Elderbank Early Years - January Newsletter 2022

Elderbank Early Years Newsletter
January 2022

Dear Parent/Carers,
As we begin a new year and a new term the Early Years team are
looking forward to all of the exciting opportunities we will share as
we further embark on our learning journey together. We are
delighted to welcome new children and families this term and hope
they enjoy being part of our Early Years community.

As we continue to navigate our way through the pandemic it is
extremely important that everyone is aware of their role in
minimising the risk of transmission and follows the systems in place
within the school grounds. This procedure includes a one-way
system, the use of face coverings and social distancing measures.

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

The allocated gates are:
Diamonds and Semi-Circles – Main Early Years door.

Triangles and Stars – Early Years side gate

Parents/carers are required to wear face coverings during
drop off and collection times unless medically exempt.

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 guidance. If you are unsure of any of the
procedures please speak to a member of the team who will be
happy to help.

Parent/carer phone calls to discuss your child’s progress at Early
Years will take place the week beginning 24th January with an

allocated day for each Keyworker:

Tuesday 25th January Miss Macnamara/Mrs Wales
Wednesday 26th January Miss Wilson/Mrs Carruthers
Thursday 27th January Mrs Tyler/Miss Gilfillan
Friday 28th January Mrs Colvan/Mrs Paterson

You will be able to select a time that suits you best during the
allocated date. If this date is not suitable an alternative slot will
be provided. This is a great opportunity to celebrate your child’s
progress and discuss next steps. Your child’s keyworker will
share the times available with you.

Parent/carer involvement is extremely important to the Early
Years team and the pandemic has restricted the opportunities
that we have been able to provide. We are keen to offer
alternative ways to involve you in these experiences.

Within this term we are planning to deliver virtual PEEP sessions
which you can participate in with your child/children from the
comfort of your own home. This will be an interactive session
which will include songs, stories and play activities led by
members of the Early Years team. More information will follow
soon!

We are also planning to deliver exciting outdoor ‘Stay and Play’
sessions that will take place in the woodland area to the rear of
the school. This will enable parents/carers to join their child for
a forest session and share the experiences together, including a
delicious campfire snack. Additional information will be shared
during this term which will be in line with current guidance and
restrictions.

On Tuesday 25th January we will be celebrating Burns Day by
participating in a range of Scottish themed activities, traditional

games and learning Scottish songs/poems. We will also be
treated to a Scottish menu for lunch which will be shared with
you via Seesaw. The children are welcome to wear tartan if they

wish, however please do not purchase any new items.

Tuesday 25th January – Burns’ Supper lunch
Friday 11th February – Holiday: Early Years closed
Monday 14th February – Holiday: Early Years closed
Tuesday 15th February – In-service day: Early Years closed
Wednesday 16th February - Early Years reopens

Many thanks for your continued support, please remember the
Early Years 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