Upcoming Events/Dates for your Diary:

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Next payment date – Monday 23rd November 2026

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Last Day of Term – Christmas Party Morning – Tuesday 15th December – no afternoon school this day – all children invited whether it is their day or not. More details to follow nearer the time

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First day of Spring Term – Monday 4th January 2027

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Think Equal

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We will be sharing the book ‘Wally the Wave’. The objectives this week is for children to discuss ‘big feelings’ such as anger, frustration etc

 

We will be carrying on practicing the yoga moves we have learnt.

 

The children can choose how we finish the activity – belly breathing, hot drink breathing and/or clapping/shushing

 

The children are really enjoying these activities and are becoming very good at the yoga moves.

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Gruffalo Granny activities at your local Hertfordshire Library

Throughout November libraries across Hertfordshire will be running special Gruffalo Granny Storytime sessions, plus families can win Gruffalo books by taking part in their Storytelling Trail.

Each fun, 30 minute session will feature Gruffalo Granny and other stories, songs and rhymes. The sessions are free, donations welcome, and ideal for children aged 2 – 5 and their grownups. Find your nearest Gruffalo Granny Storytime at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/gruffalo.

Until Monday 30th November, take a stroll around your local library and find 5 characters from The Gruffalo. Find the hidden word to discover the missing character, then enter the prize draw. Each child will need a library card to enter. They can join for free if not already a member.

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Squishy toys and child safety

Squishy toys are rapidly growing in popularity among both children and adults – largely thanks to social media. These toys, which may be made of foam or alternatively, silicone or gel filled, come in a variety of different shapes, with dumplings, ice cubes and gummy bears among the most sought-after in 2026. While they may appear cute and harmless, they are, in fact, creating a major headache for Trading Standards and the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), thanks to a wave of cheaper versions which do not meet appropriate toy safety standards entering the UK marketplace. Hazards highlighted in product safety reports include choking, contaminated liquid fillings, water bead filling, small detachable parts, excessive phthalates (a type of synthetic chemicals) and volatile organic compounds. Over the past 18 months, the American Consumer Product Safety Commission has also received at least 15 reports of squishy toys that have  a strong, noxious odour right out of the box, described as similar to’gasoline’, ‘shoe glue’ and ‘paint thinner’. Some reports said that the fumes were strong enough to cause headaches or children to vomit. Consumer Reports, a US-based non-profit consumer protection organisation has also warned of the dangers of heating squishy toys which has been encouraged on some social media channels as a way of softening the toys up. This, it warns, can lead to toy breakage and severe burns.

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Online Safety

Many children enjoy playing online games. As children get older, this often involves speaking with others online and with this comes the potential risk of grooming and exploitation. Speaking to your child from a young age about who they are talking to online and helping them recognise when a conversation may be putting them at risk can help to keep them safe from abuse. The NSPCC has published advice on how to start age-appropriate conversations with your child. In a recent survey carried out by Ofcom, it was reported that 6 in 10 children aged 3 -17 (57%) used live streaming platforms to watch online content. The research found that the platforms used most to watch live streams were YouTube and Tik Tok. The NSPCC has published guidance to help parents and carers understand some of the risks associated. Contact NSPCC online for more information.

Childnet also has internet safety resources for parents and carers with key online safety topics, advice and activities to share with your child.

www.childnet.com/paretn-and-carers

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Drinks

At Cornerstones Pre-School, we promote healthy eating which includes drinks. The British Nutrition Foundation states that water and milk are the best drinks for children as they do not contain free sugars. Drinking sugary drinks can lead to tooth decay and weight gain. Water is a good choice throughout the day because it hydrates without providing extra calories or risking harm to teeth. So, please provide only water in a named drinks bottle. Many of the drinks bottles are the same or very similar, so they need to have your child's name on them.​

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Chat Health

Get advice from the health visiting team by texting 07480 635164. Expect a response within 24 hours. For other help visit your GP or dial 111.

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Applying for a School Place

If your child is due to start at reception in September 2027, the application deadline is Friday 15th January 2027. You must apply online at www.hertfordshire.gov.uk/admissions

Please contact schools for their open days which will be carried out this term.