Lydney Early Learners Committee meeting minutes
Monday 17th January 2011
Present: E.Pearson, D.Price, L. Price, J. Sibthorp, B.Mannion, N. Howells, L. Thomas, N. Stafford, F. Powell, A. Biddle, S. Matthews
Apologies: B. Burgess, S. Preest, S. Lewis, M. Davies, S. Howes
Minutes of last meeting- were agreed.
- Outdoor classroom is on hold at present
- Staff appraisals are being carried out
- Outdoor paths etc. are being tidied/kept clear to avoid hazards.
- Agreed to put a bright board/background on side window to put notices.
Play leader’s report
Individual activities are now being arranged for 2 year olds as well as others.
Bank staff have been advertised for.
Staff were pleased with how the nativity plays went. Christmas party also went well.
Leona will write to thank Father Christmas.
Occupancy is at either 95% or 100% dependent on day.
Staff are pleased with their new kitchen, carpet and non-slip floor
Treasurer’s report
Approx. £11000 taken, £700 donations/raffle etc. £5000 – wages for last 2 months.
It was suggested to pay for the kitchen and carpet from the graduate account – as this is improving our standards.
Fee Proposal
Current fees -£3.10 per session
Government vouchers pay £3.22 per session.
Proposed fees -£ 3.50 for over 3 year olds, £ 4.00 for under 3 years.
Comments made during discussion:
- We have a waiting list for under 2 year olds.
- More Children are being referred from social workers/health visitors.
- Comment was made – that the government funds from 3 years, -if parents want their children to attend younger, then they should expect to pay.
- Also stated was – we have to run as a business now- so we also have to work towards what is best for that.
- It was felt that some staff are on a low wage and need a pay rise.
- No parents responded to the letter sent out re, fee increase or attended this meeting to discuss this point.
The committee voted, with 2 asbstains and 1 vote against. A majority of 6 votes carried in favour of the fee increase.
Action: Donna will write to parents informing them of the fee increase.
Staff will discuss things they need /would like to purchase.
Lease
A meeting has been held re. the lease. Donna reported on this. We can take the lease or not. If we don’t the school will take it on, and we would lose a lot of control over the building. The heads of terms are currently being drawn up.
Mr. Howes has vision of a ‘one site’ school/playgroup/pre-school, but they would prefer us to run our building.
Discussion was had re. extended services – breakfast and after school clubs. Possibilties of how we could run these, and the possibility that if the school had the lease they could make it part of the agreement for us to run these clubs.
If we do run clubs, there is possibility we could have access to ICT room/art room/sports equipment. School could provide us with someone to employ, but we would have to manage them and the clubs.
£700 legal costs would be given to us.
Action: To be considered further once heads of terms have been given.
Extended services
River centre are stopping their Friday session. So we will open for an extra session on a Friday afternoon, and on a Wednesday afternoon for stay and play (0-5 yrs). This will begin after February ½ term.
Action: Michelle will run the Wednesday stay and play session, but Anne will assist her for the first term. Eddie to speak to Anne re. pay for the session.
Fundraising
Jumble Sale - 5th March 10-12noon.
Action : Leona to speak with Claire to arrange.
Any other business
Work day - Saturday 12th February. Donna will put up a notice to ask for parent volunteers to help clear ground /put shed up.
Discussion was had re. a child referred by a social worker. The child already has a place at the River centre, so it was agreed we would not take them as we have no spaces available at present.
Activities- Action : Donna will speak to the Dance school, Kerry Ford (Twinkles music) and Claire’s Dad re. ‘Active Start’ sessions to find out whether they can offer us any dance/activity during rising 5’s sessions.
Next meeting
Monday 7th March 7.30pm