LEYF news Summer 2013

Summer 2013

Summer celebrations Update

Graduation time!

Out & About

All-new ‘Photos of the Week’

Get Connected Prize Draw win at Henry Fawcett

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In this issue Update

• Summer celebrations • Graduation time!

• More Men in Childcare • LEYF CEO awarded MBE

Out & About

• What do you do?

• My LEYF experience • Photos of the Week • Parents speak up!

Get Connected

• Nursery openings • Diary dates • Top tips

in brief

Welcome Dear Parents This year we celebrated 110 years of great childcare and continue to delight in our job of supporting so many children and families across the capital. The history of an organisation is very important in shaping its future, and so we have always been proud of our roots.

In 1923 we opened London’s first nursery nurse training centre, with some of our staff living above the nurseries. To this day, training and staff development remains a core feature of what we do – although we’re glad to say they no longer live above the shop! Our most recent training initiative is the CSI Programme (Challenge, Support and Inspire), a leadership course designed to support staff in leading the very complex task of running an effective high quality nursery.

Back in 1913, we performed another significant role by supporting parents – not only through great childcare, but with certain activities less common by today’s standards, such as sewing classes and pattern cutting. I hope our modern day knitting, clay pots and art classes are good examples of creative ways we can continue our legacy of supporting local parents.

More ‘Good’ Ofsteds And if your child attends one of our nurseries, perhaps you would be interested in helping us tell others about what we do and how they too can benefit – as one of our new Parent Ambassadors? If you would, please get in touch!

An organisation with a history is also one with a duty, and this year we successfully campaigned to stop a key Government proposal to reduce staff-child ratios, leaving graduate qualified staff to look after 6 babies or 4 toddlers. We believed that our smaller children especially need warm, engaged and loving staff to talk with them. Ofsted call this staff interaction. I call it basic humanity and love. We were pleased that everyone saw sense and the proposal has now been dropped. Keeping children at the centre of public policy is important, and we hope to maintain our reputation as child-focused by representing their best interests in such cases. What is good for children is good for society.

On a lighter note, we are very excited by our new-look website. Our goal was to make it more user-friendly, so we hope you like it! In particular, we are planning to now develop the parent section with more ideas for things you and your child can easily do at home, along with more examples of what we do in our nurseries.

This is part of our new approach to home learning, looking to build a bridge between your child’s home and their nursery, and in doing so help us work more closely together for their long-term benefit. To the same end, we are currently examining how we best support all children to read and welcome your thoughts on this too.

June O’Sullivan Chief Executive

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There has been a lot of debate in our sector recently about changes in Governent policy, and in particular about how quality is judged. So we were particularly delighted to receive ‘Good’ Ofsted judgements for both one of our oldest nurseries, Marsham Street in SW1 and our newest, Henry Fawcett. Both were commended onhaving proactive and knowledgeable staff, so well done to our nursery teams in each – and here’s to many more great results!

Term Time only at Angel

When we open new nurseries, we always ask ourselves if the LEYF approach is one that can successfully meet the needs of local parents, both now and in the long term. Of course, needs can change over time, and that’s why one of our more established community nurseries in Westminster, Angel in Pimlico SW1 will now follow in the footsteps of neighbouring Abbots Manor, offering term-time only daycare to local families from September.

did you know?

Our website has had a facelift – so find us online and let us know what you think! email us at friends@leyf.org.uk

Parents’ survey thanks

So many of our parents took the time to complete our annual survey over the past month or so, for which we are always extremely grateful. We strongly believe in the value of your feedback, and are always eager to build on your suggestions as to how even our Ofsted ‘Outstanding’ nurseries might find ways to improve the care and education they provide your children. Your positive and often quite touching comments will always make our day and inspire us onto greater things – so thank you and please do keep the feedback coming!

Summer celebrations If 110 years of great childcare were not enough of a reason to hold an extended LEYF family picnic in nursery gardens and parks across London, there is always International Children’s Day – and a homegrown campaign to celebrate what’s great about the quality of childcare in the UK. The first signs of summer were already plain to see on Saturday 1st June.

The sun had got his hat on; friendship and laughter filled the air; and more importantly children from all corners of the capital were having all manner of fun together.

This was the first time so many LEYF nurseries had come together in this way, holding one big ‘virtual’ Summer Picnic.

Several hundred nursery parents, children, family members, friends and neighbours from across the capital had joined hands – not only helping us celebrate 110 years of great childcare, but also raising awareness of the importance of quality in Early Years. And this precisely at a time when Government policy was promising to undermine its very foundations: our staff-child ratios.

It all began with an otherwise regular blog from our CEO, June O’Sullivan on 24 April. With serious concern already building across the sector, June’s relatively short but clearly frustrated post quickly garnered a staggering 100 comments. And all eyes were suddenly on LEYF to lead the charge against change!

But instead of marching on Parliament – literally on our doorstep after all – we saw this as an opportunity to rise above the debate; to literally show politicians and policy makers what great childcare was all about, and in particular why the numbers of staff in our nurseries was a key part of this.

With International Children’s Day just around the corner, the date was set – and free cake, fun and games definitely on the cards!

In Barking and Dagenham, nursery children and parents, grandparents and siblings from Chadwell Heath and beyond gathered in St Chad’s Park.

With Furze and neighbouring Wellgate Children’s Centre nurseries holding a joint event for around 80 people, Furze nursery manager, Richard Lester was delighted: “Everyone I spoke to said they had a lovely time.”

Further south, our Eastbury, Ford Road and Leys Children’s Centre nurseries celebrated together in Old Dagenham Park. Ford Road manager Pauline Jupp: “We had a great time at the picnic on Saturday. Parents were very positive, saying what a lovely atmosphere there was!”

Back in Central London, Holcroft and Fitzrovia nurseries came together in nearby Regent’s Park, whilst at our Queensborough nursery in Bayswater,

“Lots of our parents are already asking for it to happen again next year!”

Michelle Samuels, Warwick nursery manager

everyone joined in to release balloons in honour of International Children’s Day, with a message in each one.

In Tower Hamlets, Noah’s Ark nursery manager Aine Sattaur was delighted with over 100 people attending her event, held with adjoining Columbia Market nursery school.

Elsewhere, LEYF nurseries in South Westminster and Lambeth – Abbots, Angel, Bessborough and Henry Fawcett – held a joint picnic in St George’s Square Garden. And just around the corner, overlooking the River Thames, our Marsham Street and House of Commons nurseries celebrated in Victoria Tower Gardens – together with LEYF EYP Glynis Mates and parents from our Marsham Street Children’s Centre.

Earl’s Court nursery had fun in nearby Philbeach Gardens, whilst more children and parents celebrated in the delightful gardens of our Carlton Hill, Micky Star and Katharine Bruce nurseries.

The end result? A stay of execution at least on the policy front. More importantly, friends were made and communities came together. Oh, and the Weather God brought the sun. It was a glorious day, in every way – so thanks to all that made it possible!

Read more: www.leyf.org.uk/blog/ picnics-parents-and-paris/ 3

Graduation time!

The end of another summer term is always a bittersweet time across our nurseries, as we are forced to say farewell to so many of our bright and confident pre-school children.

Whilst each nursery’s approach to the big day is typically unique, they are all sure to celebrate in style – with mortar boards, sashes and gowns of various descriptions proudly on show, and with official ceremonies and certificates to match.

As part of the celebrations at Queens Park in North Westminster, children chose to put on a show based on their favourite story, the Gruffalo. Pre-school children re-enacted the famous fable, whilst younger children joined in with masks, a dance and a song! Children were then handed their graduation certificates, before parents and carers joined in for a final celebration tea party.

Over in Barking & Dagenham, Leys nursery parents were invited to bring their favourite dish of home cooked food to celebrate their children’s big day, with culinary contributions ranging from Jamaican jerk chicken to Polish pastries.

Children enjoyed playing with their friends in the garden before coming up to collect their certificates and posing for pictures.

Everyone then tucked into the delicious supper, and children received a specially framed photo with their graduation caps and certificates.

Meanwhile at neighbouring Wellgate, over 35 families watched with pride as their children were presented with a certificate, magical moment and a photograph before celebrating with a garden party and music.

At our youngest nursery, Henry Fawcett in Lambeth, staff laminated a special photo collage onto the back of each child’s certificate, so they would have something to look back on in years to come. Thanks to support from the adjoining Children’s Centre, there was a fabulous turnout for the event – with parents, grandparents, aunts, uncles, brothers and sisters all clearly enjoying the day.

Back in Westminster, children at Carlton Hill clearly loved dressing up in their graduation outfits – and the giant picnic garden party used to commemorate the event was a great success, with over 100 parents and family members attending.

In the news LEYF CEO Awarded MBE! Everyone at LEYF was tremendously proud when our CEO, June O’Sullivan was recently awarded an MBE in the Queen’s Birthday Honours for services to children in London. June has long been respected as an inspiring speaker and regular media commentator – whether in print, on TV or radio – when it comes to Early Years, Social Enterprise, child poverty and social mobility. More importantly for LEYF, she has been instrumental in our recent growth and increased social impact, helping us achieve a major strategic and cultural shift since taking the reigns as Chief Executive in 2005.

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On being awarded the MBE, June said: “I am thrilled to receive this magnificent honour, especially for doing something that I love and care so passionately about. I have spent my career working to

improve the lives of children in London and to be recognised in this way is quite overwhelming.”

Busy times for Men in Childcare Champions for men in Early Years, we are delighted that our recently launched London Network for Men in Childcare has been shortlisted for a prestigious Nursery World ‘Inclusive Practice’ Award ‘for promoting equality of opportunity and the best outcomes for all children’.

Meanwhile, Minister for Education and Childcare, Elizabeth Truss MP took part in our half-day conference, focusing on the importance of encouraging men into childcare. Finally, LEYF’s Lead for Quality Learning and Development, Gary Simpson can now be heard on iTunes talking on the same hot topic. Search for Men In Childcare Podcast by Kathy Brodie.

“It’s always an emotional but great moment, as we see children that came to us as babies quickly grew into toddlers and are now flying the nest – off to big school!”

Christel, Deputy Manager, Marsham Street nursery

Of course, so many children leaving us at this time of the year means we have new nursery places available – so if you have any family or friends that might be looking for great daycare, please be sure to point them in our direction!

On a final note of celebration, Marion, Manager at Carlton Hill and Agatha from Noah’s Ark recently achieved their Early Years Professional Status; and together with Aine, manager at Noah’s Ark, graduated with BA (Hons) in Early Childhood Studies – so congratulations to you all!

the headlines

“Why home learning matters” Nursery Management Today

“Corporates can ensure social enterprises mean business” Guardian

“Ofsted inspections threaten two-year-old offer, warns expert” Children & Young People Now

“We’re building an entrepreneurial society” Telegraph

“Why are so many parents reluctant to hire men to care for their kids?”

Mail Online

& about out

ber profile team mem ursery (Pimlico)

lN Michael Wills – Ange

After a successful football career was cut short, Michael Wills spent 20 years in export and shipping.

He jumped ship to LEYF more than 10 years ago, and remains one of relatively few men working in childcare today.

How did it all begin?

I was asked to help out with the Sunday school at my church, and found I really enjoyed the interactions with children.

I became a permanent member of the Children’s Ministry, and started to give serious thought to a major career change.

What’s a typical day for you?

After a friendly welcome – helping children quickly settle, avoiding any upset – we engage in free play.

Activities are set up based on their interests, and they choose what they

My

experience

Emir (child) Annie (parent) and

I work part time in Maternity at Chelsea and Westminster hospital, and my children have attended different LEYF nurseries.

We were new to the area and looking for a nursery for my daughter when we found Abbots Manor, and I was really pleased with the care she received. My younger son Emir later attended Bessborough for two years, which was excellent.

When we moved Emir to Marsham Street, my first impression was the friendliness of the staff. They were so attentive to the children, it really made me feel at ease. They were clearly knowledgeable and dedicated to their roles, and this impression continued when Emir started – so no complaints!

There have been so many positive experiences at Marsham Street, but I felt most happy and relaxed when Emir would

want to do. We then have welcome time which includes singing, followed by time in our beautiful garden. We also give children plenty of opportunities for more focused learning activities, and always sit down at the table to eat lunch together.

you are doing, especially when you’re advising parents. In many ways, you’re part of an extended family, and I really value that. It’s a real privilege when a parent asks you to look after their children, and I find it tremendously rewarding.

What tips do you have for parents?

It may sound obvious, but it’s really important to build a good relationship with children, one based on genuine warmth and affection. Once you do this, they will respond much more positively to what you ask or suggest. You should also be consistent. Finally, having a solid support network can make all the difference; for me that’s our great nursery team!

What the future holds After qualifying, I’d like to be considered as a duty and then deputy manager. I’m also part of the Men in Childcare London Network and would like to make a real contribution to its development.

How have things changed in ten years?

When I first started, we simply cared for children. Today there’s much more to it. You need real confidence in what

run into one of his carer’s arms and give them a big hug each day on arrival. (Not wanting to leave at the end of the day was also a good sign!)

Parental support at Marsham Street was always great. Staff would take time to answer my questions and give me the lowdown on Emir’s day. They always had time for me. They would let me know about his development and areas which needed more support – making me feel equally well looked after!

“It’s a real privilege when a parent asks you to look after their children.”

Michael Wills, Assistant Early Years Practitioner, Angel nursery Emir has come on in lots of ways with Marsham Street’s help. He is now confident and articulate, with concern for others. His manners and social skills have really developed, no doubt thanks to staff who give a such a superb model of behaviour for the children.

I will miss the small community feel of the nursery when Emir goes to ‘big school’. And he will surely miss the food… but mostly the staff. They are the backbone of the nursery and are truly fab.

My advice to other parents when choosing a nursery would be to look at how staff interact with the children. A nursery may have all the best play equipment, but are they helping to develop your child? Do they have a high staff turnover? Most of the staff at Marsham Street have been there years, which says a lot.

“Marsham Street always had time for me.”

Annie Yilmaz, parent

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We are so used to the many magic moments that take place on any given day right across our growing family of community nurseries. And of course we capture as many of these as possible for each child’s individual learning journey, and share them with our parents.

But earlier this year we decided they were simply too special (and too

Parents speak up!

Supporting parents is a crucial part of what we do at LEYF. We have just asked parents to complete our annual survey – so thank you to all that responded – and invite a small number to attend occasional focus groups.

Some of the most valuable feedback – and certainly most affecting – we ever receive is sent to us from parents in the form of letters, emails and ‘thank you’ cards.

It really is important parents let us know how we are doing – so if you have a child in one of our nurseries, please do speak up! Talk to us about any concerns you may have – and if you’re happy with how we care for your child, please tell your friends!

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&

out

Photos of the Week many) to keep under wraps – and so began to share them on facebook, pinterest and flickr for everyone to enjoy.

And now for those of you that still prefer the printed page… a few recent highlights for you too – just please let us know which your favourites are by voting online by liking on facebook or pinterest (links are on the back cover).

lways “Staff are a friendly, happy and le boy and my litt g there.” loves go(Cin olville) “The educat ion fantastic and is the staff are am azingly supportive.”

(W ellgate)

“I cannot overstate how kind the staff are here.”

(Warwick)

about

“Nothing more comforting to a parent than pic of happy childretures n!” facebook comment

And don’t forget to ask us about any parent events we may be planning in your nursery – covering anything from cooking to messy play, modelling to interactive storytelling sessions, or coffee mornings to movie nights. They are all great ways to pick up tips, get to know your fellow parents – and most importantly support your child’s learning.

don’t forget

Ask your nursery about any parent events they may be planning

connected Getting to know

Prize Draw celebration at Henry Fawcett With ambitious plans to help more families, LEYF has grown a little more every time we look.

A sea of smiling faces greeted Mayor of Lambeth, Councillor Mark Bennett at the Henry Fawcett Community Nursery, as he arrived to celebrate with one very happy local mum and her daughter – official winners of our ‘Free childcare for a year’ Prize Draw earlier this year.

Local Lambeth resident and mum of two, Charlene Cousins entered the Prize Draw in March along with several hundred other families across the capital, when she attended one of our 24 Spring Open Days. Little did she know the difference the visit would make, as she was told only a short-time later she had won free childcare for a year at our Henry Fawcett Community Nursery.

“I really couldn’t believe it when I heard I had won. It’s just incredible,” said Charlene. “Without free childcare from LEYF, I really don’t think I would have been able to afford to go back to work full-time.

“What’s more, it’s nice to know that when I go back to work, my daughter will be well cared for and making lots of friends, exploring and having fun with other children.”

Also attending the fun-filled event, Lambeth Councillor Jack Hopkins, Cabinet Member for Safer and Stronger Communities, added: “Of the many responsibilities I have as a councillor, there’s nothing I enjoy more than being given the chance to celebrate with local residents like we are this morning, thanks to the London Early Years Foundation’s fantastic ‘Free childcare for a year’ Prize Draw.

“The availability of such high quality early years education as we have here at Henry Fawcett Community Nursery is critical for so many local families. It makes a real difference to the wellbeing of our entire community – not only by giving children the secure and happy start they need to develop and achieve their potential in later life, but also and more immediately by supporting parents back into work.”

Also attending the event were Councillor Jane Edbrooke, Head of Henry Fawcett Primary School Claire Nuttall, Children’s Centre Manager Sally Plumb and local children’s author Margaret Bateson-Hill – who brought proceedings to a rousing close, as she delighted a room full of excited children and parents with a lively retelling of her book ‘Five Little Ducks’.

Ofsted success And the good news has not stopped for LEYF Nursery Manager, Paula Jones: “Since the fabulous Prize Draw celebration, we are delighted to announce that our very first Ofsted inspection was an equal success, rating us as ‘Good’. What’s more, our baby room is already nearly full – with everyone making the most of the incredible light we are so lucky to have in such an airy setting.”

Can you help?

With ambitious plans to help build a better future for more children like Charlene’s, we are now busier than ever looking for nurseries to join our growing family. We are also exploring partnerships with housing associations, academies and property developers – and are excited to confirm that we will be opening more nurseries in early 2014.

If there are any empty buildings near you that we could turn into great nurseries for your local community, or you hear of a nursery looking for new management, please let us know. Simply email louise@ leyf.org.uk and we will take a look!

“Everyone at Henry Fawcett has been so lovely and welcoming, we really couldn’t be happier.”

Charlene Cousins, new mum at Henry Fawcett nursery

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connected

Get out, get active and get involved Calendar dates

International Literacy Day 8 September Roald Dahl Day 13 September International Talk Like A Pirate Day 19 September British Food Fortnight 21 September–6 October The Big Draw October Older People’s Day 1 October National Poetry Day 3 October World Space Week 4–10 October Children’s Book Week 7–11 October World Food Day 16 October Parents’ Week 21–27 October Halloween 31 October Diwali ‘Festival of Lights’ 3 November Al–Hijra (Islamic New Year begins) 4–5 November Guy Fawkes (Bonfire Night) 5 November Universal Children’s Day 20 November LEYF Margaret Horn Lecture 21 November (tbc) First Day of Hanukkah 28 November Tree Dressing Day 7 December Christmas Day 25 December LEYF Christmas Closure 27–31 December

Top tips

nds Summer fun never e With Summer in full swing and Autumn fast approaching we have collated some unusual ideas for activities the whole family can enjoy – most of which are low cost or free to try. Which one will you start with?

Things to do Geocaching Family game night Treasure hunt (indoor or outdoor) Relay race Family movie night Outdoor read-a-thon Super Hero Day Grow a plant from seed Picnic with friends.

As with reading, young children can learn a lot about counting through play. Choosing toys with simple patterns will support reasoning and problem solving.

Bonding A child’s favourite soft toy offers them comfort, but will also give you both the chance to share special, quiet one-to-one moments together (times for encouraging whispers and shared smiles).

Places to go Children’s Museum Try a new play park Nature Centre Farmers Market Local Lido Seaside.

Watch out for our now typical Indian Summers – you may need sunscreen and umbrellas at the same time!.

For the full list with links visit: www.leyf.org.uk/ tips-for-parents/helpadvice/summer-fun

London Early Years Foundation 121 Marsham Street London SW1P 4LX

LEYF News is your newsletter.

If you think you, your child or your nursery should feature on these pages, do let us know. We’d love to hear from you if you have a story to tell. Simply send us an email or find us online.

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Chalk or magnet board ‘BORED’ Jar Obstacle course Den Discovery box Book Cake or biscuits Giant bubbles Piñata Home for nature Fairy garden Play dough.laces

Counting and numbers

Don’t forget...

LEYF News is a biannual newsletter published by the London Early Years Foundation.

Things to make

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