Websites

USEFUL WEBSITES

Here are a list of helpful websites

https://www.tlc-essex.info/ speech and language

https://hungrylittleminds.campaign.gov.uk/ speech and language

https://wordsforlife.org.uk/ speech and language

https://www.smallstepsbigchanges.org.uk/ speech and language

https://ican.org.uk/ speech and language

http://www.megacentrerayleigh.co.uk/community-services/ help, advice and support/things to do

https://www.explore-essex.com/places-to-go things to do

https://www.nhs.uk/change4life/recipes/healthier-lunchboxes healthy eating

https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au/health/HealthyLiving/lunch-box-tips healthy eating

Two year funding https://www.childcarechoices.gov.uk/ , https://www.gov.uk/apply-free-childcare-if-youre-working

News letter

April/May 2025

Welcome back to preschool after the Easter holidays. We hope you had a good time with family and friends.

Funding forms – for those children on funding who have not used all their allocated hours place you will receive an email explaining that due to government changes we can use the extra time to cover the period from 11.45 – 12.30. You will need to complete an updated version of the funding form to complete and return with the added time on it.

Lunch club – you will have received an email letting you know we are no longer allowed to charge for lunch club. However, to cover the cost for the period 11.45 – 12.30 we are asking parents to pay £3.50 per day as a voluntary contribution. This is the same amount as previously charged for lunch club so it will not cost you anymore but will mean there is a continuity of care from 8.45 – 3.30. We hope you will continue to support us with this.

Fees – please check your emails for your invoices. Fees are £22.00 per session and a voluntary contribution of £3.50 per day for those who use all their funded hours but stay between 11.45 – 12.30. You will notice the invoices are now set out slightly differently and has a second page setting out what lunch periods are covered. The fees are due to be paid at the beginning of each half term but will need to be paid by Wednesday 7^th May, at the latest. Payments can be paid by BACS (the preferred method) or cash. If you have any issues with payments, please speak to Terri.

On-line Safety – Online safety is very important for all children. Please see attached information at the bottom of this news letter regarding this.

Two year funding – If your child is eligible for 2 year funding or 30 hour funding 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 April 2025 will need to be applied for before the end of this term. If you do not apply before the cut-off date you will not receive the funding for the summer 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.

30-hour funding – all children who are eligible for funding for working parents from the age of two will be entitled to 30 hours per week from September 2025. If you think this is applicable to you, please go to the government website to apply for this. Sessions will only be available if we have place and spaces are already full on some sessions.

Keyworker open afternoon – Thursday 1^st May 1-3pm, this is an opportunity for you to meet with your child’s keyworker and discuss their latest report. There will be a booking time sheet available for you to book a slot. There will still be a normal session running that afternoon.

Warm Weather – with the warmer weather approaching please ensure you apply suncream to your child and put it in their bag with a label on. Also please ensure your child has a sun hat to wear when outside.

Labels – Please ensure you label ALL your child’s belongings including bags, snack/lunch boxes, water bottles, sun hats, sun cream, shoes etc. This is very important so things belonging to your child do not go astray or get taken by another child.

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 are 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, olives and tomatoes lengthways 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

2024/2025 Term Dates

Summer Term

22^nd April 2025 – 18^th July 2025

Half Term – 26^th – 30^th May 2025

May Day Bank Holiday – Monday 5^th May 2025 – preschool will be closed on this day.

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

Online safety - how to spot the signs of exploitation, check device security settings and report concerns.

The risks of online abuse remain a threat which young people and their parents/carers should be aware of.

Any child is at risk of being exploited - both boys and girls can be groomed online, with contact often starting on social media. It is important to remember that exploitation is not the child’s fault, and they are never to blame.

Caregivers can create a supportive environment, where online safety is discussed regularly in the same way as road safety or stranger danger, enabling children to speak up about any concerns they may have. By taking an interest in what games they are playing and trying to understand their online world, parents and carers can initiate important conversations. It’s also worthwhile double checking that devices have the correct parental controls, especially if they’re new.

The ESCB website has resources for parents, carers and professionals including podcasts, videos, how to report concerns, and information about spotting the signs of exploitation.

Concerns about child exploitation can be reported anonymously via Crimestoppers 0800 555111. There is also a dedicated Essex Police Child Exploitation hotline - for parents, carers and members of the public to seek advice around concerns they may have about their own or other children with regards to criminal and sexual exploitation: 01245 452058.

Email – tcc.preschool@hotmail.co.uk

Website – www.tccchristianpreschool.co.uk

Call us: 07913 178982

Where to find us:

Thundersley Congregational Church Kenneth Road, Benfleet, SS7 3AL

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Thundersley Congregational Church Christian Preschool