First Steps Nursery Irvine

New Student

2011-11-14T19:23:00.000Z

We welcome into the nursery for a period of three weeks a BA student from West of Scotland University. Claire will be spending time in all the playrooms gaining experience as part of her course. Please feel free to ask any questions you may have regarding our new student.

Photographs

2011-11-14T19:20:00.000Z

We thank everyone who came along and had pictures taken last Thursday. These are now available for viewing and any orders for photo's should be returned by 17/11/11

Open Day Oct 2011

2011-11-14T19:18:00.000Z

Thank you to everyone who came along to our open day and enjoyed looking at their child's work and their progress since starting with us. Children's records of achievements for any parents who did not attend are available in the playrooms.

Halloween activity day

2011-11-14T19:16:00.000Z

Thank you to all who came to nursery in fancy dress. Photo's are now available to view :)

September Newsletter

2011-09-02T12:43:00.000+01:00

The start of a new school year is upon us and we have many new children started with us at First Steps. I would like to take this opportunity to welcome both the children and their parents/guardians into the nursery and encourage them to become involved in their child's care.

Tesco vouchers for schools
We collected a large amount of vouchers this year and have ordered a variety of outdoor equipment for the children to enjoy. We look forward to receiving this in the near future.

Curriculum for Excellence
We continue to use this new curriculum issued by the Scottish Office in our 3-5 room. A display providing information for parents can be found in the hallway. If you have any questions please ask a member of staff in the 3-5room. Staff will all be involved in training courses to ensure they are delivering this curriculum to the highest standard. We are also implementing in our other play rooms the new pre birth to three curriculum. Again there is a display in the 2-3 room providing information on this.

Open Day
We will be holding an open day in the nursery for children in our 3-5 room and our 2-3 room. Please speak to a member of staff if you would like to come along to this event to arrange an appointment suitable to yourself. It will be held on Tuesday 25th October.

September / October holidays
There will be no funded session on Monday 19th September as this is a school holiday. There is also a school holiday from Monday 17th October to Friday 21st October. The nursery will be open for day care as normal.

Parents / Grandparents / Carers / Friends
We need your help!!! Do you have an interesting hobby or skill you would be willing to come along to nursery and demonstrate to or talk about with our children. This could be playing a musical instrumant, making wooden toys, knitting etc. We would love to welcome you to our playroom and I am sure the children would enjoy your visit. If you would like to be involved please contact a member of staff or myself at Irvine 212632 or by email june@firststeps.go-plus.net

Lending library
We operate a lending library for children in the 3-5 room. Please encourage your child to make use of this facility and develop their literacy skills in line with Curriculum for Excellence.

Recycling Programme
We are once again as part of our Eco Schools Project encouraging the children to bring along to nursery items for recycling. They will be able to choose which bin their items should be placed in and receive a sticker for taking part. This is also a part of Curriculum for Excellence encouraging the children to be respnsible citizens. We are looking for a parent representative for our Eco Commitee if you would be interested in supporting us in this please speak to a staff member.

Change of clothes
Can all parents irrespective of the age of your child please ensure there is a change of clothes in a bag on their peg in case of accidents. This may be outside playing in water or mud(Children love to investigate and they get dirty!!). We actively encourage children to explore their surroundings and accidents happen.

Pick Up / Drop of Times
Staff are always available at these times to listen to any needs for the child for the day ahead or to report on their day however I must ask that if you have any queries or concerns or wish to speak to key workers at length, you can contact the nursery and make an appointment to speak to either myself or the relevant person in private in our parents room. Due to the issue of confidentiality it is not always possible to offer this in the playrooms at these times.

Collection of Children
Can I please ask parents/guardians to ensure that their child is collected on time at the end of their session. If you are unable to collect your child yourself please ensure wjoever is collecting them knows what time to pick them up. The afternoon funded session finishes at 4pm. The nursery closes at 6pm and I would therefore ask that you arrive at the nursery to collect your child by 5.50pm and vacate the premises by 6pm.

Polo Shirts / Sweatshirts
As always these are available by speaking to a member of staff and completing an order form. These are invaluable in the nursery with so many new children in helping staff to remember names. They are also a good way of ensuring children's good clothes are not wasted when at nursery. We now also have available reversible waterproof/fleece jackets at a cost of £15.00 and red cardigans at a cost of £8.50. These can be ordered in the same was as the polo/sweatshirts.

Comments Box
There is a comments box available in the nursery hallway for anyone with any suggestions for improvements within the nursery. Please feel free to use this facility either anonymously or by name and we will try our best to accomodate any requests.

Christmas concert 3-5room

2011-09-02T11:52:00.002+01:00

This will be held on Thursday 15th December

Times have still to be arranged.

Open Day

2011-09-02T11:51:00.000+01:00

There will be an open day for parents with children in the 3-5 room or 2-3 room on Tuesday 25th October. Please see nursery notice boards to choose a time slot if you would like to come along and see what your child does in nursery.

Funded session holidays

2011-09-02T11:50:00.000+01:00

There will be no 2.5hour session on Monday 19th September,
                                                              Monday 17th October,
                                                              Tuesday 18th October,
                                                              Wednesday 19th October,
                                                              Thursday 20th October,
                                                              Friday 21st October

Photographer visit

2011-09-02T11:47:00.000+01:00

There will ba a photographer visiting the nursery on Thursday 27th October 2011 from 9.30am till 4.30pm. All children in the nursery on this day will have their picture taken unless you the parent inform staff otherwise. If your child does not attend on a Thursday and you would like their picture taken please speak to a member of staff and they will give you a time to come along, everyone is welcome. If you have older children they are also welcome to come and have any photographs you wish taken. There will be a choice of packs available and there is no obligation to buy. If you require any further information speak to staff member. All photo's taken will be available before christmas.

3-5room trip to science centre

2011-09-01T22:15:00.000+01:00

The 3-5 room are going a trip to the Glasgow Science Centre on Thursday 17th November. If your child attends the 3-5room on a Thursday then they are more than welcome to come along. The bus will depart nursery at 9.30am and return at approx 2.00pm. Parent helpers would be very much appreciated for this trip.

Test

2011-08-30T12:44:00.002+01:00

This is a test text please ignore.

Going to school

2011-05-29T15:44:00.000+01:00

We would like to take this opportunity to wish all children leaving us our best wishes for starting school on 17th August

Returning to nursery

2011-05-29T15:42:00.000+01:00

All Pre-school children returning for 2011/2012 session return to nursery on Friday 19th August.

All new pre - school and all anti pre school children return week commencing the 22nd of August.

We look forward to seeing lots of new faces

End of term party

2011-05-29T15:39:00.000+01:00

We will be having an end of term party for all children in the 3-5room on Thursday 30th June from 10am - 12 noon. All children in 3-5room are welcome to attend. There will be no afternoon session on this date as all funded afternoon children will receive their funding for the party.

2-3room news Pre birth to three matters

2011-05-19T13:28:00.000+01:00

Pre-Birth to Three

Positive outcomes for Scotland

As you may be aware, a new 4 Key PrinciplesRights of the Child Role of Staff
Relationships Attachments
Responsive Care Transitions
Respect Observation, Assessment and Planning
Partnership working
Health and wellbeing
Literacy and Numeracy
Environments
Play　More information is available on the “Pre-Birth to Three” notice board in the 2-3 room.
Also look out for our ‘Thought of the week’. These are extracts taken directly from the new document to help parents become more familiar with this new legislation.
Please do not hesitate to contact a member of staff if you have any questions or require further information.
Thank you. 9 Key Features’s children and family“Pre-birth to Three” document has been introduced. This replaces the old “Birth to Three Matters” and is intended to ‘lay a sound foundation for children’s learning and development and will ensure a smooth and coherent transition for all children as they begin to engage with Curriculum for excellence 3-18.”This new document is made up of 4 key principles and 9 key features. The nine features have been ‘identified to put the key principles into action, but all are interrelated and interdependent‘.

Children in need

2011-03-04T12:24:00.000Z

We have received acknologement of our donation to Children in Need. We raised £162.00 this is displayed on our noticeboard.

Scholastic Book orders

2011-03-04T12:22:00.002Z

Can we please have all orders by Friday 18th March. Thank You

Open Day

2011-03-04T12:21:00.000Z

We will be holding an Open Day on Tuesday 3rd May for parents with children in either our 2-3room or our 3-5room. Please see schedules on notice boards to select time slots if you wish to attend.

Holiday Dates

2011-03-04T12:20:00.000Z

There is no funding available for children in the 3-5room from Monday 4th April until Friday 15th April. If you wish your child to attend during this period full fees are payable.

The nursery will be closed on Monday 25th April. (Easter Monday)

There is no funding again on Friday 22nd April, Friday 29th April and Monday 2nd May as these are all school holidays.

3-5room Graduation

2011-03-04T12:15:00.000Z

Our Graduation day for children leaving us going to school this year will be held on Friday 24th June at 10am.

All pre - school children irrespective of their normal attendance are invited to this ceremony.

The ceremony will last approx 30 minutes.

March Newsletter

2011-03-04T12:10:00.000Z

I would like to welcome to First Steps Nursery any new children and their parents. We hope that you will enjoy being with us and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Christmas Party
Our Christmas party was a great success. "Dunno" the clown was enjoyed by all. Staff as well as children. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of myself and the staff to thank all the parents for their lovely gifts at Christmas time. They were very much appreciated.

Christmas Concert
This was also a great success. The children all enjoyed performing for their audience. Can I please ask parents to complete our concert questionnaire as this allows us to evaluate our practice and look at improving our service to you. If you no longer have the questionnaire please ask a member of staff for another.

Eco Nursery
Can we also once again ask parents to encourage the children to bring recycling along to nursery. The children enjoy sorting out the plastic, paper etc and receive a sticker for their efforts.

Parents Open Day
We will be holding a parents open day in the 3-5room and 2-3room to allow parents to see and take part in the activities the children enjoy while at nursery. This will be held on Tuesday 3rd May between 9am and 11.30am and again in the afternoon between 1.30pm and 4pm. Please see appointment diary on notice boards to book your chosen time. All children's record of achievement files will be available for parents on this day as well as staff members for any questions you may have regarding your child's progress.

Payment of fees
Can I remind parents that they will be liable to a £25.00 late payment charge if fees are not paid by the 7th of the month. Fees are due payable on the 1st of the month by standing order unless by prior arrangement with June McCulloch.

Holiday Dates
The nursery will be closed on Monday 25th April (Easter Monday)
There will be no funding for children in the 3-5room on the following dates:
Monday 4th till Friday 15th April (10 days)
Friday 22nd and Monday 25th April, Friday 29th April, Monday 2nd May.

Pick up / Drop off times
Staff are always available at these times to listen to any needs for the child for the day ahead or to report on their day however I must ask that if you have any queries or concerns or wish to speak to key workers at length you contact the nursery and make an appointment to speak to either myself or the relevant person in private in our parents room. Due to the issue of confidentiality it is not always possible to offer this in the playrooms at these times.

Dropping off and collection of children
The nursery opening hours are 8am till 6pm. Can I please ask parents to ensure that their child is not dropped off before 8am and that they are collected on time at the end of their session. This is for insurance purposes. If you are unable to collect your child yourself please ensure who ever is collecting them knows what time they have to be picked up. The nursery closes at 6pm and I would therefore ask that you arrive at nursery to collect your child by 5:50pm and vacate the premises by 6pm. Due to the amount of parents not collecting by 6pm in the evening we are having to introduce an extra charge of £20.00 per incident for this. Staff also have commitments in the evenings and some have a distance to travel so please ensure your child is collected on time. If something untowards happens and you know you are going to be late please contact the nursery and let staff know.

Polo shirts / Sweat shirts / Cardigans / Fleeces
As always these are available by speaking to a member of staff and completing an order form. These are invaluable when we are out on nursery trips as we can spot our children very easily in a crowd. They are also a good way of ensuring children's good clothes are not wasted when at nursery.

Front door
It has been brought to my attention that the front door is not always being closed behind parents. I cannot stress enough how important this is. Please please ensure that you close the door behind you both entering the nursery and on leaving. Can parents also be vigilant in watching if anyone else they do not know enters the nursery with them. If so, please inform a staff member.

Scholastic book club
New book club leaflets have been issued this week. If you place an order this month I have £1.00 off vouchers for World Book Day which can be used with your order.

First Steps News Jan 11

2011-01-15T12:34:00.002Z

News

Happy New Year to everyone. Thank you to everyone who handed in gifts for Christmas.

We are sorry to say goodbye to Cheryl in the 3-5room as she has now completed her training with us.

Registration forms are now available for term 2011/2012 anti pre and pre school places. These should be returned to the nursery by Friday 28^th January.

Collection at Christmas concert raised £48.20 which will be donated to local charity.

Funded sessions on holiday from Friday 11^th Feb till Tues 15^th Feb children return Wed 16^th Feb

First Steps Nursery December Newsletter 2010

2010-12-10T14:31:00.004Z

It’s That time of Year Again! Seasons Greeting to everyone.

I would like to welcome to First Steps Nursery any new children and their parents/guardians. We hope that you will enjoy being with us and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Xmas Parties

Our Christmas Party will be held on Friday 17th December at 10am and we would invite all children in our 2 - 3 room and 3 - 5 room to attend this event even if they do not normally come to nursery on a Friday. There will be two special guests this year. One being “Dunno” the clown” and the second being the man in the red suit. He will arrive at approx 12 noon so if you would like to see your child receive their present from him please ensure you return to the nursery by this time. As all anti pre and pre school children will attend in the morning there will be no afternoon session on this day. Children who normally come into our 2 - 3 room on a Friday afternoon will have had their session in the morning. If you require a place in the afternoon please speak to Lorraine.

Xmas Concert

The children in the 3 - 5 room have rehearsed a concert for their parents and will perform for them on Thursday 16th December. This is for all children in our 3 - 5 room irrespective of whether they attend morning or afternoon . This will be held in the 3 - 5 room at 11am. The show will last approx 30 mins. There will be no afternoon session this day.

Nursery Closing Times Over Festive Season

Friday 24th December 5pm Close

Monday 27th December Nursery Closed

Tuesday 28th December Nursery Closed

Friday 31st December 5pm close

Monday 3rd January Nursery Closed

Tuesday 4th January Nursery Closed

Christmas Dinner

Our Christmas dinner will be served on Wednesday 22nd December for all children staying for lunch on a Wednesday.

Lending Library

This is now fully operational in our 3 - 5 room. Can I please ask parents to encourage their child to use this facility.

Recycling

First Steps Nursery is an Eco Nursery and encourages children to bring along to our recycling point paper, plastic or tin. Can I ask parents to please encourage your children to participate in this venture.

2 - 3 room parents

Can we please ask parents to bring along to the nursery a christmas bag for all your children's christmas activities to be put into. These include gifts the children will be making for you for under your tree.

Pick Up / Drop of Times

Staff are always available at these times to listen to any needs for the child for the day ahead or to report on their day however I must ask that if you have any queries or concerns or wish to speak to key workers at length, you contact the nursery and make an appointment to speak to either myself or the relevant person in private in our parents room. Due to the issue of confidentiality it is not always possible to offer this in the playrooms at these times.

Collection of Children

Can I please ask parents/guardians to ensure that their child is collected on time at the end of their session. If you are unable to collect your child yourself please ensure whoever is collecting them knows what time they have to be picked up. The nursery closes at 6pm and I would therefore ask that you arrive at Nursery to collect your child by 5.50pm and vacate the premises by 6pm.

Polo Shirts/ Sweat Shirts / Cardigans

As always these are available by speaking to a member of staff and completing an order form. These are invaluable when we are out on Nursery trips as we can spot our children very easily in a crowd. They are also a good way of ensuring children's good clothes are not wasted when at Nursery.

On behalf of Management and staff I would like to wish everyone a Very Merry Christmas and A Happy New Year.

First Steps Nursery June Newsletter 2010

2010-10-26T12:11:00.002+01:00

I would like to welcome to First Steps Nursery any new children and their parents/guardians. We hope that you will enjoy being with us and if you have any questions please do not hesitate to ask.

Graduation Ceremony
We will be holding a Graduation ceremony for all children leaving First Steps to commence Primary 1 in August. This will be held in the nursery on Friday 25th June at 11 am. Parents of eligable children are invited to attend.

End of Term Party
This is for all the children in the 3 - 5 room irrespective of what sessions they normally attend nursery. It will be held on Tuesday 29th June from 9.30am till 11.30am. This is the last day of term and there will be no afternoon funded session on this day.

Payment of Fees
Can I please ask that parents of funded place children ensure their snack moneys are paid in full by Monday 28th June. If you are unsure of payment please speak to Heather. Can I also remind parents that they will be liable to a £25.00 late payment charge if monthly fees are not paid by 7th of the month. Fees are due payable on the 1st of the month. If anyone would like a bank form to set up a standing order please speak to a member of staff.

2009/2010 Funded sessions
Can I point out that government funding for 3 - 5 year olds ends on 29th June. If your child has been receiving funding this will not be available over the Summer Holiday period. Parents/carers will receive notification of amounts due for this period.

Notice of Leaving
Can I remind parents/carers that the nursery requires 4 weeks notice if you are removing a child from our care. Fees will be charged for this notice period irrespective of whether the child attends or not. Please ensure you cancel your standing order payment after your child leaves us.

Funded Sessions 2010/2011
If your child is returning to First Steps for the funded session 2010/2011 they should return on Thursday 19th August at 1.30pm till 4pm. Children joining us for the first time will commence their induction days week commencing 23rd August.