I'm sure many of you were surprised to hear the First Minister's announcement last Saturday that the Christmas Holidays are to be extended, with a return to online learning on the 11th January.  The First Minister has said that she aims to reopen schools fully on the 18th January and we will work towards this date and remain hopeful that this is the case.

For vulnerable families and those children whose parents are key workers, the primary schools are reopening as planned in order to assist in childcare and learning.  There will be further information on that provided by the local Primary Schools as it becomes available.

I will remain very hopeful that we will reopen again on the 18th January 2021 and of course I will keep you updated on this.

A very Happy New Year to all of  Our Little Outdoor Classroom families.  We hope that you all had a relaxing Christmas break.  The staff and I appreciated our 2 week holiday and we are gearing up for another busy term.  Looking forward to seeing all of our existing families and hopefully many new families this year!

Thank you so much to everyone who came along to support us on Saturday! We were completely overwhelmed with the number of people who came along. Special thank you to everyone who helped out and for all the wonderful feedback we received and messages of encouragement! Thank you too for the cards, prossecco and flowers, I'm truly touched!
I've received a number of messages from people who were disappointed that they couldn't make it along yesterday so in order to try to accommodate everyone we've decided to host another day on Saturday 22nd June between 10am and 2pm. Here's a few photos from yesterday!

We are hosting an Open Day on Saturday 1st June between 10am and 2pm.  
Please come along to meet the staff and see the facilities that we have in the Classroom.  There will be lots of fun activities for the children to take part in as well as information for the parents.  

Meet the newest editions to the Classroom; Rainbow, Unicorn and Hedgehog.  They're going to live with us until they're acclimatised to the outside.  They're looking forward to meeting everyone once we open.

​Play Leader/Play Worker
 
Job type: Part-time/Full-time
 
Salary: On Enquiry
 
We have a number of opportunities for enthusiastic, reliable and personable people to join our team.
 
Breakfast Club runs Monday to Friday in the school term between 7.30 and 9.00am.
 
After-school runs Monday to Friday in the school term between 2.30pm and 6pm. 
 
The Classroom is open during the school holidays between 7.30am and 6pm.
 
There are a number of posts available on a part-time and full-time basis and days are flexible.
 
As we are a new business we are looking for a number of staff.  Successful candidates will be:

• Resourceful and organised
• Highly motivated
• Committed to ensuring high quality outcomes at all times
• Confident at interacting with children and parents
• Committed to ensuring the safety of children at all times
• PVG checked

 
Duties will include:

• Coordinating activities
• Help with food preparation/snacks
• Plan and organise events and activities

 
We will offer you SSSC paid registration, full induction, support, mentoring and guidance.
 
Experience and childcare qualifications are not necessary but the successful candidates must be willing to work towards achieving a qualification in childcare.
 
Successful candidates must also be willing to complete a First Aid course as well as a Food Hygiene course, the cost of which will be covered by Our Little Outdoor Classroom & Daycare.
 
If you are interested in working with us email your CV to info@ourlittleoutdoorclassroom.co.uk

As everyone starts winding down for Christmas I just wanted to give you all a quick update.  Although I still can't give an exact date for when we'll open, I am aiming for early into the New Year.  I understand that with the unexpected closure of the Breakfast Club many families are finding it difficult to find alternative arrangements.  I will do everything I can to open as quickly as possible.  We will be holding an Open Day for families to come and have a look at our premises and facilities and more information on that will follow in January.  I hope everyone has a very Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year. 

Work got started in the Classroom this morning.  A team of 6-8 builders were there bright and early ready to get going.  I popped in after school drop-off and they'd already done so much.  Not only do we have the builders in but we also have a team of guys fitting a new heating and air conditioning unit, which will be ideal for keeping the children warm and toasty in the Winter and nice and cool in the Summer! 

Things are moving along in the Classroom.  Building work and landscaping will be starting in the next week or two so you will soon see some progress being made.  Keep a look out for all the exciting changes.