Playgroup is back in full swing with new starters arriving and settling in well. The system of encouraging parents to come to a session with their child in the week before they start is proving beneficial to all concerned.

Marie is back at work now after her operation and even though her lifting is still limited, it is a great joy to have her back as part of the team. It is only when a member of the team is away that you really begin to realise how much they do behind the scenes without you realising it!  

The children (and staff) had a great time visiting China and learning all about their customs and traditions. The Chinese take-away with real noodles and chopsticks was a success as was the array of Chinese clothes which were worn continually by several of the children. The music and creative dance of the dragon was captured on digital camera and the Chinese writing proved very interesting. The children’s attempts can be seen on display in the quiet room.

We are, at present, discovering lots of opposites including happy/sad, hot/cold, wet/dry and day/night. The dolls got very dirty playing in the garden and all had to get clean by having a bath. Things that make Helen happy and sad were discussed – it was quite an eye-opener. Apparently Helen likes it if things are picked up from the floor if there are in the wrong place, likes children to share and say please and thank you!!

The guided reading (on a Monday at present) is working well and children are very proud of their stories. A copy of each child’s story is filed in their folder.

JoJo is having a fantastic social life and his diary is growing to be a great record of his adventures. He has been to Ede’s and Emily’s birthday party, celebrated a birthday by helping Miriam open her presents, riding and playing guitar, drums and trumpet with Gemma, been to Heathrow airport with Phoebe and is, at the moment, recovering from a visit to the hunt with John. Don’t worry, he took his riding hat too!