HORSLEY PLAYGROUP
INFORMATION
FOR PARENTS AND CARERS
Horsley Playgroup aims to provide a friendly, caring and safe environment where children can develop and be stimulated through creative play.
We want to encourage all children of all cultures and abilities to enjoy this valuable pre-school facility being provided in the local community. We aim to let the community know about The Playgroup and let it be accessible.
At Horsley Playgroup we aim to provide a wide range of play opportunities . We are aiming to increase each child's communication, language & listening skills, developing their interaction with other children and adults. We aim to help each child to care for themselves and instil confidence, self esteem, respect for others and a level of compliance. We aim to widen their level of understanding, their range of interests and creative ability. We aim to increase the development of physical skills.
The Playgroup will encourage each child to make progress towards the Early Learning Goals in six areas of learning:- Personal, Social & Emotional Development, Communication Language & Literacy, Mathematics, Knowledge & Understanding of the World, Physical Development and Creative Development.
To meet these requirements we will:
Use a wide range of play activities and maintain a balance between child initiated and adult directed activities.
Ensure a broad and balanced approach to Language & Literacy, Mathematics and Personal & Social development.
Keep records of curriculum planning and let these be available at each session. Keep required records of children’s progress based on observation of play and social activity - ensuring confidentiality.
We aim to ensure each child is fully prepared for their reception year at school working towards the Early Learning Goals required by the Nursery Education Grant Scheme and to comply with The Code of Practice.
Admissions
Children may attend from the age of 2 years and 9 months. The parent/carer is expected to stay with the child until settled. The Playgroup can accommodate up to 24 children in any one session.
Sessions
The Playgroup runs to the Gloucestershire LEA term dates.
Sessions are:
Monday 9.30 – 12.00 – Horsley Village Hall
*Tuesday 12.30 – 3.00 – Horsley Primary School
Wednesday 9.30 – 12.00 – Horsley Village Hall
*The Tuesday session is only for children in their pre-school year (max 15 children allowed at this session).
A snack and a drink are provided at each session.
Fees
Fees are payable half termly. Fees are payable even if a child does not attend the session (unless there are exceptional circumstances). The Playgroup participates in the Nursery Education Voucher Scheme.
Fees are currently £6.00 per session. (Feb 2007) Financial assistance is possible through the Playgroup Access Fund.
Rota Duties
In addition to two qualified members of staff and one paid helper, one or two (depending on numbers of children present) parents/carers will be on "duty".
The rota is distributed to parents/carers and is displayed on the notice-board. Parents/carers must do their "duty" or arrange for someone else known to staff to cover for them. The "duty" parent/carer must arrive by 9.00 (Mon/Weds) to help set up equipment. (All parents/carers are welcome to arrive early to help.)
Playgroup/Parent Partnership
All parents are members of the committee and are therefore actively encouraged to come to meetings and become involved in running the Playgroup. As a committee, we nominate a Chairperson, Secretary and Treasurer.
Fundraising
Fundraising is vital if the Playgroup is to continue to provide good quality childcare at a low cost. Parent/carer help, involvement and ideas are positively encouraged.
Aims
The Playgroup aims to provide a friendly, caring and safe environment where children can develop and be stimulated through creative play.
The Playgroup aims to increase each child’s communication, listening and social skills, and to instil confidence, self-esteem and respect for others, whilst developing physical skills, mathematical concepts and an interest in the world around us. Sessions are planned and structured to give a full and varied range of activities. A full curriculum and planning details are always available. The curriculum is fully compatible with the "Foundation Stage", which is the stage of development that continues until the end of the school reception year and is required by the Nursery Education Grant Scheme.
The Playgroup has received highly favourable Ofsted reports. Please ask if you wish to see a copy.
Equal Opportunities
The Playgroup will endeavour to accommodate all children regardless of gender, race, religion, cultural background or special needs.
Policy Statement
A full and detailed statement or the Playgroup’s policies is available on request and is given to all new parents.
Do come along with your child and join in for a session to see for yourself what goes on – the first session is free!
If you have any queries at all, please do not hesitate to ask the Play leader.
Contact details
Mags Ratford – Play leader
Playgroup mobile phone (Mon & Weds am only)
07929 974982
(Updated April 2007)