Amy attended a difficult course last week. The topic was “Impact of Child Abuse” and extends previous training on Safeguarding Children. It’s a harrowing course but helps us to recognise the signs and symptoms. It also shows practitioners how cases are managed. Well done Amy!

All nurseries must have a clear stratergy and approach to handling this sensitive subject and a basic level of awareness training is given to all new staff during their first week at Rum Tum’s. If, as a parent, you had a concern about a child in nursery, Hayley Martin-Burns co-ordinates Safeguarding Children issues and is happy to talk things through with you. However, it was also worth noting the local contact number for Essex referrals, 0845 6037627.

Well done to Anneliese for successfully completing a City and Guilds NVQ II programme in Children’s Care, Learning and Development at Harlow College. Already an asset to the team, it’s great to see Anneliese achieve this level of qualification. We’re even more proud that she has moved straight into the Level III programme to continue her professional development.

This year, I’ve set a competition between the rooms at Rum Tum Tugger’s, Harlow for the best Christmas displays. It would be brilliant to get some parent input too. When you get a chance, have a look at the displays as they are evolving and when they are complete. In judging, you could think about the level of child input or the use of a theme or artistic impression or originality. Feedback to me through the comments facility on the blog. There’s a £20 cash prize for the winning display!!

Thank you to those parents who have pointed out the problems with the security lights on the rear of the building. We have reported this to our Landlords but it appears that this is not just a simple bulb changing exercise. There is a cabling problem which needs a costly repair. Whilst the work has been authorised, our Landlords are unable to tell us when the repair will be carried out.

As the nights are so dark now, if you feel more comfortable, please feel free to use the main entrance instead. Hopefully, the works will be completed sooner rather than later.