THE HIGH BAT TREE CLUB NEWSLETTER
March 2012

A message from the Club Manager

Dear all, 

With news that there will be no more snow this year, I am happy to welcome Spring/Summer to High Bat Tree! Not only will the children be able to participate in games and free-play for longer, we will also be able to go on nature walks and trips that were such a success in the past! I would also like to welcome our new committee and I am ever confident that the Club will continue to strengthen.

I am delighted to say that the introduction of hot food has been well received by all! I would like to again give recognition and thanks to our Deputy Manager, Margaret for all her hard work in this respect. Please remember, hot food is served at 4.45pm or toast/ sandwich are provided at 4.30pm. However, if the Club is informed before hand that your child will be leaving early, it may be possible to give your child hot food before they are collected.
 
Hopefully, you will have noticed that all of our Staff now wear photo ID passes at the club. I have introduced a photo ID system for all escorts and Club staff to ensure further safety of the children, which again has been well received by the schools and parents. Further, I have also introduced Visitors Badges which have to be issued by myself or a Deputy Manager.

One of the first priorities, this year, is to erect a new fence between the driveway and the playground, widening the drive also. We plan to apply for Lottery Funding in the near future as I am eager to make these changes, to improve the security of the Club’s grounds.

In addition, please ensure that you ring the door bell when you arrive to pick up your children (and sign your children out), as the front door is kept locked to ensure the children’s security whilst at the Club. As stated on the door: our gate will remain closed until 4.45pm whilst the children have their tea. Should you arrive before this time, please unlock the gate (please do not block the gate whilst picking up your children) and park in the car park closing the gate afterwards.

As you know, at High Bat Tree we endeavour to reward children for their creativity, manners and participation at the Club. This takes the form of a Star Chart – which is displayed in the main hall. Each child is displayed on the chart under the name of their Key Worker. If a child behaves exceptionally well, produces or participates in activities, becomes head of table (overseeing the clearing of their table after food), then they will be rewarded with a star. Each term we add up the children’s stars and reward the lead child with a gift. Last term, Kirsty was awarded with a gift. This term, I would like to congratulate Liana, who was rewarded with a gift for all her creative work it the short time she has been with us. 

I would encourage you to speak with your Child’s key worker, which are displayed in the main hall, upon collection in order to discuss their progress and any issues or questions you may have. Secondly, I would be grateful if all parents took the time to read our Policies/Procedures file to ensure a thorough understanding of our club. This is always on show in the hall – however, please ask a member of staff if hesitant. I would also like to remind you that we do have a ‘Parent’s comments’, on the window by the ‘Sign-out’ book for you to post any complaints or compliments. Your feedback would be very much appreciated.

Please could I ask all parents to keep any kitchen roll holders they may have! We are planning to make a castle in order to celebrate the Queens Diamond Jubilee - which will be accompanied by a classic High Bat Tree Tea party, of course! Also, we now have a ‘What are we doing this term’ board which is displayed in the entrance hall, which shows the activities your child will be participating in. 

Lastly, I would ask you all to ensure that you have supplied me with your current contact details should they have changed since you registered with us .Please also email highbattree@googlemail.com with 
Your email address and Chris will send you regular newsletters.  

Kind Regards,

Christine Ferguson
(Club Manager)

If you wish to discuss any aspects of the management of the Club and / or your child’s welfare whilst attending the Club, notify the club of a change of contact details, please feel free to use the Club phone number, or send a message to club e-mail address:

highbattree@googlemail.com

Club mobile: 07932 744777

Chris’ mobile: 07890 537366 
(as a back up if any problem with Club number)

Alternatively, if there are any specific topics you would rather discuss with the Committee directly, you are welcome to send a message to: ash@alexanderash.com  - Ash Bhopal ( Committee Chair ) or post a comment in the suggestion box (in the hallway as you enter the club).

High Bat Tree After School Club                                   

The current Committee is:                                                     Staff
Ash Bhopal -  Chairman (High Beeches)
Soji  Fagade – Treasurer (- St Nicks )
Leslely Flowers – Secretary ( -Crabtree ) 
Ian  Mason – Health and Safety (- St Nicks)
Selina Taylor -  Publicity (Kings)
Bukie Fagade – Policy / - Procedures 
	Chris Ferguson ( Club Manager)
Margaret Taylor (- Deputy Manager) 
Michelle Basile ( -Deputy Manager)
Yonna Cox  ( -Play worker )
Samantha Ferguson  (- Play worker )
Terry Symondson ( Bus Driver)
Chloe Staward ( - Relief Play worker )
Martin Hodge  ( Relief Bus Driver )
	
Please do approach these people with your ideas and concerns. Also let us know if you would like to be actively involved in the Club in any way. The club is run for you, its members, so please do get involved and help to keep it successful.

Club printer

Thanks to Ian Mason for donating a printer to the club.

A Laminator is much  needed for the club if you know of one going.

Extra Sessions

Remember you can book extra one-off sessions on any Club day (Mon-Thurs) at normal rates!  As can other parents who don’t currently use the Club - they will need to pay the one off Club membership registration fee the first time they book a one – off session in any year. Also there is a “continuing interest” list for members interested in Friday sessions. Once we have sufficient numbers we will give serious consideration to Friday opening.

School Holiday Child Care 

Did you know that a holiday play scheme operates at Rothamsted Research during the school holidays? The facility is run by Bright Horizons who also operate the Little Stars Nursery on the Rothamsted site. It is fully Ofsted inspected and operated by trained and experienced staff. Opening hours are 8am – 6pm five days a week. There are morning and afternoon sessions and the booking is flexible with a minimum of half a day. To learn more and possibly book your child a place please contact Danielle Macer (Bright Horizons on site manager) on 01582 763133 x2506 or littlestars.roth@brighthorizons.com 

Outstanding Fees

Thank you to the many parents who are paying their fees on time - this really helps the cash flow of the Club. 

Coaching 
Please let Christine know if your child would be interested in Tennis/Football coaching
approx £2.50 per half hour, Days to be decided if we have a enough children interested.

IMPORTANT DIARY DATES
Club closes for Easter Holidays: Thursday 29th March 2012.
Club re-opens after Easter: Monday 16th April 2012.	

More information
For more information on the Club please visit our website at http://highbattree.weebly.com/.