February Newsletter

As spring comes in and the weather (slowly!) improves, we're excited to let you know what we've been up to and any activities coming up!

Awards

We have entered the NDNA Nursery Awards 2020 which celebrate excellence in early years. They are the only awards voted for by parents, so please vote for us at www.votendna.org.uk The category we have chosen is Nursery of the Year and you will see us registered as Pre-School Centre Lancaster University. Many thanks in anticipation of your support.

Babyroom

This term we are focusing on 1:1 time and will be encouraging language development through rhymes, singing and sharing books.

We are also helping the babies as they progress through the weaning stages introducing lumps and finger foods.

Thank you!

Chameleon Christmas cards raised £238.45 for Pre-School and the monies will be used to provide experience for the children throughout the year..

The Spring Festival

We enjoyed celebrating the Lunar Spring festival with all our children and families. We welcomed the Year of the Rat, celebrating with Fortune cookies, food tasting and lucky red envelopes. The Pre-School children were enthralled by the Zodiac story and the very large rat that accompanied Lydia from Zoolab.

The Duchess of Cambridge has launched a UK-wide survey to help improve early childhood.

The five-question online survey aims to "spark a national conversation" to help create "lasting change for generations to come", the NSPCC said the project would be a "vital source of information".

In the online survey, called Five Big Questions, participants are asked for their opinion on what influences development and what period of childhood is most important for children's happiness.

To participate please click on the link https://5bigquestions.org.uk/

Creche's

Both of the Creche rooms have been busy exploring campus, looking at all the construction work and spotting the ducks!

Both teams have provided an array of sensory experiences for the children. Citrus fruits smashing and squeezing which released amazing aromas and painting with fingers and toes which was incredibly messy, but great fun.

Children's Survey

Please keep a look out for a special delivery for your child from Digby Dog. We would appreciate it if you could help your child complete the questionnaire with their views and suggestions. This helps us to see what they enjoy while with us and give us ideas for new initiatives.

Crisp packet recycling

As you may be aware the Pre-School have been collecting and helping to recycle crisp packets. Can we please advise that only crisp packets are posted into the Crisp Monster situated at the front door as we cannot accept any other packaging for the scheme.

Nurseries

Super sensory experiences, creating potions with fruits, herbs and coloured water. Using different tools and equipment to explore winter topics and introducing new more descriptive vocabulary.

Lending Library

The Lending Library is currently very low on books for children to enjoy, can we therefore please ask if your child/ren have books that they no longer use at home to donate to the Lending Library this would be very much appreciated.

Random Acts of Kindness

On Monday 17th February we will become #Raktivists carrying out Random Acts of Kindness for students and staff on Campus. Designed to make the world a kinder, happier place, each year the campaign is growing in popularity worldwide. Look out for little #Raktivists distributing small gifts or hiding them for people to find, making them smile and brightening their day.

Pre-School

We have begun the term exploring different types of books and words to increase our literacy skills.

In PS1 the book is ‘Star in a Jar’ and the children have enjoyed a variety of different activities surrounding the story. The children also made their own treasure jars. We discussed the meaning of the word ‘treasure’ and took turns to share our opinions. We have also used non-fiction books to learn all about what real stars are made of and the life cycle of a star.

Over in PS2 friendship and kindness has been explored with our Home-link book ‘The Rainbow fish’. We have made hearts to go on our special tree when we see acts of kindness by our friends. The next story is the Smed’s and the Smoos, which explores being different, but still being able to be friends.

Forest school sessions in PS3 have increased the vocabulary of the children, using their observational skills they are commentating on the changes all around and naming plants and birds with increasing confidence.

Parents on Campus Network

Lancaster University Parents’ and Carers’ Network (PCN) is a support network for all staff who count themselves as a parent or carer. They are a self-run network and provide an opportunity for parents and carers to share experiences and provide support to each other. They currently meet informally once a month, alternating days to accommodate different working patterns. Upcoming events are listed on the Staff Intranet Events page. Network members can join our Microsoft Team to communicate outside of meetings. Contact them if you’d like to join either the Microsoft Team or the mailing list -parentsandcarersnetwork@lancaster.ac.uk.

Parking

Can we please request parents use the drop off car park as per the diagram above.

A reminder that there are a number of adjacent parking spaces just down from the main drop off car park. Can we please request that parents also use these spaces.

General Information

Coming Up In March

International Women’s week.

Eggsploring- Our annual egg hatching live streaming will commence Monday March 16th, it’s so eggciting!

Healthy Body Happy Me- Overnight oat breakfast station

Pyjama Drama

Important Dates

Term Dates 2020

Spring Term 2020
2nd January 2020 until 8th April 2020

Pre-School will close on Wednesday 8th April 2020 re-opening on Thursday 16th April 2020 for Easter closure.

Summer Term 2020
16th April 2020 until 28th August 2020

Invoices Dates – Spring Term 2020
2nd January 2020 until 31st January 2020

3rd February 2020 until 28th February 2020

2nd March 2020 until 27th March 2020

30th March 2020 until 1st May 2020

Early Years Funding

6th January 2020 until 3rd April 2020