone out to tender. A meeting would be convened to update governors once the outcome of the tenders was known.
iv) Children’s Centre Developments
A detailed report on the new style of programmes had yet to be completed. The response to the support groups was very positive. There were concerns around the multi-agency approach to child protection issues and this was being resolved through mediation.
v) School Improvement Plan
The four-year SIP had been circulated to all governors. The key point noted was regular governing body involvement in monitoring/evaluation. There was a definite cycle of what governors should receive and when in order to made a valuable contribution. The governing body was also required to make more of an effort in visiting and getting involved into the school. Governors were asked to make targeted visits once a term on a particular theme, which involved meeting with subject coordinators. Governors were asked to arrange convenient dates for visits with Sanchia Lyon as follows:
Lucy Lloyd /Georgette Djaba to visit after half term
Shakyra Dowling & Peter Warren to visit in the autumn term (focus on teaching & learning)
Phyllis Richardson to visit in the spring term (provisionally)
Governors were also asked to support the parent’s groups. Lucy Lloyd agreed to do this. The next parents conference would be held on 29 September 2007.
vi) Curriculum & Care
A report on the core experiences at Kate Greenaway was laid on the table.
vii) Attendance
Islington had one of the worst attendance levels in the country at primary level and although nursery attendance was not statutory, it was felt that it was important to encourage good attendance and timekeeping. It was agreed that families would be asked to phone in if they were going to be late and the nursery would adopt a better monitoring process to follow up on children who are consistently late or missing for no compelling reason.
viii) Fire drill
A fire drill took place; evacuation time was 1 minute. This was a vast improvement from the previous drill.
iii) School closure
None reported.
After discussion,
RECEIVED
6. BUDGET 2007/08
A budget summary report for 2007/08 was laid on the table.
After discussion,
RESOLVED: that the draft budget for 2007/08 be approved.
7. REPORTS FROM THE DIRECTOR OF EDCUATION SERVICES FOR ACTION
Reports from the Director of Education Services were previously circulated.
i) New Model Sickness Absence Management Policy for Schools
Governors were asked to consider adopting the new model policy.
ii) New Model Organisational Change Policy for Schools
Governors were asked to consider adopting the new model policy.
iii) Extended Services in Schools
Noted
iv) Planned Changes to Exclusion Procedures fromSeptember 2007
Noted
After discussion,
RESOLVED: that the new model sickness absence management and organisational change policies for schools be adopted.
8. REPORT BACK FROM COMMITTEES
i) Personnel Committee
A note of the meeting held on 5 March 2007 had been circulated prior to the meeting.
After discussion,
RECEIVED
9. GOVERNORS’ VISITS
There were no visits reported.
10. DEVELOPMENT AND LEARNING PROGRAMME
Governors were reminded of the previously circulated programme for the Summer term.
The chair recommended training on extended services and support for parent governors. Governors were also encouraged to visit CEA@Islington’s website for useful information.
After discussion,
RECEIVED
11. CHAIR’S REPORT
There was no report from the Chair to consider.
12. AGENDA ITEMS FOR THE NEXT MEETING AND ANY OTHER BUSINESS
i) Any Other Business
A planned visit with the publicity consultant, Andrew Smith, was taking place on 10 May 2007 at 10am to which governors were invited.
After discussion,
RECEIVED
Friday, 18 May 2007
About chicken pox - and also a reminder of key dates coming up
This letter had an attached leaflet about Parentline's Just Ask - because instructions aren't included service.
Parentline Plus say: You can contact us about anything that is worrying you. Parents call and email us about a range of issues affecting them and their families from having a new baby, starting a new relationship and disagreements in the family, to issues with teenagers, school, homework and eating patterns.
www.parentlineplus.org.uk
parentsupport@parentlineplus.org.uk
Freephone 0808 800 2222 (24 hours a day)
Firstly, as you probably know we have lots of cases of chicken pox at the nursery. Chicken pox is not a serious illness, but it can be uncomfortable for children. Some recommended ways to help your child include:
• use paracetamol (Calpol) to relieve pain and keep the temperature down
• warm baths every few hours (without any soap or bubble bath) can be soothing; so can calamine lotion
• ice lollies help if your child has a sore throat and if she or he is reluctant to drink
• antihistamine helps if the spots are especially itchy
• keeping your child’s nails short reduces the risk of excessive scratching
There has been conflicting information about judging when your child is ready to return to nursery. The Health Protection Agency recommends that children can return to school or nursery once the blisters have fully crusted over, this usually happens 5-7 days after the first scab appears. After the last scab has burst and crusted, children are no longer considered infectious.
If you know you are pregnant, or it’s possible you could be pregnant – it’s no problem if you have had chicken pox before. But if you haven’t had it, or you’re not sure, then please make an appointment to see your GP as chicken pox can be dangerous in pregnancy for you and the unborn child.
Important dates
Half term
Monday 28th May – Friday 1st June (inclusive). We remain open if you have an extended day/year place – please check in the office or with your key person if you are not sure.
Nursery picnic and funday
Saturday 16th June from 12pm-2pm. Fun…food…stalls – we hope you can come and join in with the fun. If you’d like to help out or run a stall – please speak to Jan or Julian. We are raising money to support our community kitchen project.
Development morning - 19th June
If you have a core day place, then we are closed in the morning but open from 1pm as usual. If you have a morning-only place then we are closed. Extended day/year places – open as usual.
End of term – Friday 20th July
Closure for the extended day/year service: Friday August 17th
Start of the autumn term (all children): Wednesday 5th September
Parent conference – Saturday 29th September from 11am-2pm
Last year we had a really successful parent conference. Parents gave their views and suggestions on lots of important issues and this has directly informed some of the changes introduced during the year. Please come and have your say about Kate Greenaway.
Parentline Plus say: You can contact us about anything that is worrying you. Parents call and email us about a range of issues affecting them and their families from having a new baby, starting a new relationship and disagreements in the family, to issues with teenagers, school, homework and eating patterns.
www.parentlineplus.org.uk
parentsupport@parentlineplus.org.uk
Freephone 0808 800 2222 (24 hours a day)
Firstly, as you probably know we have lots of cases of chicken pox at the nursery. Chicken pox is not a serious illness, but it can be uncomfortable for children. Some recommended ways to help your child include:
• use paracetamol (Calpol) to relieve pain and keep the temperature down
• warm baths every few hours (without any soap or bubble bath) can be soothing; so can calamine lotion
• ice lollies help if your child has a sore throat and if she or he is reluctant to drink
• antihistamine helps if the spots are especially itchy
• keeping your child’s nails short reduces the risk of excessive scratching
There has been conflicting information about judging when your child is ready to return to nursery. The Health Protection Agency recommends that children can return to school or nursery once the blisters have fully crusted over, this usually happens 5-7 days after the first scab appears. After the last scab has burst and crusted, children are no longer considered infectious.
If you know you are pregnant, or it’s possible you could be pregnant – it’s no problem if you have had chicken pox before. But if you haven’t had it, or you’re not sure, then please make an appointment to see your GP as chicken pox can be dangerous in pregnancy for you and the unborn child.
Important dates
Half term
Monday 28th May – Friday 1st June (inclusive). We remain open if you have an extended day/year place – please check in the office or with your key person if you are not sure.
Nursery picnic and funday
Saturday 16th June from 12pm-2pm. Fun…food…stalls – we hope you can come and join in with the fun. If you’d like to help out or run a stall – please speak to Jan or Julian. We are raising money to support our community kitchen project.
Development morning - 19th June
If you have a core day place, then we are closed in the morning but open from 1pm as usual. If you have a morning-only place then we are closed. Extended day/year places – open as usual.
End of term – Friday 20th July
Closure for the extended day/year service: Friday August 17th
Start of the autumn term (all children): Wednesday 5th September
Parent conference – Saturday 29th September from 11am-2pm
Last year we had a really successful parent conference. Parents gave their views and suggestions on lots of important issues and this has directly informed some of the changes introduced during the year. Please come and have your say about Kate Greenaway.
Thursday, 10 May 2007
Letter to parents, 10th May 2007
Dear parents and carers
Firstly, I wanted to let you know that the staff team had a very valuable 2 days of training and development on Wednesday and Thursday last week. The 5 days per year we close, as a school, are really important because they enable us to keep developing and trying to improve the education and care we offer all the children. Our focus was on how staff record and monitor children’s learning and development, and how we can involve parents and carers in this.
Attendance at Kate Greenaway
We want to do everything we can, to ensure that children attend as much as possible and get the fullest benefit of their place here.
If your child is ill, or if there is another reason why your child will not be able to attend nursery – please phone us to let us know.
If we don’t hear from you, then Marie will call you during the day to check everything is OK with you and your child.
We follow Islington’s policy on attendance and late collection, which can lead to the place for your child being reduced in hours or withdrawn if you are consistently late. This is not something any of the staff at Kate Greenaway want to happen – so please help us by being on time.
We know that sometimes there are special circumstances which might make it difficult for you to ensure your child comes to nursery every day. Because we now have an outreach and family support service we might be able to help you if this is the case – speak to your key person or to Dawn if you could do with some extra help to make sure your child comes regularly to nursery.
Start of the day
Attendance is important, and it’s also important to do everything you can to ensure your child comes to nursery on time.
For children with a core day or morning place: we have a flexible drop-off time between 9am-9.30am every day (don’t forget that we now open as normal on Thursdays, not late). The reason for the flexible start is that if you have a child at primary school you can’t be in two places at once! So you can drop your older child off first, then come here. If you don’t have a child in another school then it will help your child if you come every morning at 9am. Coming at 9am every day instead of 9.30am will give your child nearly 100 extra hours of nursery education every year. Please do everything you can to arrive at 9.30am at the latest – if you are regularly late, then your child is missing out on her or his entitlement to a full nursery place.
If you come early (before 9am) you are welcome to take your child to the sofa-end of the Foundation Room and share a book there. Please note that the staff are either very busy with the children already here, or are busy setting up for the day ahead.
For children with extended day/year places – we recognise that you are away from your child a lot during the week, so if you have a chance for a later start to work you may wish to spend some extra time with your child. If you want to do this, then please make sure you phone before 9.30am so we know when to expect your child in nursery. Unless it’s an exceptional circumstance it’s best not to come any later than 10am – it’s difficult for children who arrive late to get involved in the morning’s play and experiences, and they can end up feeling left out.
If you come early (before 8am) you are welcome to take your child to the sofa-end of the Foundation Room and share a book there. Please note that the staff are busy setting up for the day ahead – they only have a short time to do this.
End of day
Please can you help the smooth running of Kate Greenaway by picking your child up on time.
If your child has a core day place, then she or he needs to be picked up at 3.30pm. Although we have a late programme, we do not have enough staff for extra children on top. If you know you are going to be unavoidably late, as a one-off, then let us know so we can prepare your child.
If there is anything here you would like to discuss – please let me know, and I will arrange to meet with you.
Firstly, I wanted to let you know that the staff team had a very valuable 2 days of training and development on Wednesday and Thursday last week. The 5 days per year we close, as a school, are really important because they enable us to keep developing and trying to improve the education and care we offer all the children. Our focus was on how staff record and monitor children’s learning and development, and how we can involve parents and carers in this.
Attendance at Kate Greenaway
We want to do everything we can, to ensure that children attend as much as possible and get the fullest benefit of their place here.
If your child is ill, or if there is another reason why your child will not be able to attend nursery – please phone us to let us know.
If we don’t hear from you, then Marie will call you during the day to check everything is OK with you and your child.
We follow Islington’s policy on attendance and late collection, which can lead to the place for your child being reduced in hours or withdrawn if you are consistently late. This is not something any of the staff at Kate Greenaway want to happen – so please help us by being on time.
We know that sometimes there are special circumstances which might make it difficult for you to ensure your child comes to nursery every day. Because we now have an outreach and family support service we might be able to help you if this is the case – speak to your key person or to Dawn if you could do with some extra help to make sure your child comes regularly to nursery.
Start of the day
Attendance is important, and it’s also important to do everything you can to ensure your child comes to nursery on time.
For children with a core day or morning place: we have a flexible drop-off time between 9am-9.30am every day (don’t forget that we now open as normal on Thursdays, not late). The reason for the flexible start is that if you have a child at primary school you can’t be in two places at once! So you can drop your older child off first, then come here. If you don’t have a child in another school then it will help your child if you come every morning at 9am. Coming at 9am every day instead of 9.30am will give your child nearly 100 extra hours of nursery education every year. Please do everything you can to arrive at 9.30am at the latest – if you are regularly late, then your child is missing out on her or his entitlement to a full nursery place.
If you come early (before 9am) you are welcome to take your child to the sofa-end of the Foundation Room and share a book there. Please note that the staff are either very busy with the children already here, or are busy setting up for the day ahead.
For children with extended day/year places – we recognise that you are away from your child a lot during the week, so if you have a chance for a later start to work you may wish to spend some extra time with your child. If you want to do this, then please make sure you phone before 9.30am so we know when to expect your child in nursery. Unless it’s an exceptional circumstance it’s best not to come any later than 10am – it’s difficult for children who arrive late to get involved in the morning’s play and experiences, and they can end up feeling left out.
If you come early (before 8am) you are welcome to take your child to the sofa-end of the Foundation Room and share a book there. Please note that the staff are busy setting up for the day ahead – they only have a short time to do this.
End of day
Please can you help the smooth running of Kate Greenaway by picking your child up on time.
If your child has a core day place, then she or he needs to be picked up at 3.30pm. Although we have a late programme, we do not have enough staff for extra children on top. If you know you are going to be unavoidably late, as a one-off, then let us know so we can prepare your child.
If there is anything here you would like to discuss – please let me know, and I will arrange to meet with you.
Monday, 26 March 2007
News for parents and carers
Key dates
This term ends on Friday 30th March and the Summer Term will begin on Monday 16th April.
Half term is Monday 28th May to Friday 1st June (inclusive).
The summer term ends on Friday 20th July.
We are closed for 2 days for training and development: Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd May. The nursery is closed for all children.
Kate Greenaway stays open for children with extended day/year places once the school Spring Term ends, except for the two bank holidays (6th and 9th April) when we are closed.
In the summer, we will close on 17th August for two weeks and reopen for children on Wednesday 5th September.
Thursday late start and new development mornings
From 16th April onwards we are ending the late-start system on Thursday mornings. Your child will now start at the same time every day of the week.
However we have two “development mornings” next term on Friday 18th May and Tuesday 19th June. On development mornings, we will offer your child her or his normal hours.
Fees
From April 1st, fees are payable to Kate Greenaway Nursery School. We charge fees for every day, including training days, with the exception of Bank Holidays and the August closure. Parents are charged for training and development days. This is all in line with Islington’s policy and the contract with parents.
Parking
Please could you remember not to park in York Way Court when you are dropping off/picking up your child. There have been continued complaints to Home for Islington, who have a mobile clamping unit. Please use meter parking instead. Thanks.
Staff news
Sanchia will return to Kate Greenaway next term, following her secondment to Moreland Primary School and Fortune Park Children’s Centre.
Heidi will be leaving Kate Greenaway after covering Sanchia for this term; she will be travelling on and then returning to New Zealand. Heidi has done a fantastic job this term as a temporary teacher, and I know that staff, children and families will all miss her.
New staff for the Children’s Centre (extended services) are currently being appointed.
Children’s Centre
We are currently finalising our Children’s Centre programme and will be distributing details about this later in April.
Kitchen Campaign
Lots of parents are now getting behind the Kitchen Campaign. Kate Greenaway wants to opt out of Scolarest and other contract catering arrangements and have its own kitchen, to cook fresh healthy food for children. The Community Kitchen will also be open for parents to learn more about healthy cooking and snack preparation. It will provide healthy snacks for Stay and Plays, and sell prepared meals and snacks to parents. The Kitchen Campaign group is working hard to make sure that the kitchen will be able to do enough business to pay for itself. If you would like to get involved – please talk to Jan. We are now very likely to achieve this aim, thanks to the support of parents.
Rebuild
We are aiming to rebuild the front of the building to provide a better reception space, and also working space for Children’s Centre staff. We are also planning an Art Workshop (in the front garden) and a base for community cycling. We are planning to have bikes to lend to families (adult and children).
Once we have firm details of when the work will be taking place, parents will be informed.
Julian Grenier
This term ends on Friday 30th March and the Summer Term will begin on Monday 16th April.
Half term is Monday 28th May to Friday 1st June (inclusive).
The summer term ends on Friday 20th July.
We are closed for 2 days for training and development: Wednesday 2nd and Thursday 3rd May. The nursery is closed for all children.
Kate Greenaway stays open for children with extended day/year places once the school Spring Term ends, except for the two bank holidays (6th and 9th April) when we are closed.
In the summer, we will close on 17th August for two weeks and reopen for children on Wednesday 5th September.
Thursday late start and new development mornings
From 16th April onwards we are ending the late-start system on Thursday mornings. Your child will now start at the same time every day of the week.
However we have two “development mornings” next term on Friday 18th May and Tuesday 19th June. On development mornings, we will offer your child her or his normal hours.
Fees
From April 1st, fees are payable to Kate Greenaway Nursery School. We charge fees for every day, including training days, with the exception of Bank Holidays and the August closure. Parents are charged for training and development days. This is all in line with Islington’s policy and the contract with parents.
Parking
Please could you remember not to park in York Way Court when you are dropping off/picking up your child. There have been continued complaints to Home for Islington, who have a mobile clamping unit. Please use meter parking instead. Thanks.
Staff news
Sanchia will return to Kate Greenaway next term, following her secondment to Moreland Primary School and Fortune Park Children’s Centre.
Heidi will be leaving Kate Greenaway after covering Sanchia for this term; she will be travelling on and then returning to New Zealand. Heidi has done a fantastic job this term as a temporary teacher, and I know that staff, children and families will all miss her.
New staff for the Children’s Centre (extended services) are currently being appointed.
Children’s Centre
We are currently finalising our Children’s Centre programme and will be distributing details about this later in April.
Kitchen Campaign
Lots of parents are now getting behind the Kitchen Campaign. Kate Greenaway wants to opt out of Scolarest and other contract catering arrangements and have its own kitchen, to cook fresh healthy food for children. The Community Kitchen will also be open for parents to learn more about healthy cooking and snack preparation. It will provide healthy snacks for Stay and Plays, and sell prepared meals and snacks to parents. The Kitchen Campaign group is working hard to make sure that the kitchen will be able to do enough business to pay for itself. If you would like to get involved – please talk to Jan. We are now very likely to achieve this aim, thanks to the support of parents.
Rebuild
We are aiming to rebuild the front of the building to provide a better reception space, and also working space for Children’s Centre staff. We are also planning an Art Workshop (in the front garden) and a base for community cycling. We are planning to have bikes to lend to families (adult and children).
Once we have firm details of when the work will be taking place, parents will be informed.
Julian Grenier
Tuesday, 27 February 2007
Training and Development Day
Kate Greenaway was closed on Monday 26th for training and development. We spent the day developing our approach to integrated work for children and families.
By integrated work, we mean that as a Children's Centre we don't just want to provide a whole range of services under one roof.
We want to have an approach to working with families which is consistent, and built on values and principles (rather than whatever happens to be this month's special flavour, or having an "anything goes" approach.
The planning which came out of the day will be posted as soon as it's written up.
In the meantime here's our statement of "what we stand for".
What we stand for
Here for every child – now
We do all we can to help children feel wanted and secure so that they can develop and learn. We plan for close attachments and relationships with children on roll in the nursery. We see children as strong and competent learners and we stand up for their right to play in early childhood. We treasure children for who they are, not what anyone wants them to be. We work closely with parents to help children develop self-discipline, self-motivation and an awareness and respect for others.
We try to make ourselves accessible and helpful to parents who are having a difficult or hard time.
"We have a duty to support the development of the child's personality, talents and mental and physical abilities to their fullest potential."
UN Declaration – Rights of the Child
"To move, to run, to find things out by new movements, to feel one's life in every limb, that is the life of early childhood."
Margaret Macmillan
"Love in infancy and childhood is as important for mental health as are vitamins and protein for physical health."
John Bowlby
Helping the development of a strong community around Kings Cross
Strong, energetic, lively and curious children grow up in strong families and strong communities. Unlike most other public services, we are directly accountable to our local community – Kate Greenaway is run by a governing body, with democratically elected parent governors.
Our roots in the neighbourhood are nourished by the involvement and commitment of local people.
We have particular expertise and knowledge about young children; but we do not always know best.
We are especially committed to education for all children and adults as a way to self-fulfilment and wellbeing.
We are unreservedly on the side of families with young children.
"It takes a whole village to raise a child."
Traditional African proverb, quoted by Chinua Achebe
"Unless both power to choose and opportunity for choice are present no child, woman or man is free."
Christian Schiller
"It is not for professionals to tell families how to bring up their children."
Tina Bruce
A staff team achieving things to be proud of
We are committed to new ways of working with children and families, breaking down the traditional barriers between health, social services and education. We think that professionals need to listen carefully to families and work in ways to help families overcome difficulties and disadvantage.
A strong, creative and energetic staff team is essential to the success of Kate Greenaway. Staff should feel that they are valued, and that they have sufficient time and energy for their personal lives whilst dedicating themselves to the service of local children and their families.
"There is a need for better and more multi-professional exchange, dialogue and integrated working."
Tina Bruce
Everything connects
We want everything to connect at Kate Greenaway. We value and promote education for children, parents and the staff team. We value quality provision for play in the nursery, in Stay and Play groups, and during home visits and outreach work. We think that all children and all adults have the capacity to overcome disadvantage, difficulties and problems for themselves, with the right help and support. Our commitment to respecting each family, encouraging choice and promoting equal opportunities shapes everything we do.
"We have a duty to help prepare children for responsible life in a free society, in the spirit of understanding, peace, tolerance, equality of sexes, and friendship among all peoples, ethnic, national and religious groups and persons of indigenous origin."
UN Declaration – Rights of the Child
Friday, 23 February 2007
Parent Conference and Governing Body
You can read about the views and ideas put forward in the parent conference by clicking here.
You can also read the minutes of the latest meeting of the Governing Body here. The decisions taken by the governors took full account of the findings from the Parent Conference. Parent governors on the governing body are democratically elected by the full parent body and help to represent parental views. We place a strong emphasis on parent involvement in decision making. We try to be open and accountable - so we publish minutes and decisions for everyone to see. If you'd like to find out more about the governing body then email julian.grenier@islington.gov.uk
To read the documents linked to above you will need to have Microsoft Word installed on your computer. If you don't have it, you can download the Word Viewer which is free.
You can also read the minutes of the latest meeting of the Governing Body here. The decisions taken by the governors took full account of the findings from the Parent Conference. Parent governors on the governing body are democratically elected by the full parent body and help to represent parental views. We place a strong emphasis on parent involvement in decision making. We try to be open and accountable - so we publish minutes and decisions for everyone to see. If you'd like to find out more about the governing body then email julian.grenier@islington.gov.uk
To read the documents linked to above you will need to have Microsoft Word installed on your computer. If you don't have it, you can download the Word Viewer which is free.
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