1. Newsletter January 2015 Contacts During sessions: - 01604 785123 Out of hours : - 07941 182487 Email: - info@bizzy-bears.com Newsletter www.bizzy-bears.com Spring Term A very Happy New Year to all our families. We would also like to welcome the new children and their parents who have joined Bizzy Bears this term. This half term we will be learning about the season of Winter and following the children’s interests and incorporating these into our weekly planning..All this information can be found on the curriculum planning board in the corridor. Children are welcome to bring in items relating to our themes to show at circle time. Please may we ask that any other toys remain in the children’s bags to prevent lost items. Changes to the Three year old funding Entitlement Following the DFE announcement from January 2015 Northamptonshire will be taking part in a pilot scheme which will see additional funding given to settings to improve outcomes for all children called the Early Years Pupil Premium(EYPP). Children will be eligible if they are 3 or 4 years old and and their parents are in receipt of one or more of the benefits used to access eligibility for free school meals. Please see the letter attached for eligibility criteria. If you are found to be eligible you will be given a reference number which you will need to include on your Parents carer contract attached to this newsletter. Unfortunately we can not make the checks on your behalf but we will be holding open sessions on Monday 12 th January at 12.30pm, Wednesday 14 th January 9.15am and Thursday 15 th January 9.15am to assist parents in accessing the online eligibility checker. Those children who are not eligible for the EYPP who turned 3 before 31 st December 2014 will qualify for the Spring term 3 year old entitlement will need to complete a Parent/carer contract attached to this letter which will need to be completed by Thursday 15 th January (headcount day). You will need to provide your child’s birth certificate (if we have not already taken a copy) and a current utility bill (no older than 3months) displaying your postcode. Policies We have reviewed and amended our Equality and diversity policy, Lost child policy and Health and safety policy. A copy of our policies and procedures are available to parents and carers and are located in the changing rooms and on our website.

2. Two Year old Early funded learningTwo Year old Funded Early Learning If you are a parent/carer of a 2 year old and receive certain benefits you could be entitled to 15 hours/six sessions of free early learning (not including lunch club) a maximum of 570 hours per year(depending on spaces). To find out if you are eligible please go to www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/2yearfunding. If you are eligible you will be given a reference number which you will need to give to us to apply for the funding. To claim funding for this spring term January – April we will need to receive your reference number, a copy of your child’s birth certificate and a utility bill displaying your current postcode which is no older than 3 months by headcount day which is Thursday 15 th January. www.northamptonshire.gov.uk/2yearfunding Dates for your diary Thursday 5 th and 6 th February 9.15am – Kids Klub DVD productions (more information to follow) Friday 13 th February – Pre school closes for half term Emergency Procedure Bizzy Bears Pre-school is required to draw up an emergency procedure which is to be followed in the event of an incident within Pre-school hours where we have to vacate the building and are unable to return. To make all parents/carers aware the staff and children will walk the short distance to St Andrews school, Ecton Brook road, Ecton Brook NN3 01604 406486 where parents / carers will be contacted and asked to collect their children. Children’s Belongings As the weather is starting to turn colder please could you send your child to Pre-school with a named coat, hat etc and if possible a pair of wellington boots as outdoor play still remains an important part of our curriculum. Please can we also ask that you supply a spare set of clothes and also indoor and outdoor shoes for your child for each session, as our stock at Pre school is limited. Please name all children’s clothes to prevent lost items, Thank you Severe Weather In the unlikely event that Bizzy Bears has to remain closed due to severe weather conditions, we will post this information on our own website www.bizzy-bears.com and on the local radio: 104.2 and 103.6 FM (BBC radio Northampton) 96.6 FM (Heart) Achievement Wall Our achievement wall is located in the entrance hall and parents are welcome to attach post it notes to their child’s name card to pass on information from home for us to celebrate during our sessions with the children and to include in your child’s special book. We would also like you to share your observations of your child’s learning as part of their learning journey by taking a few moments to record an activity or experience that your child becomes involved in using the ‘My Families observation sheet’. These observations will form part of your child’s special book following their learning and development. Copies of My Family observations are located in the corridor and on our website.