Dovecote news

Splashsuits

2011-04-11T01:21:00.000-07:00

The nursery recently applied to the Washery for a grant, we were successful and received 200.00 pounds. We used this money to purchase splash suits for the children, so we could enjoy and do more outdoor activities in the wet weather as well as the dry. They have proved to be a great success and the children love wearing them, to go on nature walks over to the local pond and allotments.

After School Club

2011-04-11T01:18:00.000-07:00

From May 2011, the after school club service will be cut down to 2days a week, (Wednesday and Thursday), due to demand decreasing. We will be reviewing the situation again in 3months time. Sorry for any inconvenience to our users, but due to the economic changes numbers have decreased and therefore the changes had to be made.

Photographer

2011-04-11T01:16:00.000-07:00

On the 31st of May, Newage photography will be visiting the nursery again to take photographs of the children individually and a group photo for the nursery.

Tesco Vouchers

2011-04-11T01:13:00.000-07:00

Again this year the nursery is taking part in the tesco voucher scheme, we would be grateful in receiving any vouchers to help us to reach our target and get equipment for the nursery. If you have any vouchers please put them in the collection boxes in the nursery or the centre, or if you know any staff member please pass them on to them. Thank You.

Red Nose Day

2011-04-11T01:09:00.000-07:00

This year, for Red Nose Day the nursery decided to sell fairy cakes, red noses and all staff and children wore their pyjamas to nursery for the day. We would like to say a huge Thank You to everyone who joined in and helped us to raise 126.07p.

Dates For Diary

2010-10-17T10:28:00.000-07:00

The children's Christmas party will be on Friday 17th December, 12 -2pm.
The nursery will close on 21st December 2010, and re-open on Tuesday 4th January.

Toothbrush Club

2010-10-17T10:26:00.000-07:00

The toothbrush club has been up and running since September and is going very well. All the children enjoy cleaning their teeth after they have had their morning snacks.

After school club

2010-10-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

The after school club is now up and running. At the moment there are 13 children using the service and there have been a few more enquiries. The club will be open for 2 days during the half term period Monday and Thursday from 9am-3pm, the cost will be £20 per day. If anyone is interested in this or the after school club please contact Jill the nursery manager on 01639 700024 ext 3.

Visits to the Nursery

2010-07-24T11:48:00.001-07:00

In the month of June, the monthly theme was people who help us. Jill arranged a number of visitors to the nursery. Gaynor Smith a nurse at Neath Port Talbot Hospital, came and showed the children how to clean and bandage somebody who was hurt, all the children really enjoyed using the stethoscope and bandages, some were a little squeamish with the fake blood. Two officers from the local police station came with helmets and handcuffs for the children to try on, and their police van which all the children had a turn of sitting in. Gentlemen from Glynneath fire brigade visited with a fire engine, talked to the children and then let them have a turn of spraying/holding the hose with water, and all sat in the engine and tried on their helmets. We would like to Thank everyone who visited, the children really enjoyed and learned about people who help us.

Return to work

2010-07-24T11:44:00.000-07:00

As most of our parents will know Stephanie has been off on maternity leave, she will be returning to work the beginning of July.

Drop off and Pick up service

2010-07-24T11:40:00.000-07:00

The school drop off and pick up service is now in operation, if any parent would like to use this service please contact Jill Nursery Manager.

New Service

2010-07-24T11:32:00.000-07:00

From September the nursery is setting up an After school Club for all children in the local area who attend full time education. We will pick up children from school and transport them to the club, if parents prefer they may bring them up to the club themselves, for further information please contact Jill Nursery Manager.

Toothbrush Club

2010-07-24T11:30:00.000-07:00

To support our Healthy Eating ethos we are starting a toothbrush club for the children, this will promote children's awareness of oral health and assist in their health and well being.

Availability

2010-06-07T14:39:00.000-07:00

There are spaces available in both the under 2's and over 2's room if anybody is interested/ looking for child care please contact Jill, nursery manager on 01639 700024 ext 3.

School Transport

2010-06-07T14:36:00.000-07:00

The school drop off and pick up service is going very well. We have one child using us 3 days a week, with 2 more this month. Come September the numbers are rising again. If anyone is interested in their child attending nursery and using this service, please contact Jill, nursery manager on 01639 700024 ext 3.

Staff Leaving

2010-06-07T14:33:00.000-07:00

Donna who has been working in the nursery for a number of years, has finished and left to work in a new job. We are very sorry to see Donna go but wish her all the best in her new job. All the best Donna, from all at the nursery.

Tesco Vouchers

2010-06-07T14:29:00.000-07:00

The nursery would like to say thank you to everyone who gave tesco school vouchers to the nursery. We did set ourselves quite a high target of 6,400, but we only reached 3,700,which was brilliant and we have managed to request quite a number smaller items, for the children to benefit from. We have chosen quite a few things to be used outdoors. Once again Thank You.

Competition

2010-04-11T13:56:00.000-07:00

The Nursery receives a magazine each month, Small Talk, they have competitions in them and Jill regularly tries her luck, by entering these competitions to win things for the nursery. Well, this month we have been successful and have won 25 large shopping bags. The children will be able to do a small picture/drawing, which will be printed onto the bag.

Return to work

2010-04-11T13:52:00.000-07:00

As all our parents will know, Heather has been off work for the last couple of months on maternity leave. Heather, returned to work the beginning of April, everyone would like to welcome Heather back. Kate Williams who was working to cover Heather, has now finished, due to Heather's return. We would like to Thank Kate for her hard work and covering for Heather when off on leave. Kate will still be in the Nursery 2 days a week on placement, as she is now doing her NVQ level 3 in childcare.

Travel cot update

2010-04-11T13:50:00.000-07:00

We mentioned in an earlier blog, that we had a travel cot for sale, this has now been sold and the funds have been put towards buying equipment for the Nursery.

Staff Training

2010-03-30T12:43:00.000-07:00

Staff in the nursery, regularly do staff training which is relevant to our work, below is a list of what staff have undertaken so far this year.
Jill - Paediatric Life Support (Renewal).
- Fire Safety.
Beth - Neglect.
- Fire Safety.
Donna - Advanced Child Protection.
Clare - Neglect.
Steph - Advanced Child Protection.
Heather - Paediatric Life Support (Renewal).

Awning

2010-03-30T12:40:00.000-07:00

As mentioned before the nursery had applied for funding, to have an awning fitted in the nursery garden. We received the funding and the awning was fitted last week, and works very well. Hopefully we will have some nice weather, during the summer months to use the awning.

Nursery Transport

2010-03-04T11:40:00.000-08:00

As mentioned before, the Nursery is starting a drop-off and collection service to school. It will start this month(March), with 1 child and then in May, 2 children, with more pencilled in for the following months, by September we will have 4 children using the service and hopefully, some new children. If you are interested in this, or need more information please contact Jill Douglas Nursery Manager on 01639 700024 ext3.

Arts and Crafts

2010-03-04T11:35:00.000-08:00

The Nursery would be very grateful for any donations of wallpaper, washed out yoghurt pots, metal jar lids, oddments of wool etc. which we can use for art activities. If you have anything, please drop it into the Nursery. Thank You.

Tesco Vouchers

2010-03-04T11:29:00.000-08:00

The Nursery is collecting the Tesco school vouchers, if you wish to donate these please drop them in to the main office or the Nursery, we would be very grateful for any donations,Thank You.

Parent Training

2010-02-24T05:31:00.000-08:00

The Healthy eating event which was scheduled for the 23rd of February, unfortunately has had to be re-arranged for March 9th. If anybody is interested in attending this evening please contact Jill Douglas Nursery Manager on 01639 700024 ext.3.

Nursery Awning

2010-02-24T05:27:00.000-08:00

As mentioned before in the blog, the Nursery applied for a grant to have an awning placed outside, to provide shade for the children when out in the warm weather. We were disappointed when we were told we had to wait a little longer. But, i am pleased to say we have now received the grant money and hopefully, weather permitting the awning will be put up on Friday 26th February.

Haven Sports Equipment

2010-02-24T05:14:00.000-08:00

A couple of months ago, the Nursery received information from Haven holidays, to receive free sports equipment. We had to register with them and, get our parents, friends and family with children attending the nursery, to sign onto the haven website and pledge their support (giving their e-mail address), and if we reached 100% we would get the equipment. We are extremely pleased to announce that we reached the target, and the beginning of this month we received the sports equipment, which the children have had great fun using and playing with. A BIG Thank you to everybody that helped us reach the target.

New for 2010

2010-01-15T01:16:00.000-08:00

The Nursery is offering a new service starting this year, of drop-off and pick-up from school. We will be offering this to all schools in the Dulais Valley. We are registered for children aged birth-5 years, and our opening hours are 7.30am - 6.30pm. If you require this service and are interested please contact Jill Douglas, Nursery Manager on 01639 700024 ext 3 for more information.

New Year

2010-01-15T01:14:00.000-08:00

The nursery would like to welcome everybody back for the start of a new year. We hope everybody had a lovely Christmas and New Year.

Closing for Christmas

2009-11-12T23:59:00.001-08:00

The Nursery will close for the Christmas break on Friday 18th December at 12pm, and re-open on the 4th January 2010. We would like to thank everyone for their support in 2009, and wish everybody a Merry Christmas and Happy New Year. The Nursery Staff.

Childrens Christmas Party

2009-11-12T23:56:00.000-08:00

The Nursery's children's Christmas party this year will be held on the 4th December. It will be held in Banwen Rugby Club and start at 5pm -7pm. This year we are having a fancy dress party, both children and adults can dress up if they wish. See you there.

Dates for Diary

2009-11-12T23:47:00.000-08:00

On the 1st December, Onllwyn Male Voice Choir, will be putting on a Christmas Carol service, in the Dove Workshop.Tickets are available at £3.00 each and it will start at 6pm, tickets are selling quickly, if you are interested please contact Lorraine in the main office on 01639 700024.

There will be a Winter food Fair held in the Dove Workshop on the 10th December there will be a range of locally made products i.e. cheeses, preserves and fruit & vegetables, from 12-6pm, everyone is welcome.

Nursery Raffle

2009-11-12T23:39:00.000-08:00

Its coming up to that time of year again, and the nursery has already started selling their Christmas raffle tickets. All tickets must be returned by 27th November and also the raffle will be drawn on this date. This year we have 14 prizes,
1st Luxury Food Hamper.
2nd Chocolate Fountain
3rd Juicer/Blender
4th Bottle Wine and novelty stoppers
5th Digital salt &pepper set
6th High School Musical bag & purse
7th Bath Radio
8th Box Chocolates
9th Meal for 2 in Cafe Sarn Helen
10th Children's Christmas Book
11th Box of Chocolates
12th Travel Bag
13th Box of Chocolates
14th Make upset & toilet bag.
If anyone is interested in buying a raffle ticket please call in the nursery.Thank You.

Poem Competition

2009-10-18T02:36:00.000-07:00

The nursery, was sent information to enter a competition, -My First Poem. Forms were given to the children with a poem on and they had to fill in the blanks and return them to nursery. Jill sent these off and we are delighted to announce that 4 of our children were succesful and will now be published in one of the regional books. Well Done.

Fun & Fitness Update

2009-10-18T02:26:00.000-07:00

A big Thank You to everybody who helped us with the Fun & Fitness campaign to get free sports equipment for the nursery. I'm really pleased to announce that we reached the 100% target and are now waiting for the sports equipment to arrive.

Annual Inspection

2009-10-18T02:16:00.000-07:00

On October 2nd the Nursery had it's annual inspection, with Elin Davies from CSSIW our registering body. We received the report from that inspection this week, for the second year running we have had no recommendations for any improvements to the nursery. To see a copy of our report you can go on to the cssiw website or for our parents it's on display in the foyer of the creche.

Vacancies

2009-10-06T15:00:00.001-07:00

There are vacancies available in the nursery, for children aged from birth to five years. You may also be entitled to help with your childcare costs. If you are looking for childcare, please contact Jill Douglas the Nursery Manager on 01639 700024 ext 3.

Sports Equipment

2009-10-06T14:55:00.001-07:00

The nursery has recently been sent information from Haven, who are giving away sports equipment free to nursery's/schools who register to take part. The Nursery has signed up, and at the moment are up to 50%, in order to get the free equipment we need to reach 70%, hopefully we will reach this target and get to 100%, where we will then get a bonus pack as well. Thank You to all parents/grandparents and relatives who have helped us so far.

Awning update

2009-10-06T14:52:00.000-07:00

I mentioned in an earlier blog that the nursery had applied for a grant so we could get an awning to put over the outdoor garden area. At the moment we won't be getting the grant but it will be reviewed at the beginning of next year, hopefully we will be successful and be able to get the awning for summer 2010.

Maternity Leave

2009-10-06T14:47:00.000-07:00

As our parents will know Stephanie is pregnant and expecting twins. Steph has now finished work and is off on maternity leave,we would all like to wish Steph well and await the arrival of the twins. All the best Steph.

New Supply

2009-10-06T14:43:00.000-07:00

The Nursery now has two supply workers that can be called upon when needed, they are Kate Williams and Tiffany Figoni.

Monthly Theme

2009-10-06T14:35:00.000-07:00

Last month, the theme was food. We looked at healthy food, eating out, our favourites and not healthy. The children did food tasting activities,e.g. different types of bread,fruit and Chinese food and various cooking activities. This month (October), the theme is animals, this is broken down into our pets, wild animals, nursery rhymes including animals and homes e.g. fish lives in a fish tank.

Breakfast Club

2009-10-06T14:32:00.000-07:00

The nursery, now has a breakfast club, which is used by a number of our children. The children are offered a different cereal each day and a piece of fruit with milk to drink. It has been very successful.

Training Program

2009-10-06T14:22:00.000-07:00

As the Meningitis Trust evening was a success previously, Jill (Nursery Manager), is planning on running another evening for parents. Also, as part of the training program the next evening tobe arranged will be Healthy Eating. More details of this evening will be posted soon.

Children leaving

2009-07-30T12:15:00.000-07:00

This month a few of our older children, have left nursery,as they will be attending school full time after the holidays. Here are some pictures they drew before leaving. Flynn drew this lovely picture of his house and a picture of Jill. Maddi drew a picture of a rocket.

Children's art work

2009-07-30T12:04:00.001-07:00

Here are some of the childrens pictures, they did string painting, texture painting and handprint painting.

New Arrival

2009-07-30T11:59:00.000-07:00

In the early hours of this morning, Heather the deputy manager had her baby. Lili weighed in at 7lbs 11.5 ozs., both mother and baby are well. Everybody at the Dove sends their love and congratulations to Heather, Dale and Lili.xx

Training Programme

2009-07-01T14:37:00.000-07:00

As mentioned before, the nursery has put together a training programme for parents. The First Aid Course will be taking place on Monday 6th of July, there are places still available if you are interested please get in touch with Jill the nursery manager on 01639 700024 ext 3.

Nursery Awning

2009-07-01T14:31:00.000-07:00

The nursery has applied for a grant, so that we can have an awning put over the outdoor play area to shade the children in the hot weather. Hopefully we will hear soon, wheather we have been successful or not. The children love to go outdoors, all wear hats and have suncream applied but can't go out for long in this very hot weather.

Car Boot Sale -Update

2009-07-01T14:29:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately the car boot sale planned for Saturday 4th of July, has had to be cancelled. Sorry for any inconvenience, hopefully it can be re-arranged for another date.

Romania Appeal

2009-06-17T11:02:00.000-07:00

Recently the nursery were involved in the project Reaching Romania. The parents were asked if they wanted to help, they were given an empty shoe box covered in Christmas wrapping paper and given a list with many items on it, (some essential). The parents then filled them and returned them to the nursery, in total 64 boxes were filled for children/adults in Romania. We also enlisted the help of the crochet class held at Dove Workshop, 36 blankets were made, also scarfs hats and slippers.

Trip to Cantref Farm

2009-06-17T10:57:00.000-07:00

On Tuesday 9th June, the nursery ran a trip to Cantref Farm, Brecon.A total of 25 adults and 20 children attended, a very enjoyable day was had by all, and the weather was lovely for the children to play on the outdoor activities. I think the favourite event for most was watching the pig racing.

Roots,Toots and Froots Fair

2009-06-17T10:51:00.000-07:00

On 16th July, there will be a Roots, Toots & Froots fair held in the allotments in Roman Road Banwen from 12-7pm. Come and join in, in a gardening fun day.

Car Boot Sale

2009-06-17T10:46:00.000-07:00

On July 4th, there will be a car boot sale held at the Dove Workshop, booking is essential. There is a charge of £5 per car. Payment is required in advance please contact Lorraine/Kate in the main office on 01639 700024 ext 1.

Training for Parents

2009-06-17T10:36:00.000-07:00

The nursery has arranged a training programme for parents /family members and friends to attend (booking essential). The first of which is a baby massage course, held on the 10th & 17th of June, which many attended. The following have also been arranged -First Aid,Positive Behaviour, Oral Health, Healthy Eating and Sibling Rivalry.There is a charge of £5 and there are still spaces available, the first aid training will begin on the 6th of July, if anyone is interested please contact Jill the Nursery Manager .

Monthly Theme

2009-06-17T02:49:00.000-07:00

Through the year the Nursery follows a curriculum, which is broken down into a monthly theme, one activity a day is related to the topic. This month the theme is Safety - this is broken down into weeks, these being, ourselves, outdoor, indoor and symbols.

Tesco vouchers

2009-06-17T02:46:00.000-07:00

The Nursery joined the Tesco voucher scheme this year, we needed to collect 3430 and the total we collected was 3522. A huge Thank You to everyone who helped us reach our target.We are now going to order a Dark Den and accessory kit to go with it.

Vacancies

2009-06-17T02:32:00.000-07:00