Parent/Carer Information

Ferryfield Playgroup

Parent/Carer Information

WHY PLAYGROUP?

It is important for children to meet and play with others. It develops confidence and social skills, and is an enjoyable experience. In preparation for nursery, young children benefit from a little more independence from their parents and experiencing a little more structure to their day.

Ferryfield is an under-5 Playgroup and accommodates children from age 2 years 6 months to 5 years.

It is a child-centred environment run by parents for their children. We value input from parents as this ensures playgroup continues to be a positive experience- we encourage parent and carer direct involvement with their child’s learning.

Coming to Playgroup enables each child to establish an identity for him or herself and gain increased confidence and a better understanding of the world around them.

Please be supportive of your playgroup. Help encourage and ensure its continuing success.

WHAT ARE THE BENEFITS OF PLAYGROUP?

· QUALIFIED STAFF – staff hold appropriate qualifications as required by the Scottish Social Services Council and attend regular training / information sessions to keep up to date.

· QUALITY ASSURANCE – whilst the emphasis at Playgroup is to have fun, the continuous monitoring by Care Commission, Fife Council and HM Inspectorate ensures the same curriculum provision as found in Nursery. We also carry out regular evaluations of our service.

· PARENTS’ INPUT IS ALWAYS WELCOME – Playgroup gives parents / carers the opportunity to be involved in their child’s early years experience. There are many ways you can be involved.

· MAKING FRIENDS – children make new friends at Playgroup and parents and carers also have the opportunity to meet other families. Many friendships formed through Playgroup involvement are long lasting.

· FAMILY SUPPORT – If you have any issues or concerns, Playgroup staff are happy to discuss these with you immediately before or after each session. We can access any information or support services you may require.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF FERRYFIELD PLAYGROUP

1. To create a safe and stimulating environment in which children feel happy and secure
2. To create opportunities for play
3. To support and extend children’s learning and development through play
4. To enable children to develop at their own rate
5. To apply appropriate methods of observing, recording and assessing children’s development and learning
6. To provide a balanced and relevant range of learning experiences
7. To encourage the emotional, social, physical, creative and intellectual development of children
8. To recognise that children’s’ play should be encouraged by informed and understanding adults and not be directed or restricted unnecessarily
9. To promote the welfare of children
10. To encourage positive attitudes to self and others and develop confidence and self-esteem
11. To encourage children to explore, appreciate and respect their environment
12. To provide opportunities to stimulate interest and imagination
13. To encourage children to have a positive approach to living in a multi-cultural society
14. To extend children’s ability to communicate ideas and feelings in a variety of ways
15. To respect parents as the prime educators of their children

PARENTAL INVOLVEMENT

Ferryfield is a parent-run organisation and every parent is asked to contribute to making it a success by taking part. You can take part in the following ways:

Committee – ALL Playgroups must have a committee in order to stay open. At Ferryfield most of the Committee’s workload is carried out by our Admin. Manager but the Committee are responsible for the way in which the group is run.

Rota Duty – A system is in place where you are required to assist during the playgroup session approximately 2 to 3 times per term. These duties can be carried out by a nominated family member or childminder (see Duty Rota page for more information).

Fund Raising – this is an essential part of the running of all Playgroups. Fundraising events are normally held each term and the proceeds are used to provide resources for the children or are put towards running costs. Any fundraising ideas are welcome.

You are welcome to spend time at Playgroup sharing any skills or talents you may have.

SAFETY

We would be grateful if you would provide your child with soft shoes or slippers for playgroup.

Please ensure your child does not bring toys or sweets to playgroup.

Children cannot be left at playgroup before 09.15 a.m. and must be collected no later than 11.45 for insurance purposes.

A fire drill is practised once every month.

Routine safety checks and risk assessments are carried out at appropriate intervals.

Entry and exit to the premises are controlled by an electronic entry system. Child safety gates are in position inside the front door and at the kitchen door. Please ensure that you close them after use.

All Playleaders have current First Aid Certificates.

Adult: child ratios are set by the Care Commission and are adhered to at all times. These ratios include staff and rota parents.

CHILD PROTECTION

Your child’s well being is paramount and we have a duty to report any concerns regarding their care and welfare to the appropriate authorities. Staff have undertaken child protection training.

DISCIPLINE

No form of punishment is used in Ferryfield Playgroup. Staff introduce the children into a caring environment and encourage them to consider the effect of their actions on others. We aim to help the children to develop a sense of self-discipline and consideration for others.

PLAYGROUP POLICIES

Playgroup has all the written policies and procedures required by the Care Commission. These include:

Admissions & Settling In
Behaviour Management
Child Protection
Complaints
Confidentiality
Curriculum
Equal Opportunities
Health & Safety
Infection Control
Outings
Parental Involvement
Special Needs
Staff Development
Sun Awareness
Whistle Blowing

Copies of these policies are held in Playgroup. It is important that all parents/carers take time to read them. If you would like to have your own copies of the policies, please speak to the Admin. Manager who will arrange this for you.

For more information, please download the Parent/Carer Guide on the link below:

Download: About Ferryfield Playgroup (pdf file)