Lydney Early Learners Minutes of A.G.M
21st September 2010 7.30 pm.
Apologies: Barbara Burgess, Faye Powell, Sam Preest, Jan Sewell, Laura Thomas
· Present: Claire Lavender, Jola Sibthorpe, Jill Walker, Russell Walker, Michelle Davis, Suzanne Matthews, Donna Maass, Serena Lewis, Brian Mannion, Anne Biddle, David Price, Leona Price.
Welcome - All were welcomed. The meeting was chaired by Donna.
Chair report -
Since the move, all the team have settled in the new building. Thanks to all who helped. Fliss has moved on. .Donna has taken her position as office manager. Michelle Davis has joined the team as play assistant. Thanks were given to the previous committee.
Treasurers report –
- We have 3 bank accounts. General, Savings and Graduate fund (The latter is ‘ear marked ‘ for Serena’s training)
- We have seen an increase in funds, - but this is to be used for work on building etc.
- £770 raised by fundraising. Suggested goal for the fundraising this year is an “outdoor classroom”.
- We now have online banking for paying wages and bills.
- A fee rise happened in March 2009.
Playleader’s report –
Sixteen rising 5’s went to school this term. This coming year we have 23 rising 5’s already attending/booked in for sessions. We are looking at whether there is the need for increasing the number of sessions offered.i.e Wednesday pm.
- Topic covered last year included , The Gruffalo, Space, Transport, Owl icecream, Scrambled snake, Chinese new year. – these were in line with the Early years foundation standards.
- Personal, Social education is very important , - learning through play is most important and helps the children to learn /develop. Through planned activity children lead play /choices. Recommendations now are that better resources are those toys /items which are natural / made of wood etc.
Highly coloured / plastic toys are thought to be over-stimulating.
- Barnardos now do not want anything to do with us. The lease is now with the county council . So we will probably be paying our own bill from this point.
- Sue is now special educational needs officer. Barbara is child protection officer. Samis behaviour officer.
- This roles will be explained for parents to see /read when the new notice board /entrance area is completed.
- We also have some students/work experience volunteers. Esther is with us, Ellie on a Thurdsay, Amy on a Monday.
Election of new committee
A Chair person and Treasurer were not elected.
Secretary – Leona. ( was proposed by Donna, seconded by Jill)
Fundraiser – Claire. ( was proposed by Donna, seconded by David)
All present agreed.
The option to change to Trustees was briefly mentioned, this would involve a lot of upheaval /change. In the meantime will still need a committee.
Special general meeting to be arranged, for Saturday 9th October . Action: Leona to write letter to all parents informing of this.
Any other business
- During the meeting comment was made re. The timing of meetings, and whether the meeting could be at a different time or day, to allow parents to attend more easily. It was pointed out that parents don’t always realise that they are needed, and that funds are only just breaking even. Action: Special general meeting will be held on a Saturday. The letter will try to increase parents awareness that they are needed on the committee.
- Cheque signatories - 2 of these are now staff. Action: It was agreed to leave them as signatories until new committee is elected, but to ensure that David is always one person signing the cheques at present.
- Donna has funding for a management course she is doing. She will also put in an application for government grants.
- Anne reported . The kitchen is being fitted during October half term. Also for security an airated plastic wall with a gate at the entrance lobby is to be built, with coat hooks /pigeonholes, etc.
- We will have a ‘work day’ for gardening, painting sheds etc. on Saturday 9th October 10 am.
Next meeting
Special general meeting - Saturday 9th October 10 am