Lydney Early Learners – Committee Meeting Minutes
Monday 7th March 2011
Present: E. Pearson, D. Price, A. Biddle, B. Mannion, S. Preest, D. Masses,
B. Burgess, S. Lewis, L. Thomas, N. Stafford, F. Powell, C. Lavender
1. Apologies – J. Sibthorpe, M. Davies, S. Matthews
2. Minutes of Last Meeting
- Outdoor classroom is on hold at present.
- Outdoor paths are being kept clear to avoid hazards.
- Notices are now displayed in side window.
- No comments received from parents regarding the increase in fees.
- Thank you letter sent to Father Christmas.
3. Play Leader’s Report
- All sad regarding Serena leaving but wish her well.
- Ann and Michelle’s first Stay & Play session went well. 3 parents attended.
- Considering running a 2 year olds session along side Stay & Play for 8 children. Already have 3 children who would like to attend.
- The children are enjoying Forest Schools; the improvement in the weather should mean that they can stay outside for longer. Barbara is planning to display the activities carried out for parents/OFSTED purposes.
- Friday afternoon sessions are being run by Sue & Barbara. Only 3 children this week but 9 children have their names down.
- Have started collecting Tesco Vouchers.
- The money received from co-op has been placed in the improvement fund. It is to go towards the outside classroom.
- Work Day was deemed a success. In order to assist in the next work day, Barbara agreed to coordinate the Jobs List to make sure all the necessary equipment/materials are there on the day.
- 30 children will be starting school in September. In order to assist parents & the drop in numbers, the setting is considering picking up children from school on the half days.
4. Treasurer’s Report
Approx. £10,000 taken, £500 from co-op & jumble/cake sale raised £84.00. Kitchen paid for out of the improvement fund. Running at an overall profit
5. Staff Pay Review
A discussion held on a 4.5% increase in salaries. The committee voted, a majority of 6 votes carried in favour of the salary increase.
The increase is from the 7th March 2011 and will then be reviewed yearly in September.
The pay scale will be relevant to qualifications and responsibilities.
ACTION – Donna to issue letters to all staff.
6. Heating
The two heaters in the main room are unsafe to use. As the setting still lease the building from the Council they have agreed to carry out the work but it must be completed by the end of March. For health and safety reasons the setting would have to close for a week for the work to be carried out. If the works are not carried out in March (before the new lease is signed) the setting would then have to pay for the heating, which could amount to thousands.
ACTION – Donna to notify parents as soon as a date has been agreed.
7. Lease
The solicitors now have a copy of the Lease. Hopefully it should be signed by the end of March. Date to be agreed.
8. Easter Fundraising
Lots of ideas but due to the heating and Easter being late, dates and activities to be agreed.
9. Job Vacancies
- Bank Staff – position offered to Gill Webber. Very qualified and can be flexible to work as and when required.
- Deputy Post – interviews taking place next Wednesday. Lots of people applied.
10. Any other business
- FODDC Rural development fund – we are through to the second stage.
- Brian suggested we should in future buy wooden toys, as the wooden fire station has been such a hit with the children.
- Funds are being raised for the outdoor classroom. To encourage support it was suggested that a target board be erected to display the design, how much is needed and what we are working towards.
- Clare passed on her Dad’s details regarding Active Start for rising 5’s
- The jumble/cake sale was a success, raising £84.00. Very busy in the first hour with 25+ people but then went quiet. It was suggested that the next jumble only run for an hour not two.
11. Date of next meeting
To be agreed at a later date.