Thurnby and Bushby Playgroup Leaders report for A.G.M. 2021 Wednesday 13[th] October 2021
We continue to follow the EYFS, which has 7 developmental areas of learning, with activities which are adult led, and also child initiated. All children are allocated a key person who oversees their development and helps them to add to their Learning Journey. This is a collection of evidence of activities and a record of how they have developed, and next steps, which are targets to reach whilst at playgroup. The EYFS is due to be revised and the new EYFS will begin September 2021.
News-
Committee - A big thank you to them for their hard work and their fantastic support. Our chair person remains unchanged, Rochelle Jarrett , as does our treasurer Karen O’Donovan. Priya Brookes and Nabila Ali remain as general members. The position of secretary remains unfilled, as we said good bye to Sophiya Khan last year. Helen Shepherd remains as our representative for Ofsted. Again we thank all who have joined and support us, as without a full committee we cannot run. Any parent wishing to join the committee will be expected to complete an enhanced DBS and an EY2, which allows them to be checked as suitable to be involved with playgroup’s roles. All other parents joined our forum, which allows them to support us and attend meetings but with less responsibility than a committee member.
Staff Changes- There are no changes this year, our full time, permanent staff group remains, Kerri Le-Butt as leader, Nicola Catherall as Deputy, and Karla Appleton, and Meghann Hudson remain as level 3 qualified staff. Rachel Hartshorn remains on our books as temporary, cover staff when needed, and during the Summer term we welcomed local child minder, and previous parent, Pinky Jadav, as a helper on a Friday morning. Training-
-
Business Health Check- (online due to pandemic) Praksha from Early Learning & Child Inclusion team helped us with tips for running a successful, committee run playgroup.
-
First Aid training- basic first aid and children’s first aid- All staff 26/03/21
-
All staff completed essential training online (EduCare) throughout the year, which included Effective Safeguarding (revised 2019), The Prevent Duty in an Early Years Environment, Understanding and Addressing behaviour, Understanding Children’s Rights, Equality and Inclusion in Early Years Settings, Food Allergy and Intolerance Training, as well as others that staff chose to do.
Covid-19 Pandemic-
-
School requested we change our finish times of our late club, to 3.20 instead of 3.30 due to the pandemic and to allow social distancing to continue.
-
Thursday 12[th] November, and Thursday 19[th] November, we were forced to close due to staff awaiting covid test results, and not being able to meet the legal staffing requirements.
-
It was decided that due to low numbers, and the continued impact of Covid we would close on a Tuesday and Thursday during the Spring term 2020. This saved on staffing, heating, and other costs such as cleaning.
-
When we reopened in the Summer term 2020, we continued to close on a Tuesday, and offered another afternoon session on a Thursday instead. We now off 21 hours, and sessions 9-3, Monday, Wednesday and Thursday, and 9-12 on a Friday.
Other mentionable items regarding playgroup -
-
Chubb renewed our fire appliances, and replaced ones as necessary to comply with legal recommendations- Thursday 29[th] October 2020
-
PAT testing was completed on all electrical items- Tuesday 27[th] October 2020
-
Air conditioning units tested and Cleaned-Tuesday 22[nd] September 2020
-
Both our hot water units were replaced and leak to toilet and valves repaired 26/10/2020
-
No free milk was available to the playgroup during the spring term, this was due to covid and the dairy not able to provide milk in 1/3 pint portioned cartons, and it was felt that dividing milk into individual cups for each child was not appropriate whilst the pandemic was still on.
-
19/01/21 Outside lights were mended, and fitted with timers to ensure security and safety.
-
Playgroup closed due to Snow- Mon 25/01/21, (School closed Tuesday 09/02/21) Weds 10/02/21
-
New Covered areas were installed over half term- Mon 15[th] -Weds 16[th] February 2021
-
Soft surface and slope etc were jet washed-03/03/21
-
Outside tap repaired 22/04/21
-
Simon our gardener continued to edge the play areas and create a stone area, as well as tidy up the mud kitchen and pathways.
-
Jane Gemmell our Area Senco and support officer retired Easter 2021
-
Friday November 27[th] we closed due to school being closed and we are not able to be on site when they are not.
Termly Activities-
Autumn Term 2020
We returned to the new term, with many restrictions still in place regarding covid-19, and to the previous opening hours, of 21 hours over 5 days (summer term had seen a reduction of just 15 hours spread over just three days). Parents were still not able to enter the setting, and continued to follow rules such as wearing face masks on site, social distancing, and we asked for all children to provide their own snack, drinks, and lunch, which was placed onto the trolley and sanitised before use. The children continue to wash their hands on arrival, and before leaving, and are encouraged to be more aware of germs and how we can prevent them spreading. We followed all guidelines regarding symptoms of covid and requested testing or exclusion as the government changed these and acted accordingly.
Total number of children-15
Numbers
Mon 13 Tues 4 Weds 12 Thurs 7 Fri 14 PM 8 PM 9
Themes- First half term- For many children it was their first time returning to the setting after a long period of disruption, due to the covid-19 restrictions. It was decided that the first half terms theme would concentrate on PSED- Mental Health and children and adults wellbeing, as well as health and hygiene. We incorporated lots of activities and stories that included sharing, caring for others and extending empathy to others. We reintroduced our reward bead jar, and children could receive a reward for other things such as being kind and friendly as well as helping to tidy up. The second half we learned about Autumn festivals and celebrations. We celebrated Diwali (5[th] November) with card making, dancing and many props such as masks, clothing etc for the children to learn about the festival of lights. The 5[th] November was also Bonfire night, we made firework pictures using straws, paint and glitter. During the week of Halloween, we had Pumpkin Week, and scooped out pumpkins, made many different crafts etc and played with slime. Remembrance Sunday, (8[th] November) we made poppy pictures and talked about the soldiers in the war. Friday 13[th] November was BBC Children in Need and we had a Pudsey Bear day, we wore yellow, spots, bears or ducks! We took part in the duck race and watched the reruns on the computer. During the December weeks we decorated the playgroup and celebrated Christmas. We had an advent calendar with each child being chosen to open one date, decorated the playgroup, and acted out the story of the Nativity.
Play/Craft Morning- This could not go ahead again this year due to Covid restrictions Christmas Party- We were not able to invite families to join us to celebrate but instead we held party afternoons for children only on Mon 14[th] and Weds 16[th] Dec. The children enjoyed party games and food, and received a gift.
Christmas Meal- Our annual adults only, skittles and food evening at the Rose and Crown, was not able to go ahead this year, again due to Covid restrictions.
Spring Term 2021-
Numbers continued to be reduced, due to covid-19, the government had brought in another lockdown situation, and many parents chose to keep them at home. Many of our other parents are continuing to work from home and have reduced their child care needs, or parents are still cautious and have not sent their children for as many sessions or to as many settings as before. As numbers were lower than normal, and we had a member of staff who chose to be furloughed, due to vulnerability of her family, it was decided to reduce the sessions we offered again, and from the 11[th ] January, we closed on a Tuesday and a Thursday. We opened Monday and Wednesday 9-3 and Friday 9-12. After discussion with committee and staff, a decision to open on a Thursday was made as a full day, and enabling children to attend three full days, and a half day (21hrs), we began these new hours WKB 08/03/21. It was felt by offering more full days it would appeal to parents who had previously chose nurseries over us.
Total number of children- 19
| Mon 12 |
Tues | Weds 11 | Thurs | Fri 11 |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM 12 | Closed |
PM 12 | Closed | |
| Spring Term | After 08/03/21 | |||
| Mon 15 | Tues | Weds 15 | Thurs 8 | Fri 15 |
| PM 15 | Closed | PM 15 | PM 6 |
Themes- First half term we joined in with the Big Bird Watch (29th-31[st] Jan) and set up areas within playgroup and the garden to feed and watch the birds that visited playgroup, as well as the odd cheeky squirrel! We celebrated Chinese New Year, by acting out the story of how the Chinese zodiac of naming a year after an animal came about, this year it was the year of the Ox. We had beautiful outfits to try, and paying with rice and noodles in a tuff spot, as well as role play food items. Pancake day and Valentine’s day, both fell during half term this year and so were not celebrated.
The second half term we celebrated Mother’s day, but due to restrictions we were not able to hold our usual event of Cakes and Shakes, but instead the children planted a beautiful flower, and decorated a pot, all which were kindly donated by our local Nursery Centre, Coles. The children also drew pictures of their mums and made cards and learnt a new song “It’s Mother’s Day” to sing to their mums. On Friday 19[th] March we celebrated Red Nose Day, with a Carnival theme- we wore bright colours, played games with prizes, and danced to lots of different music under a brilliant balloon arch. We ended the term celebrating Easter, with lots of activities including egg and spoon races, Easter tuff spot, and making Easter treats to take home.
Summer Term 2021 –
We continued to open Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 9-3 and Fridays 9-12, and our numbers increased drastically. Due to the government making the decision that preschools would remain open as normal, despite schools still being limited and subject to lockdown numbers to attend. Many parents felt comfortable to send their children to more than one setting and for more sessions than they previously had. Total number of children- 30
| Mon | 21 | Tues | Weds | 24 | Thurs | 15 | Fri | 25 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PM | 19 | closed | PM | 21 | PM | 12 |
Theme- Our first half term we learnt about past and present, and how we had changed since we were born, and what toys were like years ago. We also learnt about Dinosaurs, and other animals that were extinct, castles, (including St. George’s Day) technology, transport, manners and enjoyed a week of growing, and learning about recycling, and how we can help our planet for the future.
Our second half term theme was the Olympics, the Euro’s and being healthy and active. We talked about healthy eating, and what we can do to be healthy. We made Father’s day cards during the week up to Father’s day on Sunday 2oth June, and talked about our dads and other father figures in our lives, and read stories which included dads.
Our annual Sports day, picnic, and other group events, for the second year had to be cancelled due to the Covid-19 rules of no group gatherings. Instead we held sports week, and the children ran different races, each day, and all received a special medal. They enjoyed running the races, but also cheering their friends on with musical instruments.
Transition visits to and from schools/teachers also had to be cancelled, and staff made extra efforts to send comprehensive reports early to schools for all our leavers. Our leavers party was also, for the second year running, not able to run but we were able enjoy party style activities during the afternoon sessions of Monday 5[th] July and Wednesday the 7[th] July instead.
We said good bye to 18 children, and ended the school term on Thursday 8[th] July.
Thurnby & Bushby Playgroup Income & Expenditure Account
1st September 2020- to 31st August 2021- complete for AGM
----- Start of picture text -----
Income Expenditure
Funding 42,546.48
Furlough income 2,976.97
Parents Fees 2,365.00
Registration Fees 220.00
Learning Journey Contributions 505.00
Bank Interest 0.03
Milk Refund 318.35
Fundraising 0.00
Funding (Course) 0.00
Grant Income 10,000.00
Donations 963.33
30 Minutes Club 220.00
Wages/Tax & NI (58,199.66)
Ofsted Renewal (100.00)
Milk (286.53)
Waste Collection (405.36)
Rent & Premises Costs (1,847.00)
PLA Renewal (216.00)
Business Rates (632.56)
Building Insurance (1,808.48)
Phone Contract (278.44)
Other Expenses (217.75)
Pupil Premium (26.00)
Stationery and Stamps (346.94)
PLA Shop 0.00
Fire Safety (47.22)
YPO Office Supplies (381.92)
Costco 0.00
Photography (47.96)
Cleaning Products (192.17)
Seasonal, Toys and Crafts (326.53)
Refreshments (36.49)
Garden Items (5,669.57)
Computer Equipment (338.64)
ESPO 0.00
Petty Cash 0.00
Courses (240.00)
Gardener 0.00
Electricity/Water (1,642.91)
Entertainer 0.00
Lottery Licence 0.00
Book People 0.00
Air Con Service (184.20)
Photocopying 0.00
Baker Ross 0.00
DBS check 0.00
cash transfer 0.00
60,115.16 (73,472.33)
Net Income/(Expenditure) (13,357.17)
----- End of picture text -----
Bank & Cash b/f 13,891.55 Bank & Cash c/f 534.44
AUDIT CERTIFICATE for Thurnb & Bushb Pla rou I hebY certify that the accourbts of Thurnby & Bushby Play8¥oup for the period to 31" Au8USI 2021 represenis a true and lair viewof the Playgroup's financial operations lor the perlod. I confirm that adequate financial reiords are maintained by the Play8roup. Damian Mitchell Independeni Flnanclal Ad¥l*r ar Director Harcourt Financlal Ltd The Old Dairy 2 High Strèet Fleckney Leicestershlre LE88 10.05.2022