Up 2 Date News

Happy 7th Birthday Play 2 Learn !

2012-01-24T11:21:00.000-08:00

We celebrated our 7th year with cake and cards.

The children enjoyed the cake !!

Sponsors and Judges of New Company.

2012-01-24T10:51:00.000-08:00

Directors of Play 2 Learn Jacky and Andrew Roast are delighted to be judging this years Thurrock Business Awards for the category of 'New Company'. Their finalists will appear soon in the Thurrock Gazette.

ProSport coming to Play 2 Learn.

2012-01-12T13:19:00.000-08:00

We have secured the services of ProSport to deliver gymnastics sessions to our Bumblebees children from next week during the nursery day. A letter to all our parents giving more information is on way.

Group photographs available.

2012-01-09T13:00:00.000-08:00

We hope you all enjoyed your free mounted photographs of your child with Father Christmas. Our photographer has put together a number of group photographs of children enjoying the concert and are available for just £1. All pics are 7x5 and in a mount.

Please view the album in the office.

Happy New Year !

2011-12-30T16:05:00.000-08:00

The nursery closes now until next Tuesday. May I take this opportunity to thank my fabulous team for all their hard work during 2011.

And may I wish our children, their parents, carers, and my team a very Happy New Year for 2012.

Jacky Roast

Managing Director.

Congratulations Gina x

2011-12-30T15:52:00.000-08:00

Yesterday Gina of our team gave birth to a 6lb 5oz baby girl Athena Joy. Mum, baby and a proud dad all doing very well.

Congratulations from all at Play 2 Learn.

Wishing you all a Happy Christmas.

2011-12-24T09:16:00.000-08:00

May I wish our children, their parents and the Play 2 Learn Team a very Happy Christmas.

Best wishes,

Jacky Roast.

Director.

Thank you for coming to our Xmas Concert.

2011-12-16T17:00:00.000-08:00

First of all, thank you to Father Christmas for coming to give out presents to all our children today at our Christmas Party, and we hope our parents enjoyed our Xmas Concert based around " a Bear Hunt". As always our concerts are very popular and we put out an additional 30 chairs to cope with the demand. We had a photographer with us throughout the day taking pictures, and all images taken will be available to parents free of charge within the next few days.

Play2Learn achieve another Credit Level pass.

2011-12-15T02:32:00.000-08:00

We are delighted to report that we have just been awarded a Credit Pass in Staffing for our ongoing Quality in Learning and Teaching inspections. Well done to all the team.

Our Christmas Party is fast approaching !

2011-12-03T10:33:00.000-08:00

Our nursery Christmas Party is on the 16th December. We are looking forward to seeing as many children as possible, the fun starts at 2pm. The afternoon starts with party games and then Santa will be visiting us to present some gifts. After the party, we invite all parents to come and see our Christmas Play and Concert. This year our concert is based around " We're going on a bear hunt ". All our children take part.

Parents, if you would like to practice the songs at home with your child, we have songs sheets ready for you available from the room leaders.

We're celebrating a fantastic OFSTED inspection today.

2011-11-14T14:03:00.000-08:00

From Director Jacky Roast.

Unlike schools who receive warning of OFSTED inspections, early years settings receive no such warning. It's a very good test of our nursery and the care we provide through the eyes of a child.

We are delighted to have achieved a Good rating today which confirms the high standards my team consistently produce for the children in our care and the support we give to parents.

Well done to my Manager Michelle Coe, Deputy Hayley Lawrence and all the Play 2 Learn team in achieving this high rating.

Jacky.

Events and dates for your diaries in December.

2011-11-08T12:58:00.000-08:00

16 December.

Christmas Party Day.

Our children are all welcome to come to nursery in the afternoon to have a fun Christmas Party. We have plans for lots of party games AND Santa will be visiting us. He's a busy guy but we've managed to get him at Play 2 Learn as the children have been very good. After the party..parents you are all welcome to come and see our Christmas play and concert. All our children take part.

We have song sheets ready for you to take home and practice. Just ask. We look forward to seeing you.

22 December.

Christmas Dinner.

Our children will all sit down together to a traditional Christmas dinner with our team.

St Andrews Day 30 Nov.

2011-11-08T12:53:00.000-08:00

A date for your diary.. We are celebrating St Andrews Day with our team dressing up in blue and white and activities with the children with this theme.

Cakes for sale all this week !

2011-11-07T13:00:00.000-08:00

Our children (with a little help from the team) will be making cakes for sale all this week. All proceeds will go to Essex Radio's charity ' Essex Kids'. So when you collect your child, treat yourselves to something sweet.

Best wishes to Georgina. x

2011-09-23T13:21:00.000-07:00

George, our room leader of Catarpillers, marries Joel tomorrow Saturday 24 Sept.

Everyone at Play 2 Learn wish them both a very special day and every happiness together for the future.

Our best wishes to the children leaving us for school.

2011-09-05T11:11:00.000-07:00

We've said our goodbye's to over 20 lovely children over these last few weeks as they move to 'big' school. Its always sad for us to lose them but we are confident that each child has received the very best early years care we could provide, and each child is ready for the different challenges of school and beyond.

Thank you, mums and dads, for all the thank you cards, flowers and presents. Come back and visit us soon x.

Don't lose your childcare place.

2011-07-29T10:04:00.000-07:00

We have had a number of parents over the last few months who have taken the decision to place their child with us and we have taken the vacancy off our list.

The parent then changes their mind and cancels, but then changes their mind again for their child to attend our nursery to be told the vacancy no longer exists.

Our childcare vacancies are filled often within the hour and we urge parents to feature this into their decision making to avoid disappointment.

Play 2 Learn achieve another Credit Level pass.

2011-07-14T14:10:00.000-07:00

We are pleased to tell you that we have today passed another module of our Quality in Learning and Teaching assessment at the highest pass mark available ' Credit Level'. We shall be presented with our certificate in a few weeks time.

We're all looking forward to Friday.

2011-07-11T14:20:00.000-07:00

Our nursery trip to Hop Farm Family Park in Paddock Wood, Tunbridge, is just 4 sleeps away and we are all looking forward to a great day out with our children and parents. 3 full coaches going from Play 2 Learn to the Hop Farm.

We'll let you know more about our trip out so keep watching this blog.

From the Play2Learn Team.

Internet newspaper 'Your Thurrock' link.

2011-06-29T10:31:00.000-07:00

When our garden extension was opened, local 24/7 internet newspaper Your Thurrock came along and made a short video which is posted on You Tube. To view it, Google ' Your Thurrock' to find them. On their home page just type in Play 2 Learn Day Nursery in the google search at the bottom of the page to have a look.

Or, copy and paste the below link.

http://www.yourthurrock.com/2011/06/20/mp-opens-new-wing-of-play-2-learn-nursery/

Your Thurrock is compulsive daily viewing to access all the news and stories in Thurrock. We'd recommend you save their website as a favourite on your computer or phone.

Parents Evening Wednesday.

2011-06-19T08:46:00.000-07:00

Don't forget we have a parents evening this Wednesday ( 22 June ) from 6.30pm to 9pm. We are looking forward to seeing as many parents as possible to discuss your child's development.

Play 2 Learn team moves.

2011-06-19T08:38:00.000-07:00

Kirsty will be leaving us on the 22nd to begin her maternity leave. Her baby is expected in September. Gina moves to Butterfly room as room leader.

Joanne moves to Ladybirds room on temp promotion as Room Leader.

Natasha has now left to begin her maternity leave, Her baby is expected August.

We will keep you posted about the expected 'new deliveries'.

Garden open.

2011-06-03T08:25:00.000-07:00

Our thanks to Jackie Doyle-Price for opening our new garden extension today.

Tesco vouchers.

2011-05-31T12:15:00.000-07:00

Our thanks to all parents who have been collecting Tesco Store vouchers and donating them to the nursery.

Tesco support schools and clubs through a voucher scheme and we are able to turn vouchers into equipment for our children.

Garden opening. Friday 3 June, 1030am.

2011-05-26T11:47:00.000-07:00

Our new garden extension will have an 'official' opening next Friday ( 3 June at 10.30am ) by the MP for Thurrock, Jackie Doyle-Price. We are delighted that Jackie has managed to find the time in her busy parliamentary and local schedules to come and visit us.

Light refreshments provided. So come along and join us.

Parents Information.

There will be photographs taken. If you do not want your child photographed ( group pictures ) then please call into the office and let us know.

The team at Play 2 Learn look forward to seeing you there.

New Gymnastics sessions to start.

2011-05-18T01:58:00.000-07:00

Just after the Bank Holiday we will be introducing a trial gymnastics session for the children to be involved with. More information to follow.

Maria makes a visit.

2011-05-18T01:51:00.000-07:00

It was great to see Maria yesterday. Maria was our deputy manager who moved to Lanzarotte to be involved in a business there. She took a short break to return to the UK to see family and friends, and popped into the nursery to see the children and work colleagues.

Prince William and Kate here at Play 2 Learn !.

2011-04-26T12:33:00.000-07:00

Our children ( with some help from mum and dad ), have from today been celebrating the Royal Wedding on Friday by dressing up as William and Kate, Prince's and Princess's. Well done to all who have made a fantastic effort with their costumes. They look fabulous.

We have a number of fun activities planned this week for our children to enjoy themselves with a Royal theme and we'll keep you posted with further news.

The Play 2 Learn Team.

Photographer attending Friday 10 June.

2011-04-18T11:34:00.000-07:00

We have a photographer booked for Friday 10th June from 9am to take group and individual photographs. If you are interested, speak to Michelle, Hayley or Jacky to book a time that is convenient to you.

Children who do not attend nursery, parents and grandparents are very welcome.

Next Parents Evening 22 June.

2011-04-18T11:26:00.000-07:00

Our next parents evening is on Wednesday 22 June, 6.30pm to 9pm. The evening gives parents a great opportunity to discuss with staff how your child is developing and what is in place for the future. To make an appointment just speak to your child's key person.

Come and join us.

2011-04-13T12:59:00.000-07:00

We are planning to incorporate some sessions where parents or grandparents come and spend some time with the team and children at the nursery. During these sessions you will take part in different activities, for example a rhyming or story time. We'd like to hear from you if you have an interesting job or hobby that you would like to share with the children, or to take part.

Let's celebrate the Royal Wedding together.

2011-04-13T12:52:00.000-07:00

During the week of the 26 April we will be having a Princess and Prince themed week to celebrate the Royal Wedding. Throughout these days there will be a range of different activities taking place to celebrate the big day.

Please bring your children to nursery dressed as a prince or little princess.

A weekend of maintenance and improvement.

2011-03-13T13:54:00.000-07:00

From Friday evening when our children went home to very late this Sunday evening we have been working hard to improve our environment at Play 2 Learn. All carpets in the nursery have been professionally cleaned, we have replaced all our stairway edges to the best anti slip products, we have tweeked our new garden area and have had the whole of the community centre grounds cleared at all rubbish and repainted fencing.

The Play 2 Learn Team.

Play 2 Learn attempting to going very green.

2011-03-10T12:29:00.000-08:00

We attended an informative presentation last night at the High House Production Park in Purfleet connected to the Royal Opera House workshops, delivered by the Low Carbon Business team.

We already recycle though our children and team, but we are very keen to make the nursery even greener and reduce our carbon output.

So we have invited their operations manager to Play 2 Learn next Tuesday to look at our nursery to see if we can make us more efficient.

We will keep you in touch and informed.

The Play 2 Learn Team.

Some maintenance work going on this weekend at Play2Learn.

2011-03-10T12:12:00.000-08:00

We have a specialist cleaning company 'Steve Crisp' coming in this weekend to deep clean all our carpets. Also we have Peter Scott owner of Scotts Flooring and his team coming in late after hours Friday and Saturday to replace all our stairwell flooring.

The Play 2 Learn Team.

Celebration Evening at Thurrock Training and Assessment Centre.

2011-02-16T14:26:00.000-08:00

Play 2 Learn receive the top credit award in 'Quality in Teaching and Learning'.

MD Jacky Roast says "It has taken us 3 years to complete the full 9 modules in this quality control accreditation and we have achieved top marks ( credit ) for each module. Only 4 out of the 55 early years childcare settings in the area have obtained this.

My special thanks to our Assessor Sarah Clarke ( third from left ) who has helped and supported us throughout, and my whole team who have worked so hard. "

We received our award from Early Years Consultant Judith Twani.

And some individual awards too..

Deputy Manager Hayley Lawrence receives her NVQ Level 4.

Michelle Lawrence receives her NVQ3 award.

Kirsty Snell receives her NVQ3 Award.

Agata Zielinska receives her NVQ3 award.

The evening was opened by Carmel Littleton Head of Learning and Universal Outcomes, with Stella Benton Early Years Training and Assessment Manager, and Christina Pumfrey Strategic Leader for Learning and Skills.

Thurrock Business Awards 2011.

2011-02-04T13:22:00.000-08:00

Directors Jacky and Andrew Roast of Play 2 Learn will again be judging this year's Thurrock Business Awards " New Company ' category.

Play 2 Learn have won this prestigious event for 2 consecutive years and a County Award for customer service before becoming judges themselves.

The awards are open to small, medium and large companies in the area.

From a wealth of applications, Jacky and Andrew have now selected their 9 finalist companies and will soon be conducting visits to meet them to identify just 3 winners who will receive their award on stage at a black tie presentation dinner on 18 March.

We are pleased to announce the 9 finalists for 'New Company' 2011.

In no order what so ever ;

1. Agency East, applicant Lucy Harris.

2. Fresh Property, applicant Robert Gower and Mark Thorn.

3. Claim It Uk, applicant Mohammed Ali.

4. Ince PR, applicant Andrea Ince.

5. Purfleet Truck Wash, applicant Mark True.

6. Return Loads, applicant Brad Grainge.

7. Sainsy's Pie and Mash Lakeside, applicant Danny Sains.

8. Forget me not Flowers, applicant Karen Cartwright.

9. Mollys Mobile Grooming, applicant Davina Campbell.

Congratulations to all finalists.

If you know any of there companies, please make contact to congratulate them.

Our fantastic garden extension is almost finished.

2011-02-03T12:09:00.000-08:00

Because of the adverse weather we have been experiencing here in Thurrock our garden project completion date has slipped beyond our control. Our contractors have been as anxious as we have been to complete the extension and have been waiting for a dry spell to glue the astroturf ground covering together.

We are almost there, and will be well worth waiting for.

The outside activities in this new bigger space will really compliment our planning for the children in our care and they will simply love it. We can't wait.

Our £30,000 extension will compliment the activities within the nursery and provide the very best early years care in Essex.

The Play 2 Learn Team.

Play 2 Learn team to receive child care certificates at Presentation.

2011-01-16T08:50:00.000-08:00

Some of the Play 2 Learn Team have been invited to receive their NVQ educational certificates at the Culver Centre on the 16th February.

Michelle Lawrence, Kirsty and Agata will be presented on stage with their Level 3 certificates and Hayley will be presented with her level 4 award.

The nursery will also be receiving our Credit Level Certificate in Quality in Learning and Teaching. This has been a continual assessment over a 3 year period looking at every aspect of the care we provide to children. Credit Level is the highest mark that can be achieved.

Happy New Year.

2011-01-02T09:55:00.000-08:00

May I wish our children, parents, my team at Play 2 Learn and families a Happy New Year.

An update on what's happening behind the scenes..

Work is now well underway on our £30k outside play area extension which should be finished in the next few weeks. This will provide a fantastic outside environment for our children to have access to the very best learning aids available and will compliment the care they receive within their rooms.

I am currently looking at a few redecoration proposals to keep the nursery looking clean and fresh for this year. I'll keep my decision a surprise for you.

My team and I are looking forward to providing the very best child care in Essex for 2011 and beyond.

Kind Regards

Jacky Roast

Managing Director

Play 2 Learn.

Happy Christmas.

2010-12-24T07:53:00.000-08:00

May I wish our children, parents and all staff at Play 2 Learn, and your families, a Happy Christmas. The nursery is open again on Wednesday 29 December.

Jacky Roast

Fantastic Xmas party 17 December.

2010-12-20T13:19:00.000-08:00

My thanks to my great staff in organising our children's Christmas party last Friday, ( and of course thank you Father Christmas for visiting us). We have some photographs taken of the party for parents and should have them ready for collection from the office in the next couple of days.

Jacky.

Snow - We are open Monday 20th Dec

2010-12-20T13:15:00.000-08:00

We remain open to continue to provide your childcare requirements.

Christmas Party and Concert this Friday.

2010-12-13T13:40:00.000-08:00

Play 2 Learn staff and children have been busy working hard for many weeks now on our Christmas Concert. Parents, please don't forget to return your concert slips to reserve your seats NOW.

Extensive building works gets underway at our garden today.

2010-12-13T13:08:00.000-08:00

Our garden designers started today in demolishing our existing outside play area and rebuild it to twice the original size to our very specific requirements which will provide an exceptional outside play area for our children.

We will keep you updated.

Friday 3/12. More snow but the nursery remains open today.

2010-12-02T14:45:00.000-08:00

Looking at the news reports this evening it is warmer in Greenland than it is in Thurrock !.

Well here the children have had a great time coming to nursery over the last few days playing in the snow, and we have made it a fabulous learning opportunity for them. We carry out a daily review of the weather and the service we can provide and despite schools and nurseries closing throughout Essex I am delighted that Play 2 Learn will be open again tomorrow

( Friday ).

We do all we can to keep open, because if we close it will give our parents child care issues for them to retain their jobs in these difficult financial times.

My thanks again to my fabulous team for getting to work in the snow and ice.

I'll be there at 7.30am in the morning with my team to continue to provide the very best childcare for you. There will be a hot tea or coffee waiting for you.

Jacky Roast.

SNOW - We are open.

2010-12-01T10:05:00.000-08:00

Despite the heavy snow that has fallen here in Thurrock over the last couple of days, we have managed to remain open to provide childcare needs. 330 schools across Essex closed !.

Our car park and entrance has been gritted but please be careful.

Thank you to all my great team who battled with the elements to make it into work.

Jacky Roast.

Children In Need 2010

2010-11-18T12:27:00.000-08:00

In support of Children in Need this year the children have been busy making cakes to sell. There are still a few left if haven't bought some. We have also organised a raffle and have a teddy, wine, chocolates for the winners.

We have a dressing up day tomorrow. Play 2 Learn will be going pudsey bear yellow so we hope to see the children taking part and really enjoying a fun day.

Garden works soon to start.

2010-11-08T15:36:00.000-08:00

Over the last few months we have been working with professional outside play area designers to extend our garden to double the size we currently have and introduce some new and fresh ideas for children to learn through outside play activities. There is so much children can learn, experience and benefit in this way and we wanted children at Play 2 Learn to have the very best available.

Work will start in a few weeks on our £30k extention which will be completed by the end of the year.

Dressing up day, great success.

2010-10-29T11:36:00.000-07:00

It's a shame I can't show you pictures of our children who made such a fantastic effort today. They looked terrific. I won't put pictures of the children on a public domain for obvious reasons. But, here's a picture of just a few of us adults. Perhaps we should do panto ??

Jacky.

Dressing up day this Friday.

2010-10-27T12:03:00.000-07:00

Just to remind you that we are having a dressing up day Friday. No competitions , just lots of fun. Anything goes. The staff have come up with some good ideas and will be donating £1 each to our charity account. When we have a few pounds we will nominate a suitable charity later in the year to support.

There will be a collection cup in reception Friday if you would like to make a donation. No more than one pound please.

Now then parents, how many of YOU will dress up to bring or collect your child from nursery ?. If you do, I will personally donate £10 per parent.

Jacky.

Harvest Festival.

2010-10-18T14:34:00.000-07:00

Our thanks to all those who contributed to our Harvest Festival food hamper. We arranged for the children from Ladybird and Bumblebee rooms to visit St Clements Church today where the Rev Michelle Reynolds was able to tell them about the festival, take questions ( apparently there were lots ! ), and sing a few songs. The children had a fantastic time.

Our huge hamper went to help the local elderly, and also to those in Thurrock who have fallen on bad times.

Thank you again parents for your generosity.

Building clean starts.

2010-09-21T12:12:00.000-07:00

We have a specialist cleaning company currently cleaning the whole of the outside of the building, and ask that parents take care when attending and leaving the nursery. Work will take place over a number of weeks.

Our Best Wishes to children leaving us for school.

2010-08-30T10:23:00.000-07:00

August and September are months when we say our goodbyes to children, many having been with us since babies, to start school. It's the end of a fantastic journey my team and I share with parents to provide the very best care for your child for them to be ready and able to move forward to education and lead happy and fulfilling lives.

Thank you mums and dads for all the cards, gifts and lovely messages you have sent us. I am confident that your child has received the very best under 5 care an early years provider can achieve.

Keep in touch.

Jacky Roast

Managing Director

Play 2 Learn Day Nursery.

Professional Carers of Children 0 to 5 years.

Congratulations Hayley.

2010-08-30T10:14:00.000-07:00

Play 2 Learn's Deputy Manager Hayley Lawrence has just received confirmation that she has passed her NVQ Level 4 in Child Care. Well done and congratulations from us all.

Unique, bespoke and individual Exercise and Lifestyle program available for you.

2010-08-09T13:22:00.000-07:00

Wigglefit have produced membership options for you from September.

Parents..

Individual classes are £5, but there are two monthly options for you to save money ;

(A) One class per week option for £17.99 paid monthly.

(B) Two classes per week option for £29.99 paid monthly.

This is a unique, bespoke and individual Exercise and Lifestyle program you can access here at St Clements Health and Community Centre. Wigglefit will provide you with exercise related reference material and are introducing a reward scheme for you referring a friend or family member to the program.

Director of Wigglefit, Kevin Cowdroy, is passionate to provide Exercise and Lifestyle programs for parents and their children to be involved in together and is hoping to have this available for you in the next couple of months. We will keep you posted.

You can contact Kevin direct on 07746 846324 or call into the office.

Play 2 Learn achieve a Gold Award !.

2010-08-03T14:09:00.000-07:00

Approx 2 years ago we joined Thurrock's Learning and Teaching Quality Assurance Scheme ( QuILT). The scheme requires us as a nursery to complete a number of modules looking at 10 specific and testing areas of quality of childcare and customer service being delivered now and for the future. The scheme is voluntary and opens our service policies and practices to independent professional childcare bodies.

I am delighted to tell you that the independent childcare bodies have scored each module at the highest credit level and that Play 2 Learn will receive a gold overall award.

We will be celebrating our award very soon.

My congratulations to my fabulous team. Well done girls !

Jacky Roast

Managing Director.

Play 2 Learn Day Nursery Ltd.

..Professional Carers of children 0 to 5 Years ...

Significant road closure you may not be aware of.

2010-07-14T11:59:00.000-07:00

Parents and followers of Play2Learn should be aware that we have learnt that the road between Sainsbury roundabout at Chafford and the route to the M25 roundabout will be closed from 31 July to 14 August. This will, no doubt, have significant impact on your journey to and from the nursery and you may wish to review your travelling routes during these dates.

We will keep you posted of any developments.

Few places available Thursday evening with Wigglefit.

2010-07-13T12:07:00.000-07:00

There are just a few places left for the Wigglefit exercise class in the Community Hall downstairs this Thursday. Parents, these are free places so please make use of them. Please see Jacky, Michelle or Hayley if you would like to go.

Trip to Paradise Wildlife Park.

2010-07-13T12:04:00.000-07:00

We hope you all enjoyed our trip last Friday. The children seemed to really enjoy the experience and many are still talking about the animals they saw. Thanks to Michelle who organised the event.

Play 2 Learn staff get fitter.

2010-06-11T11:36:00.000-07:00

As an introduction to professional health, fitness and nutrition company 'Wigglefit' rolling out a programme for parents and children at St Clements, Director Kevin Cowdroy is starting with Play 2 Learn staff next Thursday after work !.

They promise no leotards and lycra.. thank goodness.

Another 'Credit' level pass and Food Safety Level 2 Certificates.

2010-05-10T12:30:00.000-07:00

Play 2 Learn have just been awarded another Credit Level pass in our quality assurance, learning and teaching programme. We now have 8 credit passes, just one more to go.

A few weeks ago our staff attended a Saturday workshop and examination to attain a Food Level 2 Certificate. We are delighted to tell you that we found out today that we all passed !.

Congratulations Jordanna. Happy 21st Birthday Lauren.

2010-04-28T12:26:00.000-07:00

Many congratulations to a member of our bank staff team Jordanna Senior in achieving her Level 2 qualification in childcare. She has already completed her paperwork to start level 3 !Well done from everyone.

And Happy Birthday to Lauren Blois for this Saturday who will be celebrating her 21st birthday.

Update

2010-04-25T12:26:00.000-07:00

The whole team came to work Saturday to complete a level 2 food safety course with a recognised national standard training company. The day ended in an exam and we wait to receive our results, fingers crossed.

On Sunday we had a meeting with the Director of Wigglefit Ltd, Kev Cowdroy, ( in a gym of all places ! ), who is looking at providing a unique environment for children and parents to get fit, stay fit and healthy together. Kev has some amazing ideas combining nutrition and exercise and is just now getting the 'financials' in place.

We look forward to Wigglefit being a partner with Play 2 Learn.

Maria leaves us.

2010-03-30T04:19:00.000-07:00

You will all be aware that Maria Jackson leaves us to live in Lanzarote. Maria has been an exceptional member of our senior management team as Deputy Manager for the last 4 plus years, and we all wish her well.

We are delighted to tell you that Hayley Lawrence has been promoted to Deputy Manager of Play 2 Learn.

Open Evening next Thursday.

2010-03-14T14:40:00.000-07:00

Hope you all had a good weekend and the mum's amongst us were totally spoilt with flowers, chocs and tea in bed on this mothers day.

My son Bradley returned home from university unexpected this weekend with a home made Mothers Day Card !. He is a diamond. It was great to see him (and his big bag of washing of course).

Don't forget our open evening is this Thursday. We are looking forward to seeing as many parents as possible but please book to see your child's key person or a member of the management team to talk through your child's progress so far and our plans to prepare for school and beyond.

Jacky.

Please return your 'Wiggle Fit' questionaires asap.

2010-03-12T09:38:00.000-08:00

You will be aware that we have been meeting up with Essex health and fitness expert Kevin Cowdroy who is looking to launch his new exercise programme "Wiggle Fit" in the County.

Kevin recognises that not everyone enjoys going to the gym and has designed a programme that is based on movement activities such as walking, running, jumping, agility co-ordination and skill based games for adults and children to get fit, stay fit and be healthy.

We are delighted to tell you that he is looking to launch his programme with us.

Kevin and his company are looking to provide a specific programme to meet YOUR needs. Please return the questionaires as soon as you can and we will pass them on to him.

Don't miss out on this.

Wear your favourite book character costume to nursery !

2010-03-02T12:56:00.000-08:00

In support of National Book Day this Thursday, children and staff will be dressing up in a book character costume.

Local community group meeting.

2010-03-01T15:12:00.000-08:00

A date for your diary..

The West Thurrock and South Stifford Community Group meet at the Centre this Thursday 4th March at 7.30pm. We will be there. It's a great opportunity for you to listen to guest speakers discuss future development in the area and to talk informally to local councilors.

Open Evening.

2010-02-25T09:35:00.000-08:00

Our Open Evening is now set for Thursday 18 March, 6.15 to 8.30pm and we are looking forward to seeing as many parents as possible to discuss your child's progress with us.

Other news,

We have been speaking recently with an experienced Essex based health and fitness instructor who hopes to deliver a programme in the County for those of us that ' don't do gym' . It's called "Wiggle-Fit" and incorporates sessions for both parents and children to be involved in.

We will try to secure the programme for you all here at St Clements.

Congratulations Laura.

2010-02-15T12:33:00.000-08:00

Congratulations to Laura Sanderson in achieving her NVQ Level 3 in Childcare. Laura worked really hard with Maria to obtain this qualification. Well Done.

Other news ;

We are busy planning our open evening in the next few weeks where the team and key workers will be available to talk and discuss with parents their children's progress and plans for the future. We will be sending out invitations very soon. Please make every effort to come along, we will be delighted to see you.

As Business Awards Judges for Thurrock we will be visiting the top 9 finalist new companies next week to select just 3 winners. We will announce our winners at a black tie evening at the Civic Hall on Friday 19 March.

The finalists for New Company are :

Partyman World Lakeside.

Andrea Ince PR.

Sunnyside House Care Home.

Practical Car and Van Rental.

The Trop Shop.

Peafs on the Heath.

Your Thurrock- online newspaper.

Return Loads.

Standing Events.

If you know anyone from these companies please give them a ring and wish them well.

We are also visiting Ormston Park Academy Belhus next Thursday to take part in some mock recruitment interviews for school leavers and hope to pass on some tips to those living in Thurrock about to find themselves jobs.

Congratulations again to Laura on getting her Level 3 NVQ.

Jacky.

Thank you x.

2010-01-23T14:18:00.000-08:00

I would like to say a big thank you to my lovely team in celebrating 5 years today from building my unique nursery to becoming professional providers and carers of children 0 to 5 throughout Essex.

The cards from each room and child was amazing and the flowers and pink champagne awsome. Thank you so much x.

Jacky

HAPPY BIRTHDAY Play2Learn. 5 years

2010-01-19T13:04:00.000-08:00

On 24th January, Play2learn will be 5 years old.

We will be celebrating with a special cake and will be taking some photographs to be published in the Thurrock Gazette newspaper. If there are any parents who do not wish their child to be in the media, please let us know asap before Friday.

Community Day this Thursday.

2010-01-19T12:50:00.000-08:00

Play 2 Learn have been invited to a Community Day at West Thurrock Primary School on Thursday. We will be taking 20 children from our pre school ( Bumblebees) to the afternoon. It will be a great way for them to mix with school children in reception class and will meet up with some of the children who left us in September.

The organisers have arranged a variety of activities and have a fire engine and police car for us to 'play with'.

Snow..snow..snow. Business as usual.

2010-01-07T14:45:00.000-08:00

Despite many schools and nurseries closing due to the snow, I have decided to keep Play2Learn open to continue to provide children with consistant childcare, but I will assess the situation each day. The children have been enjoying playing with the snow in the garden and benefit from the experience.

Yet again, I would like to say a big thank you and well done to my fabulous team for all making it into work despite the weather this week. I have great pleasure in presenting 5 members of my team with certificates this month for 100% attendance for 2009.

Jacky.

Happy New Year 2010.

2010-01-02T15:14:00.000-08:00

My team and I would like to wish our children and parents a very Happy New Year for 2010.

Jacky.

Hope you all had a great Christmas.

2009-12-28T11:36:00.000-08:00

Play 2 Learn is open after the Christmas break on Tuesday 29th December.

We are all looking forward to working with you and your children into 2010.

Hope you enjoyed our Christmas concert today.

2009-12-18T11:07:00.000-08:00

First of all I'd like to say a big thank you to all of my team for making it into work today despite the snow, ice and severe weather warnings from the Met Office. You are stars x

Today was our Christmas party. It started with music and dancing then Santa arriving bearing gifts for all, this was followed by a fabulous singing concert.

My thanks to Maria, Michelle and the team , and a special thanks and well done to Michelle Lawrence for comparing the event. Congratulations to all the children - they were brilliant.

Hope all who attended enjoyed the afternoon.

Jacky.

7 credit awards out of 7 !

2009-12-10T14:07:00.000-08:00

We're delighted to tell you that we have found out today that we have received another 'credit' award for our quality assurance accreditation. This is important for an early years setting as we invite independant early years professionals, including a teacher, to the nursery to test and examine our procedures and quality of care. A 'credit' pass is the highest that can be acheived.

We now have 7 credit awards with just 3 areas of our work at Play 2 Learn to be inspected. We will keep you updated.

Following on from our Dragons Den experience we were invited to Grays School to take part in some mock interviews for 15/16 year olds about to leave to take on their careers. The standard was exceptional.

Our Christmas party and concert is on 18th. Don't miss it ! . Send your slips back to let us know that you will be there.

Jacky, Michelle, Maria.

Dragons Den Apprentice.

2009-11-20T13:13:00.000-08:00

Thank you for following our blog. My passion is to provide the very best childcare for your children and I have a fantastic team providing great results. It is nice to be involved with the development of children beyond nursery. On 23rd I will be attending the Chafford Campus as part of a Thurrock Enterprise 'Dragons Den' to test their year 10 childrens business plans and ideas for the future.

I'm going to put together a pack of freebees to give to every 'young adult' who takes part. If any parent in business who wishes to add their business card or a promotional thing to encourge children beyond nursery, please let me know asap.

We are working towards our Xmas party on the Friday 18th December. A date for your diary.

Jacky.

Welcome back Natasha.

2009-11-10T14:51:00.000-08:00

We are pleased to tell you that Natasha has returned from maternity leave and is in Caterpillar Room on Thursdays and Fridays. Pop your head in and welcome her back to the team if you get a chance.

Many thanks for all your e.mails and cards we receive telling us how happy and content you are with the progress being made by your children and the quality care we provide.

Hope you liked the results of our nursery photographer who captured some fantastic images for you to view. We need the proofs back and any orders as soon as you can.

Some latest news.

2009-10-25T14:29:00.000-07:00

We are thrilled that Jo Kent from our Caterpillers Room gave birth to Jack on 14 October. Mum and son are both well and healthy. Jack weighed in at 8lb 1oz. We are also pleased to tell you that Lauren is returning to Play2Learn and will be in Butterflies room from tomorrow. If you get the chance pop in and say hello to her.

Don't forget you can receive a discount on your childcare fees if they are paid promptly, and we have secure chip and pin facilities to assist you to reduce cash handling.

In the next few months we have a redecoration programme planned which begins with our quarterly clean of all floor carpets on Saturday 7th, following a re-design of our reception and main corridor to bring new and fresh ways of engaging your children. Hope you like it.

Cleanliness is so important in a nursery environment and you may not know that we have a specialist cleaning company called "Swisher" who deep clean all our toilets and wash basins every week to keep our children safe.

This coming Wednesday we host the launch of the Thurrock Business Awards 2010 in the Centre lounge. If you have a business you may be interested in the press release and benefits of applying. Speak to Jacky.

Thank you for all the thank you cards from parents whose children have left us for school. It means so much to us.

Jacky

Where did summer go ?

2009-09-03T15:24:00.000-07:00

It seems just a few days ago that the children were putting sunscreen on to play in the garden and now its just over 100 days to Christmas !.

A few tears were shed by the team to see some of our fabulous children leave us to go to school this term. It was really great to see some of them pop in to see us dressed in their school uniform today after their first BIG day at BIG school. They were with us as babies and it was great to see them ready to progress their education and lives.

"Keep in touch and send us some photos "

Our nursery places are already full for this coming year and we are looking forward to working hard with our new children and parents at Play 2 Learn.

We went to the West Thurrock and South Stifford Community Forum this evening. It's a regular held meeting for local residents and businesses and would recommend you spend a couple of hours if you want to see what's going on in your area. We had presentations ranging from the 3 wheelie bins we are all getting this month, the Thurrock Community Safety Partnership giving practical help and ideas, Essex Police with crime levels, the Transport Manager of the Thurrock Development Corporation giving an overview of the road and transport situation with the planned growth of Thurrock.

The next meeting is 7.30pm in the Community Hall on 5 November.

We've picked up lots of freebee leaflets which are in reception for you to read or take away.

I hope you like this way of keeping you posted with news.

Jacky

Save 5% on your childcare fees.

2009-08-13T14:50:00.000-07:00

I have been able to defer all increases in childcare fees this year until October 09. I hope this has given parents stability in your financial planning in this recession. Within the next few days you will receive a letter outlining our fees to continue to provide professional childcare services to you. I have managed to keep the increase to an absolute minimum, and additionally can offer parents a 5% discount if accounts are paid on time.

If you have any difficulties, then please speak to me, Michelle or Maria.

Jacky.

Community Police visit.

2009-07-20T13:16:00.000-07:00

We had a visit today from Constables Liz and Mark from our local community police team. They called in to give us some property marking pens and ended up staying for a while to have a look around the nursery and meet the children. The children had a look around the police car, even setting off the sirens and bluelights !.

We will keep in touch with Liz and Mark and invite them to the nursery at a pre arranged time so as not to interfere with their duties and give the children an input into their roles.

Jacky and Team.

School visits.

2009-07-05T10:11:00.000-07:00

We took a group of children leaving us in September to West Thurrock Primary School on Thursday, and have another group to take tomorrow ( Monday ), to help settle them into their new environment. It's our nearest school who we work with. It gives the children a feeling of "big school' , " big children' , "Teachers " and we can support them until they leave us.

My thanks to my team and to you as parents for a great day out at Whipsnade Zoo on Friday. It was a long day packed for children to see animals together with their nursery friends. They had a great time and the weather was good for us !. The group I was with went on a bear hunt. We found 3 bears !.

Jacky.

Trip to Whipsnade Zoo.

2009-06-21T11:31:00.000-07:00

I hope you have all received your letters about our summer trip to Whipsnade Zoo on Friday 3 July. It's just 12 days away now. If you have any queries please speak to Michelle, Maria or me. We have 2 full coaches which is fabulous that so many parents and children can come along to make a great day out.

It's really nice that Natasha, Breane and their babies are coming on the trip. Both are still on maternity leave but are looking forward to seeing you all again.

Also, Lauren returns to our team as 'bank staff' until she starts her new job as a nanny in September.

My thanks to Michelle who has worked so hard to organise this year's trip.

We have arranged some visits to local schools for children who leave us in September to continue their education. Let us know how your visits go.

Jacky.

Professional Events Photographer attending the nursery.

2009-06-11T14:19:00.000-07:00

We have been working over the last few months with professional events photographer Andrew Trundle to attend the nursery and take lifestyle, natural photographs of our children in the nursery environment. Andrew is a member of the Thurrock Business Club and has full Criminal Record Bureau clearance. Andrew will be accompanied and assisted by a member of our team.

We have seen some of Andrew's work and have been impressed with the results. Andrew attends the nursery on the 25th June. Please let us know if you would not like your child photographed.

Play2Learn will provide Andrew with a new memory card for his camera to take images. We will retain ownership and delete all images after the event.

I will let you know all of the above on our notice board in the next few days.

Jacky.

Welcome to some new members of our team.

2009-06-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

Welcome to Laura who is newly qualified and joined us on Monday. Laura is in Bumblebees room. Pop your head in and say hello if you havn't already met.

Also welcome to Danielle and Jo who join our team of 'bank staff' who we rely on to provide essential cover when needed.

PARENTS WITH BUSINESSES..

Don't forget we have a notice board for your business cards, leaflets etc for you to promote your businesses to the many hundreds of people using our Centre in West Thurrock. It's on the ground floor, it's free of charge. Just hand it to myself, Michelle or Maria and we will be happy to include it.

Jacky.

PS.. I've just found the ' bigger text' button on the blog software. Hope you find it easier to read.

New educational graphics in the garden.

2009-05-17T10:21:00.000-07:00

Our attention this weekend has been to our front garden area. We have purchased some really fantastic graphic boards which are weatherproof and fixed to our fence for the children to use from tomorrow. They cover a range of topics such as numbers, colours, shapes, transportation, flower recognition and much more, and will help us continue to develop childrens minds whilst they are outside.

Jacky and the Team.

New vegetable garden ready.

2009-05-04T12:37:00.000-07:00

I hope you all had a great Bank Holiday weekend. We have been working with professional gardener Alan Colson BscHorticulture to design a vegetable garden at the side of the building for our children to plant and grow produce. We have built growing timescales into our planning so the children will be able to see the results of their efforts and hopefully pass the produce to our cook for her to serve up at mealtimes.

This weekend we have been busy getting the plant beds and pots ready for Alan to start planting with our children tomorrow ( weather permitting ). We will be planting potatoes, courgettes, beans, strawberries, tomatoes, cucumbers and a range of herbs to get us started.

We are very pleased that Alan is involved in our project. He has featured in the magazine 'Gardeners World' several times and lives in Thurrock. For anyone wanted to make contact with him from garden design and planting to maintenance solutions his e'mail address is akcgardencare@btinternet.com.

Jacky and the team.

My First Poem Competitiong

2009-04-20T11:56:00.000-07:00

We have entered 'My First Poem' competition entitled ' Me and My Family Essex'. My first poem is part of Young Writers, which promotes creative writing in early years. The competition promotes poetry and early years writing within schools and nurseries over the past 18 years and is very well established in publication circles.

Eight of our children's work have been selected for publication this year. Congratulations and well done !!

Our charity for this year. £753 so far !!

2009-04-14T12:44:00.000-07:00

Play 2 Learn's charity this year is to support Essex Radio 'Martin and Sue's Essex Kids'. We have a number of events planned and hope to present them with a cheque at the end of the year to help children less fortunate in the county to lead brighter lives.

In the last couple of weeks you have been very generous. Thank you.

The Caterpillars room had a sponsored Bop. Butterflies held ' obstacle' . Ladybirds a sports day races and our Bumblebees room had an obstacle course.

Everyone had great fun and you raised a massive £753.34. !!

We will let you know what next activity we have in mind.

Do you have your own ideas ?.

Come and talk to us.

Excellent Customer Service - Top 9 in Essex Countywide.

2009-03-19T12:37:00.000-07:00

I am delighted to tell you that Play 2 Learn have just been chosen to be in the top 9 finalists in Essex Countywide Business Awards for Excellent Customer Service !!

This is a prestigious event to get this far and is a fantastic reflection on the service we give to both parents and children. Over the next few weeks we will receive a visit from the category judge who will decide his winner. We are invited to attend a black tie presentation dinner and dance at the Cliffs Pavilion, Southend on 8 May where the winner will be announced.

A big thank you and well done to my team.

Jacky.

2009-03-11T12:20:00.000-07:00

I am sure you would have noticed that we had a 'deep clean' of our entrance area and stairs over the last few days. The very popular numbers and shapes on the stairs were removed to facilitate the clean. We have been working with a graphic designer and I hope you like the replacement graphics installed today. We have some new shapes and colours for the children to see and have put the number wording on each stair.

What do you think ? Let us know.

I am also pleased to tell you that we have been accepted as members of the Thurrock Business Association and received our membership certificate at the AGM on Monday from the TBA President. The TBA form a group of small, medium and large business in Thurrock which includes Thurrock Council. We will promote early years care in the borough through this forum and work hard to find initiatives than can be provided to help children and parents.

Jacky and team.

Some dates for your diary.

2009-02-24T13:50:00.000-08:00

PARENTS OPEN EVENING - 18/3/09.

We are holding a parents Open Evening on Wed 18 March, 6.30pm, in the nursery. It will give you an opportunity to speak with the staff and your child's key person, discuss worries or concerns and have a look at the work displayed in the rooms. Nurseries have the same demands as schools for written plans, observations and evaluations, and we will be pleased to show you our forward planning for your child.

NURSERY TRIP - 3/7/09.

We are looking at planning an outing to either Colchester or Whipsnade Zoo. Our outings have always been well attended by parents in the past and we hope this year will be even better.

SUMMER FETE - 22/8/09.

Michelle is being adventurous and plans to hold a fantastic Summer Fete in the community hall on the ground floor. We aim to organise games, stalls, raffles, entertainers, food and refreshments. We will keep you posted. Let us know if you would like to get involved.

Jacky and the team.

2009-02-16T14:51:00.000-08:00

Thank you for viewing our nursery blog site.

We are currently celebrating some educational achievements which will be reported in the press very soon.

I am pleased to tell you that 3 members of our management team have just recently achieved NVQ level 4 standard and where presented with certificates at the Culver Centre of Learning, attended by senior practitioners of early years and the Mayor and Mayoress of Thurrock.

Additionally Maria is currently working towards attaining NVQ Assessor award status and Michelle a degree in early years.

Jo is currently working on her level 4, Sarah and Hayley start very soon.

Joanne and Laura are completing level 3.

It's important that we keep up to date with training and learning so we can support parents and give children the very best child care possible.

Regards,

Jacky, Michelle, Maria and team.

2009-02-02T10:44:00.000-08:00

SNOW !!

Schools, nurseries, shops are closed due to the snow.

The nursery is open today and tomorrow. Business as usual.

My thanks to all my team for digging out their cars, sorting out their transport arrangements to get to work today.

You are stars.

Jacky.

2009-01-25T10:24:00.000-08:00

Happy Birthday Play 2 Learn !

Today is the 4th anniversary of the nursery being open. Thank you to my team for the wonderful flowers and birthday card.

Four years have flown by and it's nice to see so many siblings of children who joined when we opened now with us. A little while ago we arranged for some children who left us for school to return to meet up again for a few hours of games, entertainment and lunch. It was great to see them again and see how well they have settled into school.

At our new year staff meeting I had the pleasure to award 100% attendance certificates and gift vouchers to Maria, Hayley and Agata for 2008.

Last year we joined Thurrock's Learning and Teaching Quality Assurance Scheme which requires us to complete a number of modules looking at 10 areas of quality and customer service being delivered now and for the future. The scheme is voluntary and opens the nursery practices to independent professional bodies.

We have just been awarded a credit level pass in the module that looks into our teaching and learning practices towards the children. We now have 5 modules passed at credit and distinction level. We are now working towards our 6th which deals with Inclusion and Equal Opportunities.

Together with Michelle and Maria I am looking at new and fresh ways we can improve the level of care and educate the children for 2009 and ways we can support our parents. If you are a parent or have a view on early years childcare, we would like to hear from you. What can we do better ?.

The current financial recession will be on many people's minds just now. I am looking hard at our business expenditure this year to find ways to suspend the annual nursery fee costs for as long as possible to help parents plan their finances.

If you are a parent and feel you have difficulties in meeting the nursery fees, please let us know.

I'd like to thank those parents who have commented that this blog is a helpful way of keeping in touch. It's still new, but I think it's a great way of giving you information.

Thank you for logging on to the Play 2 Learn blog.

Jacky

2008-12-21T13:36:00.000-08:00

Hi there,

I hope you made it to our Christmas performance on Friday. It was fantastic. The children worked so hard and everyone had a good time. My thanks to Father Christmas ( George ).

I'd like to thank Michelle, Maria and all those involved in a great day.

Well done girls.

Jacky.