January / February 2016 Newsletter
Staff News
Staff Training & News
 All staff have now completed training on all 6 principles of nurture. Please see
our display in the Stairway. We will continue to focus on nurturing environments
and developing Nurture Corners in each room.
 Tracy has left us a wee bit early (her contract due to finish April 2016) to take
up an opportunity to focus on her career in Reiki and Massage – we wish her all
the very best. Tracy will still be available to help out during staff holiday and
absence times
 Cheryl will be celebrating ten years with us this January – what an achievement!
Cheryl joined us in 2006 at 16 years old as an Apprentice, and now is mum to two
lovely children of her own. Congratulations Cheryl, here’s to another ten 
Nurture
Over the last few months we have been training on Nurture – this is a Glasgow City initiative and forms part of our
Improvement Plan. We will continue to focus on nurturing environments and staff will be creating and developing
nurturing corners in their rooms – these are calm spaces, filled with home like comforts, designed to offer the
children a calm space they can access as they need to.
We have also looked at transitions, in particular the transition to school. We will now be starting the journey from
January, and Chelsea and Anna are creating a Big Book with the children. We have been discussing some ideas; visiting
schools, looking at photos, inviting older siblings into talk to the group about starting school. Please see Anna or
Chelsea if you have any ideas or suggestions.
Tron Theatre Trip “White”
The 3 – 5’s group will be going to the Tron on Wednesday 24 February to see the acclaimed production “White.” This
is about a world filled with white birds and beautiful birdsong. It is a playful and highly visual performance which
enchants the audience. Please can all 3 – 5’s be in that morning for no later than 9am, and dressed for the weather.
What improvements have we made recently as a result of monitoring and parent consultation
Staff have been taking part in peer assessment – this encourages staff to be reflective in their practice and
continually work towards developing their skills and knowledge.
We have developed the children’s individual Learning Journals to include Spontaneous Learning – this allows us to
record significant learning that is taking place and allows staff to offer increasingly challenging experiences for
individual children.
We have visited two other nurseries to observe their practice. From that we have developed a “Well Done Wall”. This
supports children in setting and achieving their own targets for their learning and emotional skills.
We have been auditing our playrooms and have introduced more natural resources for the children aged to 3 years. .
We have consulted with parents regarding resource ideas for the Garden, and will now consult children and staff. We
would like the Garden to offer more open ended learning opportunities and problem solving opportunities.
Parents’ Forum
Jack Jill Nursery
Our next meeting will be on Thursday 11 February at 6pm – we will
be able to offer extended childcare including a light dinner for
the children to allow parents to attend the Forum.
We will spend some time discussing School transitions, and finding
out about what support you want from nursery in helping the
children be prepared for primary 1, so particularly interesting for
our pre school parents. We hope to see you there.
Nursery Improvement Plan – Termly Updates
Diary Dates + PSF and College Holidays
Parents’ Form – Thursday 11 Feb 2016 @ 6pm
Tron Theatre – 3-5’s Wednesday 24 Feb @
9.30am
Graduation Day - Friday 29 May 2016 @ 3pm
End of Term - Wednesday 24 June 2016
Nurture – Staff have had the final installment of the 6 Nurture
Principles, and we have begun to audit the nursery using How
Nurturing is Our School – staff and parents will be involved
through text, questionnaire and individual interviews.
Self Evaluation – new Action Plan created for monitoring system
to track priorities and impact on children