Thundersley Congregational Church Christian Preschool

Newsletter



 April/May 2024

We hope you all had a good Easter break and are looking forward to our summer term, which is a busy one.

Summer weather – hopefully we will be getting some warm weather this term. Please ensure you apply suncream to your child and also provide your child with a hat for when they are playing outside.

Two year funding – as you may be aware the government are giving funding for two year olds who qualify for it from April 2024. If your child is eligible you will need to apply via the government website and email the code along with your national insurance number to tcc.preschool@hotmail.co.uk so we can apply for the funding.  Funding for two year olds from September will need to be applied for before the end of the summer term. If you do not apply before the cut off date you will not receive the funding for the autumn term.  The links for applying and for information are https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ , https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-childcare-if-youre-working. This funding will need to be renewed every three months. The government send you an email to remind you to do this.

Important message about illness – you will have received a letter informing you of a child who is receiving medical treatment that results in their Immunity being compromised. If your child has any illness at all, including a temperature, please DO NOT send them into preschool as this may have a detrimental effect on the child who has a severe condition.

Fees – please check your emails for your invoices. Fees are £18.00 per session and lunch club is £3.00 per day. The fees are due to be paid at the beginning of each half term but will need to be paid by Tuesday 30^th April 2024, at the latest. If fees are not paid by the payment date and a reminder has to be sent a £10.00 admin charge will be added to the invoice. Payments can be paid by BACS (the preferred method) or cash. If you have any issues with payments, please speak to Terri.

Fee Increase – due to the increase in the living wage we are having to increase our fees from September 2024. Sessions will be £20.00, per three hour session. Lunch club fees will also be increased to £3.50 per day.

2024/2025 Sessions – Places have been allocated and you should have received an email confirming what sessions your child has for 2024/2025.  If you have not heard or have any queries please send an email.  Sessions are unlikely to be able to be changed as we are very busy for the next year and sessions are now full.

Fundraising Event – we will be holding a fundraising event for preschool at Zen City, Westcliff, on 16^th May at 7.30pm. It is a Chinese meal that all parents and friends are invited to. The cost will be £18 per person for a three-course meal (starter, duck and mains). Please advise of ant dietary requirements when booking. Places are limited. Speak to Terri or Annette to book a place.

Keyworker Afternoon – There is a keyworker afternoon on Thursday 2^nd May. Please see preschool to book your slot.

Labelling - Please make sure your child’s name is on all clothing, coats, shoes, bags, lunch boxes, snacks and drinks bottles.

Sickness/illness – In line with current Government guidelines we would like to remind you NOT to send your child in if they are at all unwell, even with coughs and colds. There are a lot of viruses about at the moment and it is unfair on your child and on staff if they are ill. Also, if you need to give your child Calpol or any medication do not send your child in as it may be masking another illness. If staff become infected, it will interfere with the continued running of the setting. If preschool needs to call you regarding your child, please ensure you answer your phone as they will need to be collected if they are ill. If your child is prescribed antibiotics please keep them off for the first 48 hours of starting the medication in case of an allergic reaction, unless it is a repeat course of treatment.

Snacks – We will be continuing with our policy of parents providing their child’s snack. We do ask that you supply your child with a healthy snack (fruit, vegetables, cheese or breadstick) and not biscuits, chocolate or sweets. Please remember to cut grapes lengthways and to cut up tomatoes and to stick to recommended age-appropriate portion size. A letter was emailed previously with guidelines for portion size appropriate for young children and healthy snack and lunch options. If you would like a copy of this emailed to you please ask.

Drop off/Pick up – Preschool times are mornings 8.45 – 11.45 and afternoons 12.30 – 3.30. Please do not be late picking your child up. If someone other than the main carers are dropping off or picking up your child, please inform Terri or Annette of the name and contact number of that person. They will need to know your child’s password.

Please could you keep us updated with your email address and check your inbox regularly for updates. Please also ensure you inform us of any change of address or telephone number.

Shared care – if your child goes to a child minder, another preschool or nursery please let Terri or Annette know they have shared care with another setting.

Please do not allow children to bring items in from home, especially toys and comforters (unless it is relevant to the topic and will go straight into the box on arrival) as they can transmit germs.

Diary Dates

2024 Term Dates

Summer Term – 15^th April – 19^th July

Half term – 27^th May - 31^st May

May Day bank holiday – Monday 6^th May 2024

Diary Dates

Key worker afternoon – Thursday 2^nd May

Zen City Fundraising Meal – 16^th May

We will continue communicating via email, Facebook, and our website.