Spring 2012 UPDATE

GENERAL NEWS OVERVIEW / BOTH NURSERIES

We have recently had a bit of a managerial realignment.  In order to cope with the ever increasing amount of paperwork required, it was felt that a central office function run by Dawn and Paul would be the most efficient, now aided by their daughter Jenny as office manager (one of the first clients of the nursery!).  This will hopefully free other management to concentrate on the children's welfare.

BLACKHEATH

We are delighted to announce the appointment of Diana Bordas as the new manager in Blackheath.  She will be introducing herself personally in the near future and making some changes around the nursery as she strives to improve our service.  Claire continues as deputy ably supported by Charlotte as third in charge.

GROVE PARK

In Grove Park we welcome back Sam Garland as manager after her spell on maternity leave.  Lisa Higgins returns as deputy after her spell as acting manager of Blackheath ably supported by Michelle Minshull as third in charge.  The "old" team is at last reunited!!

As ever at this time of year we have seen the sad departure of some of our older children as they make the move on to school.  Some have even reported back that reception classes are less advanced than at nursery and fuller!!

We would of course like to welcome our incoming children, as we know it can be a bit daunting for both child and parent alike!  We did send a "Starting Nursery" guide sheet out with the prospectus, but if this was some time ago or has been mislaid then please do ask for another.  Actually please do ask someone about any problems or queries you may have ( see below for the structure ).  Please do remember that picking up and dropping off times can be a bit frantic and is probably not the best time for an in depth discussion!!  Arranging a time with your key worker first is the best course of action.

Your 1st point of contact should be your child's key worker,  for more managerial questions please contact the managers at either nursery in the first instance.  Beyond this Dawn, Paul or Jenny can be contacted for any administrative questions.

Please could we ask all parents at either nursery not to park across our neighbours drives.  I know everyone thinks it is only going to be for "two" minutes but with all the comings and goings it can cause serious inconvenience for them and this results in unnecessary complaints.

FEES

Please ask for our new parent payment terms and conditions letter to explain the payment methods more fully.  A little time setting things up initially will save you time in the long run!!

It still does not seem widely known that budgetary changes allow both working parents to each spend £2916 per annum from their gross salaries on childcare.  This saves both tax and national insurance to the employee but also N.I. to the employer.  Considerable savings can be made particularly to higher rate tax payers.  Larger companies have cottoned onto this perk and are operating the scheme via independent companies offering either "paper" or "electronic" vouchers.  We are registered with most of the leading providers and can accept paper vouchers on a weekly basis in lieu of cash or cheques, or electronically if paid monthly on the first working day (£243 pcm) as part of a two/three part standing order.  Various web sites such as www.childcare-vouchers.net or www.care-4.co.uk or www.accorservices.co.uk can provide further information for employees, whilst the self employed can liaise with their accountants!!  Alternatively do give Paul a ring on the office no 020-8853-5077 for further explanation!

DFEE GRANT

This is available to all children aged three and over and currently stands at £2205 per annum.

NEWS AT LINGFIELD NURSERY (Blackheath) - 37 Kidbrooke Grove SE3 0LJ, 020-8858-1388

DATES FOR DIARY

Easter Closure - This will be from Monday 02nd April reopening on Tuesday 10th April.

CURRICULUM PLANNING

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to support our children's learning, development and welfare.  Details of these can be obtained from Lisa, Claire or Charlotte.  As part of the framework we do an annual plan of the topics or themes we will be basing our activities around, as well as weekly and daily plans for specific activities.  Details of annual plans can be found below and will be displayed on the parent's notice board, along with details of any special events or celebrations.  Weekly and daily plans can be found in your child's group room.

Please keep an eye on the notice boards for "breaking news".

Session Vacancies - We have some vacancies for both full and part time children.  Please ring for further details and a prospectus.

Staff Vacancies - Vacancy for an assistant nursery nurse.

NEWS AT LINGFIELD NURSERY (Grove Park) - 155 Baring Road SE12 0LA, 020-8851-7800

DATES FOR DIARY

Easter Closure - This will be from Monday 02nd April reopening on Tuesday 10th April.

CURRICULUM PLANNING

We follow the Early Years Foundation Stage framework to support our children's learning, development and welfare.   Details of these can be obtained from Sam, Michelle or Diane.  As part of the framework we do an annual plan of the topics or themes we will be basing our activities around, as well as weekly and daily plans for specific activities.  Details of annual plans can be found below and will be displayed on the parent's notice board, along with details of any special events or celebrations.  Weekly and daily plans can be found in your child's group room.

Please keep an eye on the notice boards for "breaking news".

Session vacancies -  We have some vacancies for both full and part time children.  Please ring for further details and a prospectus.

Staff Vacancies - Vacancy for an assistant nursery nurse.

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LINGFIELD DAY NURSERY