1. Important Dates
Autumn Term 2014
Half term th – 31st October
Jo Jingles visit Tuesday 18th November
Inset Day Friday 28th November
Bingo Saturday 29th November
Willows Christmas Monday 1st December
Christmas Fayre Friday 5th December
Christmas movie & disco Thursday 11th December
Christmas Performance Thursday 11thDecember*
Thur 11.00am, Mon 5pm Monday 15thDecember*
Christmas Party Friday 19th December
Last day of term Friday 19th December
Inset day Monday 5th January
Spring Term starts Tuesday 6th January
Committee :
If you are interested about joining our committee
please speak to either Paula Metcalfe or any of
the team.
Autumn
c/o Offley Endowed School
School Lane
Gt Offley
Herts
SG5 3AT
Tel:
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Wow Didn't the last eight weeks fly by? Although towards the end I think we were all looking forward to half term.
This is another busy seven weeks, almost instantly we will start our Christmas preparations, so much to learn, prepare.
We value your thoughts and suggestions so please let us know if you feel we could improve anything.
I am always available if you would like to discuss any issues or concerns regarding your child and am usually at Preschool by 8.20am. Regards Paula Metcalfe.
Collection times
Can we politely remind you of the pick-up times for preschool. They are as follows:
Morning session 12pm (unless your child is staying for lunch club where it's 1pm)
Afternoon session 3pm. If you are going to be late please telephone ahead.
Emergencies occasionally arise and we will work with you to make sure your child is looked after and reassured, additional costs for staffing etc may be necessary.
Please refer to our late payment charge/policy which is displayed in the foyer.
Website
Please use our website and sign up for our closed group facebook page. We send weekly reminders via facebook and ,keeping the website updated with photos of our many activities as well as key dates throughout the year.
If you have any suggestions as to improve what we display please speak to a member of staff.
Weekly walks
We plan to take the children out into the community at least once a week, this will happen on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays. All children will be involved. We will need permission slips and appropriate clothing for your child. (We will go in the cold, light rain and snow, just not in torrential rain). Facebook and will keep you informed.
Harvest full of Happiness
Thank you for the generous gifts so many of you donated. We had a reduced amount of nominations this year, so going forward we will compile a list of who has received a gift over the last few years and put them first. The children were so well behaved, spoke politely and listened (which is what I feel the most rewarding part is) walking to and from preschool taking turns to deliver each donation. . Many photographs were taken and added to our website.
It is an opportunity to take five minutes, bringing generations together, an opportunity for preschool children to share a conversation and in the weeks to come to say Hello when we pass in the street. Thank you for your continued support, let us continue to make some of our neighbours smile.
November 2014

2. IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Fundraising Events
Offley Preschool committee have arranged several fun events to raise money for the preschool in the coming weeks. Please support us as without these additional funds some of our wonderful extra curricular activities/events wouldn’t be possible.
Bingo afternoon – 29th November 4-6pm Offley Village Hall
(All welcome – bring friends and family)
Christmas Fayre – 5th December 3-5pm* (held in Offley Endowed School)
Christmas movie & Disco – 11th December
(including a cold tea – more info to follow)
New Resources
Preschool has had some major gardening work completed in recent weeks, with the removal of several large shrubs and trees. A new fence panel and we are awaiting the delivery of a new storage shed. These items are necessary to keep our outside area clean and safe.
To add to this the staff have been speaking to the children about some new resources they would benefit from. The committee have put aside some money, the new toys and outfits will be purchased and available in the next couple of weeks.
Willows Trip
It is now time to collect the money for our Christmas Trip.
Final costs are £6.50 per adult and £11.00 per child over 2. £9.00 for children under 2.
Is anyone prepared to car share? Please can you remind us if your child is coming alone or you need transport (We can take a small proportion, many parents/grandparents are joining us which is fantastic). We are looking forward to it. MONEY DEADLINE 21st NOVEMBER
Christmas Performances
This year the children will perform a variety of songs, poems and activities rather than a play due to the age and stage many of this years cohort fall into.
We ask that the children attend both performances if at all possible. It is an opportunity for us all to get together and celebrate your children and their achievements. Costumes will be worn.
Refreshments will be offered afterwards in the preschool. Performance is held in the main school hall.
Opening Hours for 2014/2015
Our opening hours are Mon, Fri pm and Tue, Wed, Thur pm.
We offer one off additional sessions when required – Payment must be made on the day.
Policy on Sickness reminder: Children must remain off of school until they have been 24HOURS clear of all symptoms. Coughs and colds are fine if your child feels well enough for school.
Mobile Phones
Just a reminder that in line with our Safeguarding policy, mobile phones are not to be used on the premises. Your child will not be handed over to you until you have hung up your conversation, Please refrain from having your phone out on site. Thank you.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
Please notify us as soon as possible to any information changes.
To become more environmentally friendly we would like to send as much information out as possible via .
PLEASE MAKE SURE WE HAVE A CORRECT ADDRESS.
Website
Please take a look when you get a chance. The website is updated frequently. We welcome any comments or suggestions.
Offley Pre-school Staff: Paula Metcalfe, Sara Page, Elaine Wood and Claire Pin
November 2014
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3. Term Dates for 2014/2015 Autumn Term 2014 Monday 1st September 2014 to
These dates have been set using the Hertfordshire school suggested dates
Autumn Term 2014
Monday 1st September 2014 to
Friday 19th December 2014
Half Term
Monday 27th October to Friday 31st October 2014
Inset Day
Monday 1st September 2014
First day of term
Tuesday 2nd September 2014
Spring Term 2015
Monday 5th January 2015 to
Thursday 2nd April 2015
Half Term
Monday 16th February to Friday 20th February 2015
Inset Day
Monday 5th January 2015
First day of term
Tuesday 6th January 2015
Summer Term 2015
Monday 20th April 2015 to
Wednesday 22nd July 2015
Half Term
Monday 25th May to Friday 29th May 2015
First day of term
Monday 20th April 2015
Inset Day
Friday 28th November 2014
Inset Day
Friday 13th February 2015
Inset Day
Friday 19th June 2015
Inset Day
Wednesday 22nd July 2015