Committee meeting
Monday 29th November 2010
Present: Leona Price, Eddie Pearson, Donna Maass, Suzanne Matthews, Serena Lewis, Nicky Stafford, Laura Thomas, Faye Powell, Claire Lavender
Apologies: David Price, Brian Mannion, Sam Preest, Michelle Davies, Suzanne Howells
Minutes were agreed from last meeting.
Matters arising:
- Outdoor classroom – dates for Eddie /Anne to visit one at Drybrook are being arranged.
- Donna has researched – there are no legal issues re. access/gates/security for children
- Donna is awaiting response from better business re. her, Serena and Anne’s appraisals.
- Staff have agreed to purchase toy fire station with money raised from the monsters ball.
- Letters of thanks to be sent to Bells, Crazy occasions, Co-op
- Cake sale raised approx.£21.
- Eddie/Claire happy to do bag backing at co-op. Action: Claire to arrange
- A Stall is being held at school bazaar next week.
- Donna is arranging with Taurus crafts re. Art exhibition.
- £96 was raised by Jamie Oliver evening.
- Dance – teacher is going on maternity leave soon. Other options were mentions eg. Tai-chi, yoga, eurithmy – this was not agreed. Action: It was agreed that Michelle could speak to the teacher to ask if the replacement teacher could come to do some dance with the children. Claire will also speak to her dad who does active start activities with other playgroups – whether he could come here.
- Website has been updated
- An outline of the meeting last week re. lease was given by Donna.
Playleader’s report
Staff feel they have settled., and are up to date with Christmas tasks. Students and volunteers are supported they too have also settled into the setting.
Treasurers report
From Sept 1st –Oct 31st, income was approx £10,000.
Charity commission report is now to be sent.
Fees
Currently £3.10 is charged. A proposal was made to increase session fees to £ 3.50 per hour for children 3 years and over (for sessions exceeding those funded) and £4.00 per hour for children under 3 years old. Discussion was had regarding this.
It was felt that this increase is required as our fees are well below those of other local pre-schools and nurseries. Government funding has also been reduced for each session children attend. ( nursery vouchers now pay £3.22 per hour)
We need to run as a sustainable charity, with sufficient funds to maintain correct staff/child ratios, and to afford new equipment and toys for the children, as well as costs of running the building.
This will discussed further, and voted upon at the next meeting on Monday January 17th 7.30pm. If parents have any questions or views on this they need come to discuss, and make their vote.
Actions: Donna will check constitution for any issues re. fees, and legal issues surrounding this.
Leona to write letter to parents re. fee increase.
Christmas nativity/raffle
Raffle – 400 books have been ordered. We are just waiting for licesnce and number from the council, before these can be printed. Raffle will be drawn at the party on 17th December
The Party is for all children on the 17th (last day of term) 2 year old need to be accompanied by parents. They, and children who don’t normally attend will be asked to pay £2.50. Those who usually attend on a Friday will be funded as usual.
Action: Donna to make a attendance/reply slip for the party so we can cater for the right number of children. Claire will ask her Dad to be Santa for us ( he is a regular at this job at other places)
Nicky, Laura, Faye to organise food list for parents to sign up to, to provide food. Food must be pre-packaged due to hygiene regulations.
Nativity play – we will have coffee and mince pies after the nativity plays – with a basket for donations.
Garden/Outside area
- Issue was raised re. toys etc on the path causing obstruction /hazard when accessing the building and garden.
- Action: This will be addressed at the staff meeting and pathways be cleared after play.
A.O.B
- An upcoming events board will be put up in the entrance – Action: Donna to get a board. Staff will also say a few brief words at the end of each session to say what the children have been doing that day.
Kitchen – We have 3 quotes for the kitchen to be fitted. - £1950, £2000-, and £1300 – the latter also included fitting electrical equipment, he is also recommended by a staff member. All agreed to go with this quote. Action Anne to arrange
A donation of £50 has been given to Lydney early learners.
In the cold weather, coats are now being kept indoors to keep warm.
Next meeting – Monday 17th January.