Elderbank Early Years - October Newsletter 2020

Elderbank Early Years Newsletter
October 2020

Dear Parent/Carers,

It is hard to believe we are approaching the end of the first term
already, it has been a wonderful term full of fun and learning. The
early years team have been blown away by the resilience of the
children whilst returning to a nursery which is different to their
previous experience or joining a new nursery for the first time. The
children have all adapted and settled in so quickly, we are so very
proud of them and are delighted with each of their progress during
this term.

Thank you to the parent/carers of the children, who returned for
their second year at Elderbank Early Years, for completing the
survey about your experience of lockdown and the return to
nursery. The responses were very positive and we are pleased that
you found the milestone tasks and phone calls during the school
closure beneficial and are finding the Seesaw communication
system useful. A few concerns were raised about parent/carers
not following the one way system or adhering to the FACTS
campaign. Please find further information on the systems in place
to reduce the risks and keep everyone at Elderbank safe.

The one-way system requires you to enter via the main Early
Years gate and then bring your child to their allocated
‘bubble’ gate following the social distancing markers to
maintain distance from other families during busier periods,
for example whilst waiting to collect your child.

Bubble 1 - Diamonds and Semi-Circles – Main Early Years door.
Bubble 2 – Triangles and Stars – Early Years side gate

We recommend that parents/carers wear a face coverings
during drop off and collection times as there are many
different families accessing the one area.

On exit please continue to follow the one-way system and leave
via the main school gate. Please remember no cars are
permitted in the car park without a school permit. It is
important that all parents/carers follow Scottish Government
advice and the FACTS campaign. If you are unsure of any of
the arrangement please speak to a member of the team who
will be happy to help.

We are delighted with our new outdoor clothing that has been
purchased by NAC for each of the children. They all have their
own individual suit which they wear when accessing outdoor
learning during wet and cold days, we are sure they will be used
on plenty occasions over the coming months! They are fully
waterproof and fleece lined to ensure they children are
comfortable and dry no matter what the Scottish weather has to
offer us. We think they look fantastic and hope you agree!

Bubble 1 - AM

Bubble 2 - AM

Bubble 1 - PM

Bubble 2 - PM

Thank you to everyone who has provided their child with a pair of
wellies that can stay at nursery. We would gratefully receive any
donations of wellington boots that no longer fit your child that
others can use. These will be quarantined on receipt and cleaned
before been given to another child to use.

Hallowe’en is coming……



This year Hallowe’en may be a little different for lots of children
given the current situation and restrictions. To ensure they don’t
miss out and create happy memories we will be hosting an extra
special Hallowe’en party at nursery. We will have lots of spooky
activities, traditional games and fun party games all within the
safety of their EY bubbles. The party will be on Friday 30th
October during the usual session times and the children are
welcome to dress up in a costume (the EY team love to dress up!)

During previous years we have collected weekly monetary donations
from parents/carers which contributed towards the children’s
snack, treats and resources. NAC are now providing snack with no
cost to parents/carers which is a great service. In order for us to
provide additional experiences and resources such as parties, we
are looking for your support and help!

Can you support your nursery by participating in an ‘Autumn
Treasure Hunt’. Can you find all of nature’s treasures on the list?
Collect the items in your bag and return it to the EY once complete
and we can explore your autumnal finds together. Ask family and
friends to sponsor you to complete the challenge (whilst following
the current restrictions and social distancing rules).

Any donations provided will be gratefully received and will be
invested in the children and their experiences. You will receive a
bag with the treasure hunt list and a sponsor sheet/envelope from
the EY. Please speak to a member of the team if you have any
questions related to the sponsored event. We hope you will have
lots of fun participating in this experience with your child!

Friday 9th October – Early Years closes for October break
Tuesday 20th October – Early Years reopens
Friday 30th October – EY Hallowe’en Party

Many thanks for your continued support, please remember the EY

team are here to help and support you and your family. If you

would like to speak to a member of the team then please do not

hesitate to contact us.

Kind regards,
Mrs Carruthers,
Senior Early Years Practitioner
https://blogs.glowscotland.org.uk/na/elderbankprimaryandearlyyears/elderba
nk-early-years-summer-term-blog/