Happy Half Term!!!

Date: 29th Oct 2024 @ 9:43am

So here we are, we have made it through to half term and, as soon as we return, will be cracking open the glitter, practicing carols and counting down to Christmas ….!!

We continue to be as busy as ever at S4YC and, despite having to say goodbye to our yr 6 regulars, we have welcomed a lot of ‘newbies'  throughout the key stages.  Our close links with the preschool, and some end of year ‘mergers’ meant that the transition from preschool to wrap around has been seamless with children and staff already being quite familiar with each other.

There have been a few changes too with regards to staff.  We have seen a couple of familiar staff move across to help at other settings but have also been fortunate to keep hold of one of our summer staff who is also a well-loved member of staff within the school.  We can assure you that we are looking for a more permanent addition to our team (feel free to apply!!) but hope that you will be patient in the meantime.  Rest assured that your little ones are always well looked after, even if it does mean heading over to the preschool room from time to time to ensure that we are sufficiently staffed.

As has always been the case, children and parents have been as adaptable as ever when we have had to relocate to preschool.  It isn’t ideal (especially for myself as I cart crate loads of food and resources across the playground in the rain) but we are incredibly grateful to preschool for being so welcoming and are more than happy to work around any school events that are taking place.  We will continue to keep you updated on any future ‘relocations’ as soon as we are made aware of them.

So, what have we been up to since September – where do I start??!!

After a hectic summer it comes as no surprise to tell you that our games table was quite literally on its last legs by the time September came so, the first purchase of the year was an easy decision to make.  After much sweat and tears (and the heart sinking realisation that the football teams were facing the wrong direction) I managed to piece together a new games table which, I am pleased to say, is still holding together well and we are yet to lose any of the balls that go with it!!

We started off the year getting to know each other through a number of arts and crafts including rucksacks, name bracelets, worry monsters and friendship flowers.

We were blessed with one or two days of sunshine earlier in the term which could only mean one thing … shoes and socks off for a paddle, Barbie's in balloons (don't ask!!) and outdoor snack (you have to embrace these moments whilst you can!)

As is always the case in September, we revisited our club rules and expectations.  We have tried a number of incentives to encourage good manners and behaviours over the last 12 months, but none have been as successful as our raffle ticket jar.  We have found it to be a positive system … in some cases it has even encouraged the children to put the lids on the felt tipped pens!!  Friday prize day is now firmly fixed into our routine … the only downside being that I have to keep filling up the prize box!!

We are continuing with our ‘wish wall’ where children can write down what things they would like to have/do in club.  Unfortunately, we are unable to provide ‘Prime’ at snack time, but we do already have ‘Magic Snow’ on standby and loom bands a plenty, so do try to fulfil as many wishes as we can.  We are also unable to stretch as far as to replacing our games console with a PlayStation 5 at this moment in time, so children are having to make do with my wii instead!!

When it comes to snack time, we have been working on different ways to accommodate all children (being especially mindful that some can sit for longer than others) and have found that, when we are particularly busy, a rolling snack seems to work better.  We are also encouraging children to be more independent, especially at breakfast time which is great to see.

October started off with ‘World Space Week’ where children created some amazing art works and galaxy cakes.

We also spent some time exploring mental health as part of ‘World Mental Health Day’, with children collaborating to create a beautiful banner which I am hoping to make into something to permanently display in club as a reminder to the children of just how special they each are.

As Autumn arrived and we approached the end of the half term we naturally focused all our efforts into everything spooky including painting, Beetlejuice cupcakes, masks, facepainting, bracelet making and cards.  

The highlight of our Halloween activities, however, must be the ‘pumpkin autopsy’ – thank goodness Halloween only comes once a year!! Children were also invited to take part in a colouring competition with one very worthy winner.

Gosh – it is only when I look back that I realise just how much we have already achieved this year.  I look forward to welcoming everyone back after a well-earned rest.  Now let the Christmas countdown begin…!!!