Weekly roundup 13 Sept

It's been another busy week at Pre-School with more children settling into their routines. We've had a lovely time exploring our outside area and the children have enjoyed the autumnal weather. We visit our well equipped shelter on the Boswells field daily and encourage the children to use their bodies in a variety of ways to develop their physical skills. We also took delivery of some new climbing apparatus today and are expecting some more next week!

Equipment like this does have an element of risk involved which we feel is an appropriate way of helping children to manage hazards during their play (and later on in life!). Children need to develop their strength and coordination and build their confidence through exploration and play. All staff at the setting risk assess the equipment, activities and resources that are used and evaluate the dangers. We can't eliminate all risks and this would certainly not be beneficial to children and the odd bump, bruise or graze is part of childhood and growing up.

We try and find a balance between providing activities that challenge children and weigh these up against the likelihood of serious injury. For more information about the benefits of engaging in risky play visit the Early Education article - https://early-education.org.uk/taking-risks-in-play/. 

We're all still getting to know each other which has been helped by our focus on listening and attention activities, e.g listening to sounds, musical instruments, story time and listening and joining in during singing time. Our favourite books this week have included The Gruffalo by Julia Donaldson and The Tiger Who Came To Tea by Judith Kerr. Children of all ages are quick to hear repeated phrases and patterns in stories which is why they enjoy having the same stories read to them again and again. It allows them to anticipate words or phrases and say them aloud developing their early literacy skills. 

We've had some parents asking about our online Learning Journal system, Tapestry, this week. If you haven't already signed up to this, please await an email with instructions on how to sign up and ensure you activate this when sent the link. The Tapestry platform will be where you can find photographs and information about your child's progress and development and is where invoices for fees can be accessed. Please note, requests for invoices to be sent via email will be charged at £10.00 for next term so do make sure you are signed up to Tapestry so you can access them for free.

Apologies for some misinformation about room leaders last week! Sophie, the Deputy Manager leads the Honeys room and Laura leads the Bumbles room. Laura is also studying for her Early Years Initial Teacher Training qualification while working at the setting so don't be alarmed if she isn't present during some sessions. 

Next week we will be continuing with our settling in theme and encouraging the children to select and use their own activities and resources, with help when needed. This helps them to achieve a goal they have chosen, or one which is suggested to them. Our younger children will be learning ways of managing the transition from parents to their Key Person and developing their self-assurance. 

Have a lovely weekend.