We hope everyone had a lovely Christmas and New Year and a relaxed time off. We have many exciting things happening this term.

Self registration has changed in the nursery; we now have an interactive sign in on the smart board and we would ask that you complete this with your child in the morning, as well as signing out at the end of the day. We have also moved trays and shoes into the parents room for more space and time to get children ready. Please remember Parents are welcome to use this room through the week – there is tea, coffee and biscuits available – just ask for milk!

This term we will be celebrating the poetry of Robert Burns and Chinese New Year. We will do this with lots of singing, dancing and special snacks. We also will be getting out into our local community in trips at least once a week. We also have our fingers crossed from snow so we can talk about winter weather and explore it’s properties.

We will also be continuing with our “focus child observations” that can be viewed on your childs learning journal. We always welcome parent feedback on how you find this process and how it is working for you and your child – either let a member of staff know or leave a comment on your child’s journal.

Lastly, we would like to remind you that £25 funds are now due for January-April. Please pay via parent as soon as possible.

Dates for your Diary :

Thursday 24th January – Burns singalong – 2.30pm – come hear our Scottish songs!

Tuesday 5th Febrary – First stay and play of the year. 9.00-9.45AM.

Friday 8th February – 11.15AM – Art gallery in school, details to follow.

Friday 8th February – Break for half term.

Monday 18th February – All children return, 9AM.

As part of friendship week, the nursery class and some of our grown ups went on a walk with Primary 1,2 & 4. We walked with our  buddies from the big school and got to know them a little bit better.

Thank you to all of our grown ups who came along!

We have had a really busy first half term and all the children have now settled into nursery very well. We have more children joining us throughout the term although we do have some spaces left in both classes, if you know someone with a two, three or four year old please encourage them to speak to the school office to chat about places.

This month we will be focusing on our listening skills and following the routines in nursery. The recent change to the weather will mean we begin to see some of the signs of Autumn and use them in our learning. Storm Ali was an exciting start to exploring the weather and the children have been enjoying looking at the wind outside using ribbons.

We will be revisiting our school values ‘Be Safe, Be Respectful, Be Helpful, Be Busy and Be Kind’ and making sure we are all sharing these with our families, community and visitors. We will also be asking you to help the children and staff to refresh our nursery vision and aims so please look out for opportunities to support this consultation.

Congratulations to Julie who will take up her new post of Early Years Officer in the Castle Hill Class soon. You will also notice some new staff in nursery in the next few weeks. Nicola McCraw will join us as Early Years Officer in the Calton Hill Class and Asifa Mohammed will join us as an Early Years Assistant, working across both classes. I know you will all join me in making them feel welcome here in our nursery.

Finally, School Parent consultations will take place on Thursday 11th October. For Children in the Calton Hill class there will times available during the week for you to speak about your child’s learning. Please sign up for a time that suits you best.

Thank you again for your continued support,
Mrs Peoples and the Early Years Team

Important Dates:

Monday 17th September: Holiday
Wednesday 26th September: Learning Party – 2.00-3.00pm come along and let us share with you some of your child’s amazing learning!
Tuesday 2nd October: Stay and Play – 9.00 – 9.30am, complete an activity with your child at the start of the nursery session.
Friday 5th October: Uniform Sale 9-9.30am main school
Thursday 11th October: School Parent Consultations                                                                  (Please make an appointment for Early Years Consultations on sign up sheet)

Friday 12th October: School and Nursery close at usual times.
Tuesday 23rd October: School and Nursery reopen at usual times.