February 2023
Last month we looked at all things winter and were blessed with snow! The children learnt that snow is cold and wet. We made snowmen, used snow for mark making, counted snowmen, sorted them by size and sung about snowmen. We even brought snow inside to play with where the children observed snow melting.
The children have also become interested in penguins.
so we have also been looking at these as well.
This month we celebrate St valentine’s day and shrove Tuesday. We are continuing our exploration of Winter, especially snowmen and penguins: sorting by size and ordering numbers using our winter theme.
We will also look at all things heart shaped and talk about people who love us. We will be counting, mark making, shape punching, and creating beautiful works of art all based on the heart shape. We will also of course be making pancakes with healthy fillings.
As usual, my planning is available to see on "Our Current Topic " page.
Things you can do with your child
One of the most important things you can do as a parent is to give your little one experiences-
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Wrap up and go for walks, look for Stick Man or the Gruffalo..
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.Explore snow and ice- what does it feel like? can we pick it up? What can we make with it?
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If you haven't already, why not join the library? it is completely free and gives your little one access to so many stories.
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If you don't already, why not share a book with your little one at bedtime? this is good bonding time, sparks imagination, creates conversation and expands your child’s vocabulary.
Please remember that Covid is still with us
We have to live with Covid and manage it like we manage all other respiratory infections
If a child has symptoms such as a high temperature or a constant new cough –
**There is no requirement to test.
**The child should stay at home for 3 days.
**They need to be temperature free and well enough to manage the normal daily routines before returning to the setting.
More updated guidance from the Govt about children and Covid-19 here –
https://www.gov.uk/guidance/people-with-symptoms-of-a-respiratory-infection-including-covid-19#Children
My policy has not changed.
Please keep your little one at home if you suspect covid or flu.
If I am ill I will have to close my setting which I know will inconvienience everyone.
f I develop covid symptoms, I will test and if positive, close my setting until I test negative.
The NHS guidance states that, ‘Many people will no longer be infectious to others after 5 days and advises us to –
**Try and stay at home for 5 days.
**Avoid contact with others and stay away from busy places.
Please note- to protect all our little ones and myself, I will not accept any children into the setting if there is a positive case within their home - ie a parent or sibling.
I cannot accept any child into my setting if they are unwell.
POSITIVE CASE WITHIN MY HOUSEHOLD
In the event my displays symptoms, he will isolate upstairs away from anywhere the little ones will be and parents will be informed.
IF YOUR CHILD DISPLAYS SYMPTOMS DURING THE DAY
During the working day if any minded child displays any symptoms of COVID19, I will phone for them to be collected as soon as possible.
Symptoms of COVID19
- High temperature
- New continuous cough
- Loss of taste or smell
- Diarrhoea
- Blocked or runny nose
- Aching muscles
- Vomiting
- Long lasting headache
- Sore throat
- Feeling run down, tired and unwell
FEES
I will not charge any parent if a child needs to stay away because of suspected covid. This includes symptoms in a child, parent or myself.
TERMINATION OF CONTRACT
My health policy is there to protect the other children, their families and of course, me and my family. I would rather close to one family than risk the rest of the setting becoming ill (including myself)
If any parent knowingly sends their ill child to my setting, an immediate termination of contract will be given upon collection of your child.
Reminders
I aim to get out with the children most days even if it is raining. Please make sure your child has a suitable waterproof and wellies, and as always we will be getting messy!
EMERGENCY CONTACTS
I am aware that some of your emergency contacts may not be available due to this virus, If this is the case, please let me know sooner rather than later and if at all possible lets sort out some alternative emergency contacts.
If you think your child cannot manage the day without calpol, then they need to stay at home, as calpol can mask a temperature. I am more than happy to give prescribed medication if a form is completed first.
Thank you for your continued support
Lesley