Ofsted inspection - OUTSTANDING in all 17 areas
As some of you may be aware, last week we received an un- announced Ofsted inspection. I am absolutely thrilled to be able to tell you that this time Rainow Pre School received an "Outstanding" classification. The Ofsted inspector commented that she was "blown away" by our pre school and had a brilliant morning experiencing what Rainow Pre School has to offer. She had exceptionally high praise for our staff, their knowledge of the children and their ability to facilitate our childrens learning through play. It was commented that our children are allowed to explore, had excellent negotiation skills and overall a stimulating and positive environment. She particularly noticed the lovely sense of community and inclusion we have at Rainow - staff, parents and children alike, and how we used our fabulous location and environment to our advantage.
A big Thank You to all of you who have supported our Pre School in so many different ways and obviously a massive Congratulations and Thank You to our brilliant staff team who work so hard to ensure your children have the best possible pre school experience they can.
Elaine Pettie (Former Chair of Committee)

Half Term Topic
The theme for this half term is The Weather.

Book Bags & T Shirts
If you would like to purchase a pre school book bag or t shirt, please contact Carolyne Jones (William’s Mum) for more details.

Half Term Artist
The artists that your children will be looking at this half term are Hiroshige and Turner. They both use rain, atmospheric weather and images which ties in with our topic.

Funding Declaration Form
Some of you will receive a Funding Declaration Form via Pre-School for every "full term" your child attends pre school. You need to complete and return this form to Pre-School promptly. Failure to return the forms could result in Pre-School not being able to claim the funding for your child. If anyone has ANY queries regarding the completion of the forms please feel free to contact Michelle French (Pre-School Committee Member) on 575958.

Available Places
Please note that there are available places at pre school on each day of the week. Therefore if you would like to increase the number of mornings that your child attends pre school (on a permanent or ad hoc basis), please talk to Claire.

Parking
We have an understanding with the Robin Hood Pub that as pre school parents we are able to park our cars in their pub car park for drop off and pick up. However, when parking your car, please can you make sure that it is parked in a sensible and correct manner. Please do not park on yellow lines as this causes tension with the neighbours and can be dangerous for the children.

RSPB Visit
On Thursday 19th January we have some volunteers from the RSPB coming to visit the children to talk about birds and wildlife.

Marie Curie
Last term we sent home a daffodil bulb with each child in aid of Marie Curie. If you would like to, please send your donations for Marie Curie with your child to pre school before 22nd February.

Jolly Tots
If you’re free on Thursday afternoons don’t forget to come along to the Church Centre for Jolly Tots – Rainow’s Parent & Toddler Group. Starting at 1.30 and running until 3, the friendly group welcomes babies and children up to school age. There are toys, games, crafts to keep little ones busy, a snack and drink to keep them going and a sing song at the end to keep them smiling. Parents get tea/coffee and a biscuit too and all for just £2. Jolly Tots is a great opportunity for pre school friends to play together and younger children to make friends before starting pre school. Please talk to Faith 430954 or Michelle 575958.

An Interview with the Chair: Sarah Clayton
Q: Why did you become Chair?
A: Pre school is a registered charity as is therefore required to have a Chair, without which pre school cannot exist. On a personal level, I wanted to put something back into pre school seeing they have taken such good care of my two children. Plus, it looks great on your cv!
Q: What does it entail?
A: It is the “figurehead” for the paperwork and finances and you are accountable to Ofsted and the Charities Commission. However, the management and staff are so professional and accomplished that they do the real day to day running of pre school. Plus you have a committee of other parents that help you out.
Q: Is it complicated?
A: Not really. I’ll do a complete handover and always be around for any help needed throughtout the year.
Q: Could I do it?
A: Yes. Anyone can.
Q: Are you carrying on next year?
A: No because my son is going to school. Therefore the position as of September is available. If you would like to do it, please contact me on beddlington@hotmail.com or 616857.