Settling children is important to all of us and many children find
the transition from home to playgroup strange at first. Feel free
to stay with your child if he/she needs reassurance, explain
when you will be back and when you are ready pass your child
to one of our staff who will use their experience to make your
child comfortable. By watching other children, you will notice
that most children settle within a week or two and are soon
blossoming in the secure fun environment.

Session times are 9.15 to 12.15pm – we ask that if you are
running late to collect your child you call us to let us know
so we can keep your child entertained and ensure he/she is
not worried. The safety of the children is our prime concern.
Children must be dropped and collected by an adult and a
member of staff Is always on door duty to ensure no child
leaves the building without the correct supervision. If you have
other adults who will be picking your child up regularly please
write to us providing their details. If your child is going home
with another parent or friend please inform us on the day this
is due to happen and ensure their details are recorded in the
diary along with a code word. .

Please bring a nice piece of fruit per session – this should be
put in the kitchen. Each term we ask that you provide a box of
tissues. During each session children are offered fruit to eat
and either milk or water to drink. Sometimes we prepare food
as part of the session – sandwiches, biscuits, cakes, pizzas,
quiches etc. If your child has any allergies please ensure that
staff are made aware of this as early as possible. Some parents
like to celebrate birthdays by sending in plain biscuits such as
Rich Tea or Digestives, or by offering the children some sweets
to take home at the end of the session.

Rota duties start at 9.00 am to help the staff set up for the day.
A rota sheet is displayed in the entrance hall and we ask that
parents/ carers complete at least two duties per half term. If your
child attends for 4 or more sessions in a week then please sign
up for an additional 2 duties per half term. If you are unable to
complete your duties then a sum of £10 will be added to your
invoice for the following terms fees to help with extra costs. If you
are unable to do a booked duty please give us as much notice
as possible so that we can organise a replacement. If at any
point you are unsure of what to do, just ask a member of staff
or the Committee.

For safety reasons we ask that no jewellery is worn by children
and that clothing is suitable to allow movement and toilet visits.
It is very helpful to us if children are able to use the toilet before
they join – however, we appreciate there will be accidents
and we have a supply of dry clothes to hand. We also offer a
non- compulsory uniform available to purchase. Please make
sure all clothing is labelled and be aware that in the summer
children will not be allowed in the garden without a hat if it is
sunny. In winter, so that we can still enjoy fresh air in the garden,
we ask that you bring raincoats and waterproof boots held
together with a named peg.

If your child is ill or unable to attend Playgroup please let us
know. Should your child suffer a tummy upset we ask that they
are kept at home for 24 hours after the last bout of diarrhoea or
vomiting. If our child is prescribed antibiotics for whatever reason
please keep your child at home for the first 24 hours in case
of any reaction. Please inform us immediately if your child is
diagnosed with a contagious disease or you notice they have
headlice. Medicines for chronic conditions such as allergies or
ashthma must be handed to a member of staff with the child’s
name clearly marked.

All children have a key worker who is responsible for monitoring
their progress in line with the Early Years Foundation Stage.
The Key Worker is available for discussion if you have any
questions and will record achievements by your child in their
scrapbook. You will be invited to look at this scrapbook and it
passes on with the child once they leave the Pre School.

Invoices are sent out prior to the end of each half term and
payment is due in advance as early as possible to ensure we
can meet our commitments to the Hall and Suppliers etc.
Non- payment by the end of the first week
of the new half term (without prior discussion with the Treasurer)
will result in a place no longer being made available for your
child. If at any stage, you are unhappy with any element of the
Playgroup please speak to the Playgroup Leader or Committee
Chair. Finally a note for the parents! You may be aware that the
Playgroup is a registered Charity run by experienced staff
managed by a voluntary Committee of Parents. Each new year
the Committee members change and we are always looking for
new volunteers – please read the job descriptions to find out
more about the roles. You do not need to be experienced or
qualified in this field – just have a few hours spare a week and
be willing to work for a good cause.

We will try and keep you up to date with news relating to the
Playgroup. This will either be by letter, email or posters. In
addition we prepare regular newsletters and will inform you of
events organised for fundraising and fun – we hope you will take
part and / or support the Playgroup. In the meantime if you have
any questions please speak to a member of staff or Committee.