Welcome back! - We are delighted to be welcoming the children back to nursery after such a long time. Below is some very important information about the safe return to nursery, therefore please take time to read the newsletter carefully.  We are all looking forward to working with all of you to support the safe return of your children to nursery.

Building Works:  We are currently having the last of the work done to the main entrance of the nursery therefore it is unsafe to use this entrance until the work is completed. For now the children should enter the nursery by walking round the side of the building to the back garden.  Children will use the first garage as a cloakroom area before entering the building.  It is anticipated that the work will take between 6 to 8 weeks.

Social Distancing:  Please follow the 2 meter distancing red markings as you enter the nursery premises they will guide you around to the back of the nursery to our temporary entrance.  At times you may need to wait to drop your child off and pick up as we have created a one in one out procedure. When you press the bell a member of the management team will answer, could you please refrain from standing inside the black and yellow lines so that staff can open and close the door safely.  Due to the amount of adults moving around at these times we request that you wear a face covering when entering the cloakroom within the garage area.  This is for the protection of everyone.  Your child’s peg is within the garage along with their bags and soft shoes which should be worn for indoors.  Please do not bring any other bags.  The exit from nursery will be via the gate past the second garage creating a one way system again please follow the red markings which will lead you out to the main entrance of the nursery.  Staff, children and your safety is paramount please ensure you follow our guidance.  Please also ensure that all gates are closed behind you. 

Parents/Carers:   In order to reduce contact and keep continuity for your child, can you please limit to 2 named people for dropping off and picking your child up.   At this stage only staff and children will be allowed into the premises, should you need to contact the nursery please do so by telephone or email to the head teachers account.

Headteacher@Ardnahoe-nursery.glasgow.sch.uk

Children’s Attendance: Week Commencing 10^th August 2020:  All children will be invited in for one settling session. Week commencing 17^th August 2020 parents should ensure their child attends nursery on the days and times which were posted out. As you will be aware the 1140 hours entitlement has been paused due to COVID-19, however we will work towards offering children 1140 hours.  Again I would ask for your patience in this regards, our first priority is to ensure the children are safe and settled!   

Children’s Sessions:  It is very important that you adhere to the times your child has been allocated by the nursery to ensure the children can enter and leave nursery safely.

Snacks/Lunches: All children will receive a healthy snack at nursery; however at present we are not in a position to offer lunch to all children.  Should this change we will let you know.  

Toy Fund: We will begin collecting this from the week commencing 31^st August; the fee will remain £3 weekly. Could you please ensure you have the correct change as we do not want to be handling and sharing money? When toy fund is collected you will be asked to show it and then put it into the tray provided. No receipts will be given but we will sign it off in front of you so that you know a record of your payment has been made. 

Children’s clothing:  We expect all children to have their own wellie boots for outdoor play and a warm jacket. Please ensure your child always has a change of clothes in their string bag remember underwear and socks too. Due to the current situation we are not able to use the nursery clothes for outdoor play and learning. Reports indicate that transmission of the virus is reduced when outdoors, with this in mind please ensure your child is appropriately dressed daily for outdoor play and learning as this will be even more prevalent in the months ahead. 

Care Plans:  Children’s care plans are required to be updated regularly we will be in touch about how this will be done.

Parent Group:  We are looking for parent volunteers to become part of our parents group.  Their role would be to help during our ‘Recovery and Reconnecting’ after the pandemic but also about providing general support for the nursery throughout the year.  COVID-19 has had a significant impact on all of us and it is important that parent’s views are taken into account as we plan ahead.   If you would like to get involved please inform a member of the management team.

Diary Dates

• In service days Monday 10^th & Tuesday 11^th August ( children should not attend)
• September weekend Friday 25^th & Monday 28^th September 2020
• In service day Friday 9^th October 2020 (children should not attend)
• Sponsored Bounce 19^th October- 23^rd October 2020
• Diwali 14^th November 2020
• Halloween Celebration 26^th October-31^st October (over the week)
• Outdoor Classroom Day -TBC
• Family Book Bug session 5^th November 2020
• Parents Evening 16^th-20^th November 2020
• Tartan & St Andrews Day 27^th November 2020
• Toys for Social Work week beginning 1^st December 2020
• Christmas Party/Santa visit 23^rd December 2020

Mary and staff at Ardnahoe