World Book Day at Kay
Rowe Nursery School & Children's Centre
Who says children are not
enthused by books? Certainly not the teachers at Kay Rowe Nursery
School and Children's Centre in Forest Gate, who had so many
activities to run and displays to show that they had to celebrate
World Book Day two days early on 3 March. As Cllr Kay Scoresby,
Community Lead Councillor for Forest Gate Community Forum at Newham
Council, said when she opened the event, "Everything here today
demonstrates that, with support, reading is still a firm
favourite."
Although all the staples of fun days were there - a bouncy
castle, face painting and the chance to dance to music - the really
big draw for the three-four year olds, some dressed up as their
favourite storybook characters, was storytime. It was a constant
presence throughout the day, with sessions in English, Gujurati and
Bengali, many with a musical link. The day opened with singing to a
guitar accompaniment and included a drumming workshop, led by local
musician Senoket, who, while sharing his skills, enabled the
children to work off some of their surplus energy.
The day provided a chance to share another cause for celebration
with local parents, as the nursery school, which is one of Newham's
12 children's centres (the number is continually rising) is now
personally managing its wraparound childcare, as well as providing
the early education all under-fives are entitled to. This means
that all Kay Rowe children will benefit from the same high
standards provided by the early years teachers, whether they are
attending their term-time early education session, the breakfast
club, after-school club or even the holiday playscheme.
The staff at Kay Rowe are all experienced professionals, most
either qualified teachers or with an NVQ 3 in early education or
childcare. There is also a very low staff turnover, with two
members of staff being there for over 20 years. This commitment to
the children and their learning is evident from the school's 2008
Ofsted inspection, which stated:
"The children are enthusiastic learners who show a high level of
concentration for their age. They readily become absorbed in
activities, are confident and enjoy harmonious relationships with
one another and with the adults who work with them."
To find out more about free term-time early education places,
wraparound childcare and competitively priced full-time nursery
places for three-four years olds at Kay Rowe Nursery School and
Children's Centre, ring 020 8534 4403. For information about
Transition to Work funding, which can reduce childcare costs for
working parents, or to find out about a children's centre near you,
ring Newham Children and Families' Information Service on 0800 074
1017.