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Edition 24

Directors NewsMike's Meal -Chicken Curry Montessori Information -Encouraging IndependenceParenting Advice - Mental Health Staff NewsDates for your diaryUniformLee Mill Function RoomPricingFundingSpring 2022

How nice is it to have beautiful spring time weather?Although we are outside in all weathers it is so lovelyin the sunshine. We have been able to catch up onour maintenance work and Oli has been very busyfixing and repairing. He has built new planters atWoodlands, fixed the stage and added a lid to thesandpit and planted a Willow Dome, essential repairshave also been carried out on the building. Lee Mill has a new lawn on their flat garden, thefence has been extended in the middle garden and akick board fitted to keep the mud in the garden(hopefully). We have new chalk boards, tyres and arewaiting for delivery of planters and a sand pit shed. Chaddlewood recently had an Ofsted inspectionand we are very pleased to announce they gained a 'Good' rating. This is a massive improvementfrom the 'Requires Improvement' that the nurserywas awarded before we took it over. The team wereso keen to show all that they do, and we are veryproud of them. We are looking forward to seeingwhat the rest of Spring will bring in our nurseries. Tracey and CarolineOur Sparkwell setting has had their decked areacleaned and a drain fitted to help with the flooding. Aslide has been fitted in the orchard and a chalkboard on the fence. Oli will soon be making carryingour repairs to the covered roof which was damagedin the recent storms. Chaddlewood's fence and shed was damaged in thestorms and that is currently being replaced whilst Itype. We are also adding sails to the garden toprovide some shade and shelter, chalk boards,guttering and a mud kitchen. The children are goingto be so excited with all of these improvements.

1 tsp Turmeric 1 tsp Cardamom pods 1 tsp Curry Powder 1 tsp Cumin 1 tsp Nutmeg 1 tsp Ginger 1 tsp Garam Masala 1 tsp Cinnamon 1/2 bulb of garlic peeled 1 White onion Couple celery sticks 1-2 tbps of Olive oil Blend the Spices, Garlic, Onion, Celery and Oil together and fry off over a medium heat, stirringoccasionally for about ten minutes. In another pan melt 100 grams of butter and then add the fried spice mixture and 100 grams ofplain flour and make a roux. Cut two chicken breasts in to small chunks, place in a pot and cover with water, bring to a boiland simmer until the chicken is white all the way through, usually 6-8 minutes. Once simmered,strain but keep the chicken stock.Add the stock to the roux and put back on a medium heat whisking occasionally until it thickens.If it’s too thick adjust to desired consistency with cream, water or level it up with some coconutmilk. Dissolve a chicken stock as per instructions in boiling water and add stock to the roux. You’llwant about a pint and a half of stock and some salt. Add to the roux and stir until it thickens andagain, if it’s too thick adjust with water or level it up with some coconut milk. Pour over the chicken and enjoy Chicken CurryMike's MealsIngredientsMethod100g butter100g Plain FlourTwo Chicken BreastCream/Water/Coconut Milk (ifneeded)Chicken Stock (enough for 1/2 pint) Mix it up by cutting the Chicken into long strips andbread using flour, milk and bread crumbs. Roast inthe oven for twenty minutes.Alternatively...

Encouraging independence in children is an important factor of Montessori education. We aim not todo for the child what they can do for themselves. Providing opportunities for independence supportschildren’s development of their self-esteem, self-confidence and enables them to follow their owninterests. Our activities are on low shelving on trays or in baskets so children can independentlychoose what they would like to explore, they are supported and encouraged to replace their activityback where they found it ready for their friends to play with. The children have the freedom to decide where to play with their activity; whether that is on a floormat, at a table or stood at the shelf. They can decide if they would like to play by themselves or witha friend. Having this control and freedom means there are often less upsets as the children learnthey have a choice and to respect the choice of others. They learn to wait for their turn howeverlong that may take. Fortunately, there are many interesting activities for them to explore whilst theyare waiting.We try to slow down and provide time for children to be independent, so we do not rush childrentrying to put their outside clothes on, for example, but provide encouragement and support whereneeded. We enable children to pour their own drinks from china jugs into little cups, to spreadtheir own butter on their toast, to wash their dishes, to wipe up their spills or clean their face withflannels looking in a mirror. They are so proud of their accomplishments. The children take care of our environment. They wash the dishes, wipe the tables, sweep the floors,clean the windows, arrange flowers and help with the recycling. This independence helps thechildren learn how to care for the world around them but also develop themselves as they learnthese news skills. Having the opportunity to repeat tasks and practice supports their learning anddevelopment. At home we are all often so busy we don’t have the luxury always of allowing children to beindependent. But why not see if you can organise your child’s toys so they can easily tidy away witha little help from you, have their shoes and coats at a low level so they can reach themselves, havetheir crockery and cutlery in a low cupboard so they can lay the table for themselves. Can they havecloths so they can wipe up spills, if you go shopping can they put the fruit in the fruit bowl, if sortingthe washing can they pair socks? How independent can your child be?Montessori InformationEncouraging Independance

Actively listen to your child, acknowledge their feelings and empathise.Allow your child to express their feelings and help them to overcome sad,angry, frightened feelings.Stay calm and teach your child how to ask for help.Avoid stereo types e.g. big brave boy, boys don't cry, squealing like a girl. It doesn't matter what gender or age, you are entitled to how you arefeeling.Spend quiet time together sharing books, playing games or chattingwithout distractions.Stick to your commitments or promises so your child knows you arereliable.Take care of your own mental health, lead by example.Be creative, express feelings through music, art or dance.Spend time exercising together, going for a walk, swimming or a visit tothe beach.Surround yourself with nature and the natural world. Teach your child toadmire the beauty around us and to be amazed.Mental health T E N T O P T I P S T O S U P P O R T Y O U R C H I L D ' S M E N T A L H E A L T H

We are so fortunate to have teams who are so eager to continue with their training. Recentlythree of our team completed their level three apprenticeships. Tracy at Chaddlewood is soon tobe participating in management training continuing to develop her skills. Charlotte, Abi, Flo andKatie have begun their level 5 training which will increase their understanding of children’slearning and developing in a leadership role. Other team members are attending First Aid, safe-guarding, Montessori training, starting apprenticeships or continuing with their apprenticeshipstudies. How fortunate are we to have such a dynamic and eager team? Before Christmas we had a wreath making session where even those of us who consideroursleves less creative managed to create a wreath for Christmas, every one was different andunique. It was great to do something as a team which was not focussed on the children. We alsomanaged to all go out for a Christmas party and celebrate with our teams that, although thepast couple of years have been challenging, we survived and are stronger than ever. Over the Spring Term we have said a few sad goodbyes as members of our teams have movedon to pursue new career opportunities, we wish them all the best in the future and thank themfor all their hard worth with us. We have welcomed Poppy to our Lee Mill team while Tracey(Director Tracey!) has stepped in as the new manager. Alec and Dani have joined ourChaddlewood team, Dani is taking over from Jayne as Deputy Manager after she left last term topursue a new career path. We have also welcomed Emma G to our Woodlands team andKayleigh and Carolyn to our Sparkwell team. We are very excited about how our teams areexpanding and also the wonderfully committed staff who are continuing to grow within ourcompany. Zara has returned from Maternity leave and can be contacted viaadmin@littleorchardmontessori.co.uk - please contact Zara for any queries regarding debt andpayment of fees. Emily is still with us and can be contacted regardinginvoices/sessions/funding/holiday and any other general queries. She can be contacted viapa@littleorchardmontessori.co.uk Staff News

Spring Term 4th January-8th April Half term - Monday 21st February Bank Holiday 15th April and 18th April Summer Term 25th April-15th July Half Term - Monday 30th May Bank Holiday 2nd May, 2nd and 3rd June, 29th August Autumn Term 5th September - 16th DecemberHalf term - Monday 24th October We are closed for all Bank Holidays and for approx a week at Christmas.Stretched funding at Chaddlewood does not cover the weeks beginning 11thApril, 18th April, 22nd August or 19th December. Dates For Your DiariesLee Mill - Tracey: leemill@littleorchardmontessori.co.uk Tel: 01752 893498Term Dates for Devon/PlymouthContact DetailsSparkwell- Charlotte: sparkwell@littleorchardmontessori.co.uk  Tel: 01752 837883Woodlands -Hayley:woodlands@littleorchardmontessori.co.uk Tel: 01752 658567Director Caroline:caroline.lucas@littleorchardmontessori.co.ukEmily:Invoice queries/changes to sessions/holiday notice: pa@littleorchardmontessori.co.uk Zara: Debt/Payment of fees: admin@littleorchardmontessori.co.uk. Chaddlewood - Tracy : chaddlewood@littleorchardmontessori.co.uk Tel: 01752 202193

UniformUniformThe full pricing and sizing listfor our optional uniform. Sweatshirt - £9.503-4y, 5-6y +(Smaller sizes can berequested at a higher price)Short Sleeved T-Shirt - £5.501-2y, 3-4y, 5-6y +Bookbags are given tochildren free of charge whenthey turn 2 Backpack - £12.50'Inspire Empower Respect'Babygrow - £130-3m, 3-6m, 6-12m, 12-18m'Inspire Empower Respect'Baby Vest - £80-3m, 3-6m, 6-12m, 12-18mOrders can be sent via email to Emily atpa@littleorchardmontessori.co.uk

Lee MillLee MillFunction RoomFunction RoomDid you know we have a large function room at our Lee MillNursery available for hire? Our Function Room is near the entranceof our setting and boasts a large openspace and a meeting room with akettle/coffee machine. We have acollection of tables and chairs in theadjoining cupboard making this theperfect space for training sessions. Hire ofthis room includes access to the toilets(with baby changing); storage space and use of our kitchen can also be discussedif required. This space is already used by a number ofgroups including Moo Music, MusicalMovement, NCT and Blossoming Bumpsand Babies. It is the perfect facility forchildren's parties, dance lessons,meetings, training sessions and muchmore! We will also be using this space toset up our own Montessori groups! If you are interested in the hire of our Function Room then just send an emailto pa@littleorchardmontessori.co.uk toenquire.

PricingPricingPricing Our new session prices (starting 01/04/2022) areas follows: 7.30/7.45-8.00: £2.90/£1.45 (£2.75/£1.38 forChaddlewood) 8.00-9.00: £5.80 (£5.50) 9.00-12.00: £17.40 + £2 Consumable Charge* =£19.40 (£18.50) 12.00-13.00: £5.80 (£5.50) 13.00-16.00: £17.40 + £2 Consumable Charge* =£19.40 (£18.50) 16.00-17.00: £5.80 (£5.50) 17.00-18.00: £5.80 (£5.50) Meals Breakfast: £1Lunch: £2.20Tea: £1.50 Children booked for at least 1 x 8.00-18.00 or 3 x 9.00-16.00 (or equivalent) will receive freemeals. Those choosing to opt out of the consumable charge (funded children only) will notreceive free meals. Healthy packed breakfast/lunches/tea can be eaten instead, providing theyare nut free and have an ice pack.

FundingFundingFunding Your 2-year-old is eligible for free childcare if you receive any of the following benefits:• Universal Tax Credits• Income Support (IS)• Income-based Jobseekers Allowance (JSA)• Income-related Employment and Support Allowance (ESA)• Universal Credit – if you and your partner have a combined income from work of less than £15,400 ayear after tax• Child Tax Credit with an annual household taxable income (as assessed by HMRC) not over £16,190• Working Tax Credits with an annual household taxable income (as assessed by HMRC) not over£16,190• The Working Tax Credit 4 weeks run on• Guaranteed Element of State Pension Credit• Support under Part VI of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999.Or if your 2-year-old:• attracts Disability Living Allowance (DLA)• is looked after by the Local Authority• has left care through special guardianship or through an adoption order or residence order or• has a current statement of special educational needs (SEN) or an Education, Health and Care Plan. You can read more about how to apply for this here: https://www.gov.uk/help-with-childcare-costs/free-childcare-2-year-olds Tax-Free Childcare Tax-Free Childcare is a Government scheme to help working families with their childcarecosts. Parents are able to open online childcare accounts to pay their registered childcareproviders directly and the government will add to the account. For every £8 a parent pays in, the government will pay in an extra £2. Parents can receiveup to £2,000 per child, per year, towards their childcare costs, or £4,000 for disabledchildren. You can read more about hor to apply for this here: https://www.gov.uk/get-tax-free-childcare

Funded childcare for 3 and 4-year-oldsFrom the term after their third birthday, until they start school, every child is entitled to upto 570 hours of free early learning and childcare each year. Parents have a choice of howto use these hours either 15 hours per week for 38 weeks a year, referred to as term time,or 11 hours per week 51 weeks of the year referred to as Stretched. At our Chaddlewoodsetting the stretched funding is 12 hours per week for 47.5 weeks of the year. Funded time can be taken between 6am and 8pm at no more than 2 sites in one day.There is no minimum amount of time that must be attended.The table below shows when a child is eligible::30 hours free childcareYou may be eligible for up to 30 funded hours of early years’ childcare per week, for termtime only or 22 hours per week, for all year around (24 at Chaddlewood).Parents can apply at https://www.childcarechoices.gov.ukTo be eligible parents (and any partner) must each expect to earn (on average) at least£142 per week (equal to 16 hours at the National Minimum or Living Wage). If parents are on maternity, paternity or adoption leave, or are unable to work because they are disabled or have caring responsibilities, they could still be eligible.You can't get 30 hours free childcare if either you, or your partner, each individually expectto earn £100,000 or more.