Starting Playgroup
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This section covers a number of common questions about your child’s first days at playgroup. Please talk to a member or staff or committee member if you have other questions or concerns about your own child.
First Days
When should we arrive?
The hall is open from 9 o’clock for setting up equipment but parents must not leave their children before 9.30 for safety and insurance reasons. Your child will need to be signed in at the beginning of each session in the register and signed out at the end. The door to the hall is locked during sessions so when you need access to the hall please use the doorbell. If no-one responds please walk around to a main hall fire-door and attract attention!
What should my child wear?
Easily washable or play clothes are recommended because children may be playing with sand, water, clay, paint, glue etc. In summer, when the children may spend time outside you should send a hat and sunscreen for protection. A coat and suitable footwear for outdoor play is also recommended.
What will my child eat or drink?
Children are given a drink of water or milk and selection of fruit or vegtables mid morning. Please send a piece of fruit to be shared and your own drink if necessary (please ensure this is in a lidded cup). Food may also be shared during other activities such as baking, celebrating festivals or celebrating each other’s birthdays. If your child has certain dietary requirements or allergies, please be as specific as possible on your Registration and Emergency Contact Forms. If circumstances change, please notify the supervisors in writing.
Does my child need to be dry?
No. Changes of clothes are available and a nappy changing bag can be left with the supervisors.
When does the session end?
Sessions finish at 12 o’clock. Please be prompt! The staff may not mind if you are late, but your child probably will. You must inform the staff in advance if your child will be collected by anyone else. If this person is not known by staff please remind them to use your password recorded on your childs registration form.
What if my child is unwell?
Parents are asked not to bring into playgroup any child who has been vomiting or had diarrhea until at least 24 hours has elapsed after the last attack.
When you register your child, you will be asked to fill in an Emergency Contact form so that you or another reliable person can be contacted if your child becomes unwell during a session, or in the event of a serious accident. All accidents are recorded and reported to parents. Supervisors have access to playgroup’s mobile phone and also their own mobile phones.
Parents are asked to keep their children at home if they have any infection, and to inform the playgroup as to the nature of the infection. This will allow staff to alert other parents as necessary and to make careful observations of any child who seems unwell. (It is important that playgroup knows about any cases of chicken pox, german measles, headlice etc to protect pregnant Mums and inform other parents.)
If your child is on prescribed medication please read our Health and Hygiene policy, and talk to the Team Leader, as playgroup has to work within quite specific guidelines.
Are younger siblings able to stay?
Younger siblings are welcome while the parent/carer is in attendance. There is no extra charge. Some parents choose to make alternative arrangements if they find it difficult to participate fully as ‘rota helpers’.
What if my child does not settle at Playgroup?
The parent/carer is welcome to stay with the child for as long as they feel is necessary. A child who is tense or unhappy will not be able to play or learn properly so it is important for staff and parents to work together to help the child feel confident and secure in the group. This takes longer for some children than others and parents should not feel unduly worried if their child takes a while to settle.
Who should I talk to about my child’s progress?
All supervisors do their best to make themselves available at the beginning and end of sessions to discuss your child. All children are assigned to a ‘key-person’ when they start playgroup, but all members of staff will be happy to talk with you about your child.