Hello and welcome to the Summer 2003 newsletter,

We are currently recruiting a new Playworker to join Sara in September. This is always a difficult task because of the unique setting of the Playbus so if anyone knows someone who would be ideal for the job then please let me know.

Applicants should ideally be:
Over 21
Hold, or be nearing completion of a least a Level 2 Childcare qualification
Have experience of working in a pre-school setting and the Early Year’s curriculum
Hold a full driving license and be willing to undertake training to drive the Playbus.

Finally, you may have realised that I’m not Sue. Sue is on Maternity Leave and will be back at the helm as Co-ordinator in the autumn. Her baby is due at the beginning of July and again I’m sure you’ll join me in wishing her well.

So who am I ? – well I’m Jackie Arnold mother of Charlotte (8), Robbie (6) and Jack (4). I live in Rickinghall and have been regular Playbus user for 6 years. I’ve used many stops over the years but currently visit Wyverstone and Gislingham on Friday mornings with Jack.

I’m looking after the Co-ordinator’s role in Sue absence so please feel free to contact me should the need arise and I’ll do my utmost to help. My telephone number is 01379 890185.

Birthday parties on the Playbus
The Playbus is available for hire for parties etc. If you are looking for a setting for a birthday party without the hassle of transporting your child's guests to an indoor play centre/swimming pool then why not consider the Playbus.

You get one or two Playleaders for 2 hours, themed craft activities and play on the bus for up to 18 children with no mess in your house! Price depends on the distance from Thorndon where the bus is based and start at £100.

Craft Shop
There are craft shop price lists on the bus so please pick up a copy to take home. The craft shop is near the coat hooks, just select what you want and pay Gill or Sara.

Toy Library
Many of our toys and equipment are available for hire through the Toy Library service we offer. For details please speak to Gill or Sara.

Summer Playscheme
This year’s Summer Playscheme is proving very popular with several days already fully booked. There are still plenty of Playscheme and Play Session places available with Friday being particularly quiet.

A family rate has now been introduced for the Play Sessions. The costs are as follows:

Single Rate
Under 12 months Free
12 months–under 3 £2.25
3 years+ £3.75

Family Rates
2 children under 3 (not including babies under 12 months) £4.50
2 children with at least one 3+ £6.00
3 or more children over 12 months £8.00

To book your place visit the Playbus for a booking form or call me on 01379 890185.

Pyramid’s AGM
Our AGM was held on June 4th. We said thank you and goodbye to Jan Budden who stood down as Secretary.

Clare Agnew and Katrina Maddams graciously agreed to continue in their respective roles of Chairperson and Treasurer for another 12 months. Katie Gunn was elected as Vice Chair and Christina Scott-Barber as Secretary. Rachel Turner, Sam Budds, Julie Hedge, Kate Griffin, Nikki Owers and Kath Daly were all appointed as ordinary members.

If you too would like to get involved in the committee there are leaflets on the bus, which give you an idea of what to expect.

Promoting Children’s Independence
Just a reminder that Story Time is an ideal opportunity for you to leave your child for a few minutes and go upstairs for a coffee. It is in the interest of the children for you to go upstairs so they can concentrate on the story and develop their listening skills and independence.

If your child is reluctant they can go upstairs with you to avoid disrupting the story. Hot water is in the flasks so you can help yourself to a cup of tea or coffee (25p) or hot chocolate (40p).

You can also encourage their personal independence by encouraging your children to chose a painting apron and put it back on the pegs after use and by helping tidy up the toys at the end of each session.

Free Places – Nursery Grants
If your child was born on or before 31st March 2000 they are entitled to 5 free sessions of nursery education per week from September. These can be divided between different providers as long as each is registered to accept this funding.

The Playbus is one such provider and by bringing your grant to us we will guarantee a place for your child at the session/s of your choice during term time.

Your child will also get an extra half an hour of activities linked to the Early Learning Goals and we have made special arrangements for siblings who wish to attend the same sessions.

Just ask Sara if you would like a form to claim free session/s on the Playbus.

Fundraising Success
Thank you to everyone who took part in this year’s Easter Bonnet Parade at Palgrave. A special thank you goes out to Lee Wheatley from Stonham Aspal who, with the help of his Dad, collected over £100 in sponsor money.

Another big thank you goes out to Julie Birrell and the Rickinghall Users who recently held an Aerobic and Alcohol session and raised an amazing £219. Please keep up the good work – every penny raised really does count.

Don’t forget that our Grand Summer Draw tickets are still on sale from the Playbus. Please take a few books to sell to friends and family if you haven’t already done so. This year’s draw will take place at the playscheme at 11.30am on Friday 1st August.

New Comers on the Bus
The Playbus is as much for you as it is for your children. It’s a chance for you to meet friends new and old, sit down for five minutes and to play with your children without feeling guilty because the tea needs cooking or there’s ironing to be done. The Playbus can also be a daunting place for new carers to the bus especially at stops where everyone knows each other so well. So next time a new face appears on the bus try and make a little extra effort to make them feel welcome.

Health and Safety
The committee has just undertaken its annual risk assessment on the Playbus and would like to remind users of the following issues:

Please always fasten the child resistant clips on the outdoor play area fencing when arriving and departing. Always be especially visulant not to let out other children when leaving, as it can sometimes be a juggling act encouraging reluctant children to leave the bus with arms full of wet paintings.

Sun hats and sun cream are a must on hot days on the Playbus.

When taking children up or down the stairs always ring the bell and make sure that there is an adult to receive the child at the other end. There must always be one adult upstairs, as children are not allowed on the upper deck alone.

Children are also not allowed in the storage area on the lower deck unaccompanied and are prohibited from the kitchen.

Please ensure that hot drinks remain out of the grasp of inquisitive toddlers.

When opening the main bus doors check that the safety gate is closed before pressing the open button. This will prevent children from becoming entangled in the opening doors.

Please observe and follow the soft room rules;

0 No shoes, toys or throwing of balls in the soft room

0 No more than 4 children at any one time

0 Use the timer to ensure that everyone gets a turn

Dates for your Diary

Thursday 24th July
Last day of term

Monday 28th July – Friday 22nd August
Summer Playscheme

Thursday 4th September
Playbus back on the road

Sunday 21st September
Car Boot Sale, Stonham Aspal

Monday 27th – Friday 31st October
Half Term holiday

Tuesday 2nd December
Playbus Christmas Party

Friday 19th December
Last day of term

Newsletter SUMMER 2003 - Registered Charity No. 283401 - www.pyramidsplaybus.org.uk

Bus Telephone 07836 745050 - Sue Telephone 01379 890185