Jul 14, 2020
Dear Parents,
Thank you very much to everyone who took the time to fill in our parent questionnaire and for the positive and helpful responses.
From the results of the questionnaire and after consultation with staff on how we can improve our current practice and the services we offer, we will be implementing the following changes in September or when possible.
- We are planning on changing the kitchen layout to include a cooker so children can be involved in more cooking activities and make their own lunches more often.
- Keep to the green and red keyperson teams so every child always has a keyperson on every session.
- New starters will continue to have several taster sessions, and one first session just for them to find pegs, drawers and to become familiar with the environment before the other children return.
- We will continue with staggered drop off and pick up times as this has worked well and most parents mentioned how well this works and that children settled very well, and they had more time to speak to keypersons.
Most parents praised the feedback and support they received from their keyperson team, however a couple of parents wished for more informal feedback on their children’s progress, one suggested Tapestry but this was looked into before and most parents preferred the hard copy of a learning journey. Please talk to your individual key persons if you would like more information or feedback of any kind, it should be a two way relationship, built up over time, as all parents are different and like different types of feedback, we need to get to know what each family requires. One parent expressed the need for more balanced feedback to reflect the positives, not just the negatives and that they did not know who to make a complaint to or raise a concern with. We do always try to do this, so are sorry in this instance it did not seem so. If you have any difficulties that you cannot bring up with your keyperson please contact the Pre-school Leader Kathryn. If you then still have concerns contact the Chair of the Pre-school, if your concerns are then not answered, contact Ofsted. All numbers are located on our website and parent notice board and in our policies on the website page.
Most parents praised the excellent partnership working between keypersons and with parents. Many parents were pleased with the information on the parent’s website and Facebook page, and would like to receive information by email, one parent would prefer that toast was not offered at snack times, but we sometimes do this when we know children have had an early breakfast or refused breakfast at home that day. The weekly snack is listed in the newsletters and on the face book page, and the parent’s notice board.
Somebody suggested having a Special Needs Coordinator. Sally has always been our coordinator or SENCO and Naomi is our Deputy SENCO. If a child has additional needs, they put together an individual plan for them and coordinate with outside agencies for additional support.
One parent suggested the use of themes to plan activities round. This is more for the national curriculum in primary schools, as it is adult led. Early Years should be child initiated activities, planned from our observations of the children’s interests the week before.
Most parents were very happy and positive about their children’s Early Years’ experience and we thank you for all your lovely comments. Lots of parents commented on the lovely atmosphere and the very clean well-presented environment, and excellent use of the space and facilities on offer.
Once again thank you for your support.
Kathryn Cosser
Pre-school Leader
May 28, 2020
Apprentice Preschool Practitioner
Bradpole Preschool require an Early Years Apprentice Practitioner from 1st September 2020.
The right person for this job will have a flexible, friendly attitude, the ability to work well with our established team of practitioners and be able to develop good relationships with children and parents. Attitude and approach are very important and both level 2 and 3 candidates will be considered. All candidates should be willing to undertake additional training, but immediate training to level 3 standard is a must for those who don’t yet have that qualification. The rate of pay depends on age and levels of qualification.
Hours of work: Monday and Tuesday 8.45-3.30, Thursday and Friday 8.45-5pm. Additional hours may be available depending on demand for places at breakfast and after school club and some flexibility may be possible in other hours worked.
This position is subject to a full DBS check by the Criminal Records Burueau, Identity checks and checks that the applicant has the right to work in the UK. You must have 2 references, one of which must be from a previous employer or tutor.
If you would like to apply for this position, please email the Preschool for an application form.
bradpolepreschool@gmail.com
Closing date: 14th June
Interviews week beginning 22nd June
May 26, 2020
We were hoping to have updated everyone yesterday with further information regarding the return to Pre-school from Monday 1st June.
Unfortunately however, the government guidance for early years was only made available on Sunday. We are therefore working through the guidance and will contact everyone by this Friday with further details.
Thank you for your patience and understanding during this difficult time.
Mar 20, 2020
Overnight the government issued the list of critical workers. Please follow the link to read the full government guidance: https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers/closure-of-educational-settings-information-for-parents-and-carers
The Pre-school will be open on Monday as normal (8.00am-4.00pm) for those children who are identified as a child of a critical worker or a vulnerable child. If you need to send your child to Pre-school on Monday because you are a critical worker, please ensure you have let the Pre-school know.
Remember the key message is that if you can possibly keep your child at home then you should do so as this will help prevent the spread of the virus.
Many thanks for your cooperation and understanding during these difficult times.
Mar 18, 2020
Coronavirus (COVID-19) news and updates from Dorset Council,
17 March 2019
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| With so much talk about coronavirus, it’s hard to know which sources of information you should keep up to date with.
This is a rapidly changing situation, but we will keep you up-to-date with any new advice and guidance when it becomes available. You can also sign up for alerts to get updates from the government on coronavirus. |
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New guidance on social distancing
Everyone should begin to minimise social interaction with other people in order to reduce the spread of coronavirus COVID-19. This is known as social distancing.
This includes:
- Avoiding large gatherings and smaller public spaces such as pubs, cinemas, restaurants, theatres, bars, clubs
- Avoiding non-essential use of public transport and varying your travel times to avoid rush hour
- Working from home where possible
- Avoiding gatherings with friends and family
- Using telephone or online services to contact your GP or other essential services
Everyone should be doing these things, but the government advises that anyone who has an increased risk of severe illness from coronavirus (COVID-19) should be strict in following these measures.
Read the full guidance on social distancing including the list of increased risk groups. |
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Updated stay at home guidance
The guidance on what you should do if you have symptoms of coronavirus has been updated.
If you live alone and you have symptoms of coronavirus (COVID-19), however mild, stay at home for 7 days from when your symptoms started.
If you live with others and you or one of them have symptoms of coronavirus, then all household members must stay at home and not leave the house for 14 days. The 14-day period starts from the day when the first person in the house became ill.
If you have symptoms, or someone in your household does, do not go to a GP surgery, pharmacy or hospital. You do not need to call NHS 111 to tell them you are staying at home. If you feel you can’t cope with your symptoms at home, your condition gets worse, or your symptoms do not get better after 7 days, then use the NHS 111 online coronavirus service. |
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The current position on schools
We know that many people have questions about why the government’s response to coronavirus doesn’t include closing schools at this stage.
This measure may be introduced in the coming weeks or months, but the government has explained that it is important that it happens at the right time. This is to ensure that any measures are sustainable, to limit the impact of childcare arrangements on parents (particularly NHS and other frontline workers), and to enable schools to have time to look at alternative methods of teaching (e.g. using technology).
Please keep up to date with the latest advice and guidance at gov.uk/coronavirus, including specific guidance for educational settings.
There is a dedicated helpline number for educational settings for anything not covered by the guidance – please call 0800 046 8687. |
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Waste collection advice if you have symptoms of coronavirus
Personal waste (such as used tissues) and disposable cleaning cloths can be stored securely within disposable rubbish bags. These bags should be placed into another bag, tied securely and kept separate from other waste. This should be put aside for at least 72 hours before being put in your usual external household rubbish bin or authorised blue sack.
Recycling, food, glass and garden waste can be disposed of as normal. |
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Co-ordinated community response
Lots of people have been organising themselves in local communities across Dorset. It’s really great to see people rallying around to look out for older neighbours or those with health conditions. We at Dorset Council are working on some guidance to help with this activity which we hope to publish on our website tomorrow (18 March).
We are also working closely with voluntary sector organisations to ensure essential services provided by them can continue. We will provide further information soon about volunteering opportunities and support for charitable organisations who need extra volunteering support. Please keep checking our website. |
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Keeping essential council services running
Dorset Council’s role is to keep essential public services running and to continue to support vulnerable people in our community. We are working hard to ensure that services such as waste collection, and adult and children’s social care continue to be provided, despite the challenges of the coronavirus situation.
This may mean that some non-essential council services may be scaled back or even stopped altogether for a period of time. We will share information on any changes to services on our website. |
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Support for businesses and self-employed workers
We realise that this is a challenging time for many people who are self-employed and for some local businesses. Some businesses are already being badly affected by the coronavirus situation, such as pubs, restaurants, hotels, etc.
At Dorset Council, we are awaiting guidance from government which is expected later this week about how we will be able to provide support during this difficult time.
In addition, the chancellor recently announced as part of the 2020 Budget that business rates will be suspended over the coming year for many retail, leisure and hospitality firms. Companies with a rateable value of less than £51,000 will be eligible for the tax holiday. This includes shops, cinemas, restaurants and hotels, and is part of a package of “extraordinary” measures to support the UK economy in the face of disruption from the coronavirus outbreak.
Dorset Council is sending out revised business rate bills in line with this. |
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Support for vulnerable people and households
The government has announced a new £500 million Hardship Fund so local authorities can support economically vulnerable people and households. The government expects most of this funding to be used to provide more council tax relief, either through existing Local Council Tax Support schemes, or through similar measures.
At this stage we haven’t been told how much funding will be available to Dorset Council, but as soon as we are, we will work as quickly as we can to establish how we can use it to help our most vulnerable residents. |
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Looking after your health and wellbeing
It’s important to know what’s going on, but if you’re finding that the constant stream of news updates and social media is causing you to become worried or stressed, you could limit the amount of time you spend reading or watching things which aren’t making you feel better.
Perhaps decide on a specific time to check in with the news, or stick to the trusted sources of information to find out what you need to know. You can find information and tips on looking after your mental health on Every Mind Matters.
LiveWell Dorset have just the thing to support your wellbeing at this time: The Five Ways Challenge. Over the following weeks, Five Ways Challenge participants will join together virtually to take care of our wellbeing. Join the Five Ways Challenge. |
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Mar 18, 2020
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-stay-at-home-guidance/stay-at-home-guidance-for-households-with-possible-coronavirus-covid-19-infection
Mar 18, 2020
https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-guidance-on-social-distancing-and-for-vulnerable-people/guidance-on-social-distancing-for-everyone-in-the-uk-and-protecting-older-people-and-vulnerable-adults?fbclid=IwAR25LNj75ZtWSFXedUqPVBE0KKjoqzqStdaTgHen1DfFXkMC5PRXn01Rrhk
Mar 13, 2020
In line with latest government advice on the Coronavirus, please ensure that you keep your children off Pre-school for 7 days if:
- they have a high temperature
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This will help to protect others within our community while they are infectious. Thank you.
For further information, please follow this link: https://www.gov.uk/government/topical-events/coronavirus-covid-19-uk-government-response
Nov 29, 2019
Nov 22, 2019
