Update

Good afternoon everyone ,

it seems that the damp and cold of April are now behind us and May has started a little warmer and sunny - lets hope it continue that way !

The children have all been very busy . The snowdrops and bluebells are having great fun exploring their new sensory boards - this gives them opportunities to investigate different sounds and movements , encouraging the development of  fine motor skills and hand/eye co-ordination as well as facial recognition and spatial awareness with the big bubble mirror. They , along with all the other children , have been continuing with their outdoor play(despite the weather) and we are hoping that some serious gardening can now be started . Sunflower and other seeds have been planted  in anticipation of this and their growth is being carefully followed (we've even entered a sunflower growing competition - we'll let you know more about this later!) .

The sunflowers role-play area is currently a doctors surgery , and a special visitor came to view this and talk to them last week . Joanne Owen (Craigton parent and GP)  , very kindly gave up her valuable time , and brought along her fully equipped doctors bag to show the sunflowers . They had lots of discussions about general health , people who look after us/make us better when we are unwell , and demonstrated their impressive knowledge  of some of Dr. Joanne's equipment - the pink stethoscope in particular was much admired! Following on from this successful visit , yesterday they had another special visitor . Mirjam Green(Craigton parent) came along to tell the children all about Queen's Day which is celebrated in The Netherlands. They played games that Dutch  children play on Queen's Day, as well as making some lovely orange cakes . I've just been into to talk to the sunflowers about this , and listening to them recounting the event , its clear that they had a great time !
Huge thank yous to Joanne and Mirjam for coming in to see us :-) and if any one else would like to share anything similar with us , we'd be delighted to have you!

A big Craigton Welcome back to Natalie who will be returning after her maternity leave tomorrow . Natalie will be in the schoolhouse part time , working with all departments . She has been on maternity leave since August last year , and was in pre-school for a year before that , but is very much looking forward to being with the younger children again - and we're all very pleased that she(and her daughter) are with us again!
Welcome back also to Jen  who is with us for the summer . Jen is at Edinburgh Uni studying for a BEd and this is her third summer with us - she will be in all departments as needed to cover much deserved staff holidays !

I am delighted to tell you that Maureen(sunflowers) has today completed all her work for SVQ III. I'm sure you will all appreciate the dedication and  sheer hard work required to achieve a qualification whilst working - Congratulations Maureen , we're all very proud of you - Well Done! :-) This is a particularly important event , as Maureen is the first member of staff to achieve a qualification partly funded by the Staff Development Fund , that all parents , children and staff at Craigton give so generously to- your support has been vital in giving a valuable and experienced member of staff the opportunity to achieve a professional qualification - thank you - its very much appreciated :-) ..............................

and while I'm on that subject................our main fundraiser for the year is the Spring Fair . This year it will be on Saturday 2nd June 12-3pm . We will have all our usual attractions and activities and hope that we are as lucky with the weather as we have been previously . Tickets for this will be on sale shortly - this year they will be family tickets admitting up to 2 adults and 4 children for £5.00 - this includes the BBQ so you wont need to make lunch that day ! Please come along , and bring your friends too! We are also appealing for any items for the raffle/tombola - all donations gratefully received.

The redecoration of the pre-school building is still in progress , so please look out for wet paint on Mondays! You will all have noticed the very busy men on the schoolhouse roof I'm sure . Whilst they are with us , the carpark is crowded and it will be more difficult to find a space at busy times - please bear with us - they are working as fast as they can , but they too have been delayed by the recent bad weather .

And finally ... don't forget that we are closed next Monday 7th May - we know you all love it here(as do we) but please don't turn up that day as you wont get in! I am on leave all next week , so emails will not be answered - please call the nursery if you need to tell us anything/request extra sessions . Please leave any other queries/cash payments til my return on Monday 14th May . Thank you

Don't forget to sign up on easyfundraising.org.uk  and raise money everytime you shop online

Marion