Minutes of meeting 25^th January 2005 at CR’s House

Present : - Caroline Rix, Chris Napper, Julie Turner, Sarah Francis, Jonty Rix, Leonie Dolly-Sparkes, Sandra Kirkman, James Peck, Tracey Roberts

Minutes of last meeting: Agreed

Fundraising: Overall, the committee felt that the Harry Potter fundraising went well, but that there was a poor turn out from Tiggers children and parents. About £300 was raised but we are still expecting some expenses to be received.

SF felt that the cakes would have sold better if the whole ones were not cut up.

CR to check if there is an alternative arrangement that can be made with regards to the provision of soup bowls, spoons and knives as none of these were available.

Key Dates: TR to provide CR a list of key dates for the coming terms.

OFSTED Visit: A copy of the OFSTED report and the action plan has been sent to all parents. CR reminded the committee that they must ask to see their child’s development records. CN mentioned that it is hard to find the time to go through the development records with parents.

Solutions discussed:

allocate a 10 minute slot at fundraising events but this means that staff will be required to attend the fundraising events.
do at pick up/drop off over a couple of mornings for each keyworker – concerns were raised over the time available of the keyworker at these times

JR mentioned that we need to consider the setup of the environment, such as confidentiality, proximity of child

NEW IDEA SINCE MEETING - PARENT TO DO PARENT HELPER AND DURING THAT TIME KEY WORKER AND PARENT WILL BE ALLOWED TO HAVE PRIVATE TALK RE DEVELOPMENT AND RECORDS

Training: Surestart have agreed to individual training to Tiggers for the new Observation and Development records. Session to be held on 1st March and given by Geraldine Tidy – Quality Advisor, all staff to attend.

CR has a training plan in mind which covers 1^st Aid, Child Protection, Record Development (as above), Bringing the Foundation Stage Alive (Tracey & Vanessa), Managing People (Tracey). Behaviour training (2 sessions now booked by Jo Cottell given by Helen Sachiana in 22 Feb and 8^th march) £250 Surestart vouchers available in April. CR to write up training plan.

Digital Camera: The committee agreed that it would be beneficial to purchase a digital camera, this would enable the playgroup to provide evidence of certain activities that would aid the Ofsted inspections. CR to look into makes and models and provide details to LDS who might be able to purchase the camera duty free. CR mentioned it would be good to get one with a large display screen so that the children to see themselves after the photo has been taken.

Questions arose with regards to the processing of the photos and it was agreed that the quality does not have to be fantastic and can therefore be printed straight onto paper.

Christmas bonus: this is currently set at 1 weeks pay. The current committee had not paid this as didn’t know about it, this has now been rectified. Discussions about reward to be made based on past performance. All committee to think about whether this should be continued and if there are alternatives that can be offered.

Contracts and appraisals: All staff to have an appraisal the week before half-term. Tracey to ask all staff when they will be available. Tracey & Caroline to undertake the reviews. There have been no reviews since 2002. The staff handbook is currently being updated, it is not envisaged that it will be updated all in one go.

Policies & Procedures: there are lots of these that the committee will need to agree. It is envisaged that the ones that require the most attention will be updated first.

Kitemark: the playgroup would like to achieve this standard. It is hard work to get but the benefits are that we will have a recognised standard and we would have been through the process and therefore fully understand what the playgroup is doing and trying to achieve.

Learning through landscape: Tiggers has now joined.

Outside play area: need advice on what we can do to get over the mud problem, so that the children can play outside all year round. We need to plan what we want to do and then apply for a grant.

Surveys to be done on the:

children to find out what they want
staff to find out what they want
parents to get their views
committee

The land at the back belongs to Balcombe Estate, all amendments should be put in writing to them.

Fundraising: Saturday 26^th February. The Parish room is booked.

Events:

Painting flower pots and potting them

Bouncy castles - JT

Tombola

Face Painting - SK

Gunk lucky dip

Treasure trail

Name the Rabbit

Cake stall

Items needed:

Plant pots – to go wishlist at Tiggers

Compost

Bulbs – what can be planted at this time of year?

A Rabbit

Following food to be provided:

Thai Chicken Noodle – LDS

Curried Parsnip Soup – Roland Burke

Tomato Soup - SF

Children’s meals – jam, marmite, dairy lea, raisins, crisps – SF (Makro)

Lunch boxes from McDonalds – JT to see if can get

Cakes

Frequency of meetings: Agreed that the committee should meet twice a term.

Date of next meeting: Wednesday 23^rd March 20:00 CR’s house

AOB:

SF apologized about the Parent/Helper rota – this is currently being done

Sweatshirts – staff to decide colour

Key worker system – this is now all up and running

Cleaning – it was mentioned that the condition of the Parish Room has deteriorated. CR to speak to Wendy and attend Parish Rooms AGM.

CR – mentioned passports to learning for all staff

20 leaving certificates required – JT

Leaving presents – books about going to school? – JT

Actions arising from meeting:

CR :

to check if there is an alternative arrangement that can be made with regards to the provision of soup bowls, spoons and knives as none of these were available if and when we use the Victory Hall.
write up training plan.
Staff appraisals
Policies and Procedures
Staff handbook (The beginning bit as most of it comprises of the policies and procedures. This nearly complete and will also include Julie’s work on staff policies such as discipline, grievances etc.)
Oversea surveys for outside area with JR
CR and JR to continue with Parish magazine entry

CR to look into makes and models and provide details to LDS who might be able to purchase the camera duty free
JR and CR to produce poster for Fundraiser
To continue to represent Tiggers at Child Protection Case Conference and on the Core Group

Staff:

Surveys for outside play area requirements

TR:

to provide CR a list of key dates for the coming terms.

ALL:

think about whether Christmas Bonus should be continued and if there are alternatives that can be offered.

JT:

20 leaving certificates required
Leaving presents – books about going to school?

Fundraising actions: