Page 87 - Phonebox Magazine November 2014

Olney Pre-School
Outstanding!
Olney Pre-School is very pleased to announce that we were judged “Outstanding”, again, after our recent Ofsted Inspection on October 2nd.
The report notes that “Staff plan meticulously and deliver activities that are exciting for children. They demonstrate deep understanding of how children learn. They use inspirational ideas and activities to make learning extremely enjoyable and fun for children.” and “Staff make excellent arrangements for children; they tailor children’s care to meet their individual needs.” We are extremely pleased with the judgement and the report. We would like to thank the pre-school parents and committee for their support and encouragement. We are continuing with our busy Autumn Term and have just spent a week structured around “The Three Little Pigs”, with construction in the garden using real bricks, drawing and describing plans for houses and making lots of junk models.
The School Run
November can be a funny month, with colder mornings, no school breaks and the shops getting geared up for Christmas. It’s also a time of rememberance, when we help children to understand what it means to be grateful.
The harvest seems a time of plenty, but sadly that is not the case for all, something that is emphasized at this time of year. While some may be starting their Christmas shopping, others will be wondering where their next meal is coming from and rely on organisations such as the MK Food Bank, which gives out almost 13,000 food parcels (call 01908 322800 or visit mkfoodbank.org.uk).
Donating does not have to be about money. It can mean donating time, food, clothes, or even earning money for your chosen charity while you search or shop online (see easyfundraising.org.uk). Many high streets have charity shop that thrive on. Willen Hospice, Mercy in Action, Age UK and Oxfam are also reliant on the help of volunteers, either in the shop or behind the scenes. Some local fire brigade stations also have clothes donation bins, which are there for out-of-hours donations.
Local schools also have great resources for recycling some surprising things, while helping to raise money. Olney Infant Academy has collection tins in reception for used batteries, ink toners and stamps. If the books are in good condition and for the right age group, then Olney Middle School will also accept donations for the school library.
You can involve the children in a fun way, by having a race with bags through the house (as well as a pre-Christmas clearout!) for unwanted toys, books and clothes, which they can then donate to their favourite charity. Children love to help and can get really motivated by the thought that another little boy or girl might enjoy the things they no longer play with. Being naturally curious, kids are also interested in learning more about charities and how lucky we are to have what we do (health included). Here are a couple of suggestions for other causes that your children might want to support:
Helping the less fortunate Samantha Smeraglia
Advantage Africa
Based in Olney Market Place, Advantage Africa supports people affected by poverty, disability and HIV to improve their education, health and income. They help some of East Africa’s most vulnerable people to overcome prejudice, help themselves and build a better future for their families and communities. To find out more call (01234) 711005 or go to advantageafrica.org/ways-to-support-us.
Age UK (formerly Age Concern)
Beginners and experienced knitters alike can have fun and join in The Big Knit to raise money and make winter warmer for older people in need. For every smoothie sold with a hand-knitted hat, Innocent makes a donation to Age UK (£1.5million raised to date). Amazing patterns can be found online at thebigknit.co.uk/about.
Phonebox Magazine 87