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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Tax-Free Childcare

Just to remind fee paying parents that you maybe eligible for help towards your childcare costs. You will need to set up an online childcare account. For every £8 you pay into this account, the government will pay £2. This then can be used to pay your fees to us. Your eligibility depends on if you are working and your income (and your partner's income). Find out more at www.gov.uk/get-tax-free-childcare.

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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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50 Things to do before you're 5

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50 Things To Do before you're 5 is a mobile app that gives parents and carers 50 fantastic experiences to share with their children to help develop their confidence, language and vocabulary and to support them in being ready for the next stage in their education. The 50 activities are low or no cost experiences that include indoor and outdoor activities. Download the app from the Apple App Store or Google play. It is a free app and just search for Hertfordshire.

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September Register

I am now looking at my register for September. If you would like to increase your child’s hours or make any changes, please see Sue or Anna asap.

Please be aware that any child, including 2year olds, where you are claiming working family funding, will be entitled to 30 hours funding. We note, we only offer 28 hours – we finish at 1pm on a Friday.

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Increase in Fees

Unfortunately, we are having to increase our hourly fee to £6-25 from September. I have tried very hard to keep our fees as low as possible and I have not increased our fees for over 5 years, but due to increased costs, I have had to make this increase.

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Beating bites and stings 

How to deal with tick bites

One of the most serious causes of infection in the UK and abroad is found in ticks, which are present in many woodland and heath areas. Some ticks carry the bacteria that causes Lyme Disease, which can result in serious long-term health problems, including chronic fatigue syndrome. A tick bite creates a circular rash and is quite distinctive. If you find a tick on your or your child’s skin, remove it using a pair of tweezers that won’t squash the tick. Tick removal kits are also available in pet shops or vets (I have seen them on Amazon). Gently grip the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull steadily away from the skin without crushing it. Wash your skin with soap and water afterwards, then apply an antiseptic cream to the skin around the bite. Take your child to a doctor if they feel unwell after a tick bite, as they may need antibiotics.

Treating bites and stings

 Generally speaking, bites and stings will become red and swollen or a raised mark will appear. Bumps like this often become itchy, meaning it can be difficult to stop a child from scratching and making it worse.

If your child is stung, try to remove the sting by scraping or flicking it off with a hard edge. Grabbing it with fingers or tweezers can squeeze the venom into the skin and make it worse. Experts advise relieving swelling and itching with an ice pack or a cold compress. If your child is in pain, infant paracetamol or ibuprofen can help, but check the dosage to make sure it’s right for you child’s age and weight. If the bite or sting is on the face, you should seek medical advice as any reaction could be more severe. Swelling sores and red streaks on the affected area of the skin are all signs of infection. If you think your child has an infection you should contact your GP.

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Upcoming Events/Dates for your Diary:

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Football Training -Monday 23rd June

 

Last Day of Term – will be on Wednesday 16th July. Please note - there will not be any afternoon school this day. School closes at 12noon for staff training.

 

Primary School Leavers Fun Morning – Thursday 17th July – this is for those children moving onto primary school only. More details to come

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First day of Autumn Term -Thursday 4th September.

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