Welcome to
Parent’s information pack
Sessions available
Plymtree
Nr Cullompton
Devon
EX15 2LE
Telephone number: 07779 063177
Dear parent / carer,
Welcome to Plymtree Playgroup and Thank you for choosing us.
This pack is aimed at providing you with all the information you need, when deciding your child’s future paths.
Staff are available to talk to you at any time about anything to do with Playgroup life or your child
Our aim is to support you and your child by providing a safe, happy and caring environment where your child will grow in confidence and knowledge..
If you would like to registar an interest for plymtree playgroup please click here for the form and return it to the returns address as stated on the form.
If you require ANY further assistance or have any questions please do not hesitate to call: Jasmine smith on 01884 277483, Nicky Morgan (Acting senior play leader) on 01884 277788 With very best wishes
Hope to see you soon
Plymtree Playgroup
INFORMATION FOR YOU
When does Plymtree Playgroup open?
Our playgroup is open on Mondays, Tuesday, Wednesdays and Fridays the sessions are set out as follows Monday and Wednesday :- am (9.15-11.45) lunch club (11.45-12-45) pm (12.45-3.15) or for a full day session on Monday and Wednesday (9.15-3.15) Tuesday and Friday am :- (9-12) The playgroup is open term time only.
Information for you
We have two notice boards in the parish hall, containing information on staff, insurance certificate, registration documents, the half terms activity plan’s, OFSTED information posters, fire and complaints procedures. A “parent information file” is put out each morning, which contains information that we feel would be of interest and help to you. Please do take a look at these. Plymtree playgroup sweatshirts are available to buy at a cost price of £7.30and Tshirts at £5.80 they are not compulsory but very useful and help children to feel they belong, please see a member of staff if you require one.
Settling in
This can be an emotional time for both parents and children. In order to settle your child in we offer “settling in sessions” this is where you can stay in the session if you wish to offer reassurance if required this can help some children to get to know the play leader’s / other children. You are welcome to phone the playgroup after leaving to see how your child is if you wish on 07779 063177
About us
Plymtree Playgroup was started in 1975 by a small group of parents in the village. Today, it is still run by a committee of parents, who with the staff, aim to provide a safe and stimulating environment for pre-school children.
The emphasis is on learning through play and having fun. Children learn to socialise, share, exchange ideas and co-operate with each other and with adults. There is a high ratio of adults to children which makes individual care and attention possible when needed and each child is assigned a key worker.
The Playgroup offer equal opportunities for all children and families. We practise anti-discriminatory and anti-bias behaviour.
It is registered with the local Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership, and OFSTED we are also members of the Pre-School Learning Alliance which ensures that we are constantly in touch with current views and recommendations in the field of child education and care.
Outdoor play. NEW GARDEN AREA COMPLETED
The Playgroup has excellent out door area's, with garden boxes with which the children can experience planting and growing, a sandpit, water play station and natural objects section. We also use the tennis court for daily out side play and have use of the schools adventure trail, PE equipment, cricket field and newly installed play park.
On Monday afternoons the children are invited to Plymtree School for 30 minutes where they have a story with the reception class. This is excellent for familiarisation of the school and staff at the school.
What does my child need at sessions?
It is a good idea to send your child with a change of clothes that can be kept in their tray, although the playgroup does have a supply of good quality spare clothes if needed.
The children also have a chance to bring something in from home to participate in a group “show & tell” on a Friday morning.
Outings
On all outings children will be closely escorted and supervised by members of staff and occasion parent/ voluntary help. (Parent helpers/ volunteers will not be left alone with your child unless they have completed the relevant checks in line with our policies)Your consent will be requested before an outing takes place if off of the premises.
What to expect from the playgroup
You can expect the playgroup and its staff to carry out its duties in a professional manner, for your child to be cared for by staff that has a love of children, in an environment that is both safe and stimulating. You can be assured that your child’s emotional, physical and development needs will be catered for in a sensitive and caring manner.
Policy and procedures
There is a folder that is available at every session that you are welcome to view. This contains details of the playgroups policy and procedures. Due to our setting catering for 2.5yr olds we have procedures in place for the event of staff / child ratio shortage. It is a requirement by OFSTED that you take the time to read them and sign to confirm that you have.
What to do if your child is sick
In the event that your child is unwell or sick there are a few procedures as follows: 1) the playgroup is not permitted to admit children whilst they are contagious. This is to prevent cross contamination with other children. 2) Should your child develop symptoms of illness (rash, high temperature, vomiting, diarrhoea etc) while at playgroup, parents will be advised and asked to collect your child. 3) ONLY medicine “prescribed” can be given to your child at a session if needed but written consent is requested. 4) Following illness your child must be clear of sickness/ diarrhoea for 48hours prior to a session. If in doubt please call the play leader on 07779 063177
If my child is injured will I be told?
Yes. If your child is injured in any way no matter how minor you will be told and it recorded on a form. You will also be asked to sign the “accident book” where any injuries / treatments are recorded when a head injury occurs.
What happens if I realise I am going to be late picking up my child.
In the event of an emergency please call the play leader as soon as possible on 07779 063177
So that provisions can be made until you or your emergency contacts can collect your child. There are strict procedures in the event of EMERGENCY / UNCOLLECTED CHILD PROCEDURES so please take the time to READ THE POLICIES IN THE FOLDER.
Who can collect your child?
We will accept any nomination from you; however, unless you have notified us in advance of that person, we will not release the child into their care.
Cost of sessions and payment options
The cost of sessions for non funded children, are £2.90 per hour and £2.90 for lunch club.
The sessions are made up of a morning or afternoon (all day is classed as two sessions). The playgroup also accepts vouchers. You will be given an invoice within the first few weeks of a term and then requested to pay within a specified time of receiving it. Please note fees are susceptible to change). Fees are still payable if your child is off sick. This ensures your child’s continued placement. Payments via cash, cheque, BACS or vouchers are acceptable, Please make cheques payable to “Plymtree playgroup”. (BACS details will be shown on the invoice.)
If you wish to change your child’s placement you are required to fill out a “change of session form”. If you wish to cancel your child’s placement you are required to give suitable notice. Please see policies and procedures folder available at each play group session.
Food standard and packed lunches
Children receive a healthy snack at snack time that is sourced locally from Culm valley organic vegetables, we recommend that you provide a “healthy” packed lunch for your child attending lunch club, although there are no restrictions unless there is a child with a nut allergy. If this is the case No food containing nuts or traces of nuts are permitted. Please note that the playgroup cannot heat/ cook food for any child. At snack time ALL children are required and encouraged to wash their hands before eating and encouraged to practice good table manners.
Policy and procedures
As stated on page 4 the folder that contains the playgroups policy and procedures will be available at each playgroup sessions. The policy folder contains and covers vast important information and you are required by OFSTED to read them when your child start playgroup.
Complaints / worries
If you have any concerns please speak to a member of staff who will document it in the complaints book, if you feel your issues have not been dealt with (giving reasonable time to address), please put the concerns in writing to the play leader and the chair person. For further information on this please see the policy’s folder.
Playgroup aims
At Playgroup we are always striving to ensure that our assessment documents are useful and easy to work with to record the assessment of your child’s progress.
We currently assess each child on arrival at playgroup so that we are aware at which stage each child is and how we can help in their development.
To further assess and evaluate the children in the learning goals of individual planned activities we use evaluation sheets, based on the development matters guide in the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) government guidelines. The areas covered will be highlighted and dated. This, together with the cross curricular observation sheets will help us to review progress of your child according to the guidelines of EYFS. Tracking of children needing more support in a particular area of learning can then be attained and this can feed into the planning for the daily activities and following weeks. Parents are always encouraged to view their own child’s documents and make any comments if they would like to. Please speak to a member of staff if you would like to view these working documents.
In the Parents Information File is a reference copy of the Foundation Stage Profile which schools use from entry into school until the end of Reception Year. Key Stage 1 then starts. This follows the same Curriculum Guidelines which we are using in assessment, helping to ensure continuity in our assessment between Playgroup and school.
The transition document is completed by the leaders when your child leaves Playgroup. It is a helpful document of achievement for parents and teachers alike.
If you have any queries concerning these assessment records please don’t hesitate to speak to Sarah. We would be happy to help or discuss this further.
Staff Qualifications and Responsibilities
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Nicky Morgan Senior Play Leader BTec national diploma in social care Trained Nursery Nurse NNEB Paediatric First Aid Safeguarding Fire Marshall food and hygiene certificate Tracey Hills Play assistant Ruth Clarke Volunteer play assistant Committee members Jasmine smith Chairperson Mel Duffin Co-treasurer Georgie Lock Co-treasurer Jackie crowe Sectary Michelle Andrews Fee’s and funding Paul Roberts Health and safety Jackie Crowe Policies & SGO committee Jo Von Memerty general member |
Nicola Hart Play Leader Diploma in Pre-school Practice Paediatric First Aid Admissions i/c safeguarding
Clare Livingstone Assistant Play leader PCGE- primary Behavior management officer
Katey Foster Play Assistant PCGE Primary Degree |