Welcome to Longparish Playgroup
Longparish playgroup is a small, friendly and very happy playgroup, with an extremely warm and welcoming team of qualified staff. Claire, Pauline, Di and Kristy work hard to produce a variety of colourful and challenging activities for all the children.
Inside this prospectus we hope you will find out everything you need about our playgroup, from opening times to policies.
If at anytime you have any further questions please do not hesitate to contact us. In the mean time please come and visit us and see what we do.
Our aim here is to provide high quality care and make your child’s time enjoyable and stimulating..
A little about our playgroup.
Longparish Playgroup is set in idyllic surroundings next to the River Test in the grounds of Longparish School. The Playgroup started in 1988 in the Sports and Social Club behind the Village Hall. In 1991 we moved into a cramped old portacabin on the school site. In 2004 the portacabin was demolished. In January 2006 we moved into our wonderful new home which is an annexe to Longparish School. We have our own outside play area and make good use of our wonderful surroundings- going on walks to feed the ducks, and watching the river be restocked with trout.
The playgroup is open to any child in the local communities of Longparish and Hurstbourne Priors. We also take children from the surrounding area, particularly those who intend to use the school or with siblings attending the school.
Children can start Playgroup at the age of 2 years and 9 months. We have spaces for up to 20 children per session.
We have close links with Longparish School. During the summer term we run an afternoon session for those children expecting to attend Longparish School the following September. This is aimed at familiarising the children with the school environment and its staff. The children spend increasing periods with the reception class and join in with activities such as story time, lunch time and play time.
We offer a play based learning environment in accordance with current Early Years foundation stage guidance. We provide a well planned and resourced environment to take learning forward and provide opportunities for all children to succeed, making them feel valued and cared for.
Children are encouraged to participate in activities indoors and outdoors which foster all areas of their development.
We offer a snack bar for morning and afternoon sessions. This allows the child to choose a drink (milk or water) and various pieces of fruit or alternative healthy foods. The snack bar encourages choice, independence and social skills.
The Daily Routine
Here’s a brief run down of a typical session at Longparish Playgroup. This may change due to the weather conditions.
9.00am Children are welcomed into playgroup/turn over their own name cards to self register.
9.10am Circle time/show and tell.
9.20am Free play, adult led activity and snack bar/free flow to outside area.
11.40am Tidy up time.
11.45am Story and singing/tick tock- Goodbye song.
12.00pm Parents and carers come to collect children.
12.00-1.45pm Lunch and quiet time (hot dinner available from
School, pay at the school office)
12.45pm Welcome children/ turn over name cards.
1.00pm Circle time/ show and tell.
1.10pm Free play/adult led activity/snack bar/ free flow to outside area.
2.55pm Tidy up time.
3.00pm Story time.
3.15pm Parent carers to collect children.
We have Russian lessons every Tuesday morning and every other Thursday music with Amanda from Merry.go.round.
Alternatively we may tidy up earlier so we can use the school playground, field or hall for activities such as ride on toys, ball games, parachute games, music and dancing.
We organise our sessions so that the children can choose from and work at a range of activities. In doing this they can build up there ability to select and work thorough different tasks. The children are also helped and encouraged to take part in adult led and small group activities which introduce them to new experiences and help them gain new skills, as well as helping them to interact and work alongside others.
Outdoor activities contribute to the children’s health, physical development and their knowledge and understanding of the world around them. The children have the opportunity and are encouraged to take part on outdoor child chosen and adult led activities. As well as our own outdoor area, we can use both the school playground and field.
The technical info.
We operate a key worker system and keep records of the children’s development using the Hampshire Record of Achievement, which is forwarded to your child’s reception teacher. Towards the end of each term we will give you your child’s record to take home and read. Please comment and return. All supplementary observations and photos will be yours to keep when your child moves onto school or a new setting.
The Playgroup relies on attendance fees, nursery education grant and fund raising activities to finance it. This often gives us all the chance to get together for sponsored walks or murder mystery nights when a great time is had by all.
Our Playgroup is registered with Ofsted and Hampshire County Council as a provider of Early Years Education. We operate according to current Ofsted legislation.
You can get involved too
The Playgroup is a registered charity (1001065) run and administered by a committee. This committee is elected at each annual general meeting. It consists of chairperson, secretary, treasurer and four or five other members. We are a member of the Pre school learning alliance.
We always welcome parents to work as volunteers alongside staff during the sessions (and very much appreciate parents’ suggestions and involvement). There is a parent rota which you can sign if you would like to help on a particular session. This will enable you to see what goes on in the setting and you are welcome to share your own interests and skills with the children. However un-vetted people are never left alone with a child.
Your Child’s First Day at Playgroup
When your child starts Playgroup please be prepared to stay until they feel secure and ready for you to leave them. One of the staff will help them settle in. Your child will be given a Playgroup sweatshirt at their first full session. Please ensure that all clothes and footwear are marked with your child’s name.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many sessions can my child attend at playgroup?
Children of 2 years and 9 months will be admitted if space permits but priority will be given to 3 year olds. They will be restricted to two sessions per week until they are 3 years old. This can be increased to more sessions as space becomes available or you feel your child is ready for more; if you are unsure feel free to ask a member of staff to discuss if your child is ready.
How do the government’s nursery grants work?
When your child becomes eligible for nursery education grant funding, the supervisor will ask you to complete the appropriate form each term. We cannot claim grants without them. On admission please show the supervisor evidence of your child’s date of birth and where he/she lives e.g. Child benefit letter, birth certificate or passport and a recent utilities or council tax bill. There will be top up fees of £1 for the morning session because the grant only pays for two and a half hours.
Does my child have to be toilet trained?
Your child does not have to be toilet trained; we do have nappy changing facilities but you will need to supply nappies and baby wipes. If your child has started to toilet train we will help with this while they are at playgroup. We do advise that you bring in a spare set of clothes in case of any accidents.
How to enrol and conditions of enrolment.
●Please contact Claire Nash to put your child’s name on the
waiting list.
●We will contact you at least a term before your child is due to
start to discuss what sessions you require. At this stage we will
give written confirmation and you must pay a non-returnable
deposit of £15 to guarantee the place and for your sweatshirt.
●Invoices for fees will be issued termly. If possible we prefer
payment by cheque, any problems discuss with a member of
staff. Payment to be paid in full even if your child should miss
some sessions. Payment will, however, be waived if he/she is in
hospital.
●At least one half term’s notice should be given of the intention
to cease playgroup attendance and the supervisor informed of
any changes regarding attendance.
Information
Opening times of Playgroup
Monday 9.00-12.00 lunch 12.00-12.45 afternoon 12.45-3.15
Tuesday 9.00-12.00
Wednesday 9.00-12.00 lunch 12.00-12.45 afternoon 12.45-3.15
Thursday 9.00-12.00 lunch 12.00-12.45 afternoon 12.45-3.15
Friday 9.00-12.00
In summer term there is an extra session on Tuesday from 12.45-3.15 for children going to Longparish School the following term.
Children should be collected promptly at the end of each session to avoid them being caused any unnecessary anxiety. If you cannot collect your child or you are running late please phone playgroup to let us know how long you will be or who will be picking your child up instead. It would be helpful if we could meet the people prior to them picking your child up from Playgroup. We do have a book which must be filled out if anyone else is picking your child up.
Playgroup cannot be held responsible for loss or damage to clothes or toys. We do have spare clothes in case of an accident
Playgroup holds full comprehensive insurance cover for accidents during playgroup hours.
There is a phone at playgroup 01264 720455. Please use this number to tell us of day to day changes e.g. your child is unwell, arriving late. The phone does have an answer phone and is checked regularly so please leave a message.
Email www.longpairsh.org.uk/playgroup www.playgroup@longparish.org.uk.
Summary of Policies
The full set of signed policies are held by the chairperson and are also available for inspection in the operational plan kept in playgroup.
Admission Policy
The playgroup is open to every family in the community. The waiting list is organised in order of date of birth and not first come first served basis. The only exception is for children who are classified as having special needs. In the event of over-subscription priority will be given to those children who expect to enter Longparish School when they are old enough and/or live in Longparish or Hurstbourne Priors.
Staff Policy
A high adult to child ratio is essential to providing good quality pre-school care. We have one member of staff to every eight children over 3 years old and one to four for “rising threes”. There will always be at least 3 members of staff present and at least one will be qualified to NVQ3 level. The supervisor, deputy and one other member of staff hold level 3 qualifications in child care and the other member of staff has NVQ level 2. Regular in-service training is available through Hampshire County Council and the Pre-school Learning Alliance which is usually paid for by Hampshire or by the Playgroup when necessary. Two satisfactory references are required prior to all staff appointments and all staff must be vetted by the Criminal Records Bureau.
Child protection
Every child has the right to be protected from abuse and it is everyone’s responsibility to protect children. Your child will be attending a registered playgroup which has a duty and responsibility under the 1989 Children Act to report any concerns about a child to the social services department. If social services feel it is necessary they will make confidential enquires through other agencies. If worrying changes are noted in a child’s behaviour, physical condition or appearance a specific and confidential record will be set up and kept separately by the supervisor.
Equal Opportunities
The playgroup is committed to offering all children equal opportunities. The activities are offered regardless of gender, race, religion, disability etc. We aim to respect the different background from which children come and to help each child develop its full potential in an environment free from prejudice and discrimination.
Special Needs
Children with special needs including disabilities will be admitted to playgroup after consultation between parents and supervisor and the appropriate agencies. If necessary, funding will be sought to employ a one-to-one worker to support a child with special needs. The playgroup will work with staff from other disciplines to meet that child’s needs.
Health and Safety
The safety of children is paramount. All children are supervised by adults at all times.
Accident and incident books are kept in playgroup to record any accident/incident and the parent will be required to sign in the event of an accident. A first aider and a first aid box are available at all times.
A fire extinguisher and smoke alarms are in position. Fire drills are held termly in conjunction with the school and the premises conform to Ofsted’s requirements and the Regulatory Reform (fire safety) Order 2005.
We meet our legal requirements for the safety of our employees by complying with RIDDOR (Reporting of injury, disease and dangerous occurrences regulations).
Health and Hygiene
Parents are asked to keep children at home if they have an infection and to notify staff so that they can alert other parents. Parents are asked not to bring into playgroup any child who has been vomiting or has had diarrhoea until at least 24 hours have elapsed since the last attack.
Playgroup will maintain links with health visitors and gather health information from Winchester and Eastleigh Healthcare NHS Trust.
A box of tissues is kept for nose wiping
No smoking is allowed on site or when off site with children.
Behaviour Management
Children flourish in an ordered environment where everyone knows what is expected of them. Then they are free to develop without fear of being hurt or hindered. We aim to achieve a situation where children can develop self discipline and self esteem in an atmosphere of mutual respect and encouragement.
Staff will be positive role models for children to learn courtesy and respect for others.
Desirable behaviour will be praised and reinforced.
Undesirable behaviour will be dealt with by helping the child to understand what is unacceptable at a level they can understand and by giving them support to work towards better patterns of behaviour. Physical punishment is never used. Staff will never use threatening behaviour.
Recurring problems will be discussed with the child’s parents to decide how best to solve them.
Records
Records will be kept of all children’s progress at playgroup using the Hampshire Record of Achievement. Additional records will include photographs of activities at playgroup (not just individual children) Parents will have access to their own child’s records but no others. Parents will be asked to sign a form, allowing playgroup to take photos.
The playgroup aims to provide the highest quality education and care for all children in a warm caring environment. If parents are concerned about any aspect of the group’s provision they should discuss it with the supervisor. If there is no satisfactory outcome within two weeks or the problem recurs it should be put in writing to the chairperson and a meeting requested with the supervisor and the chairperson.
If agreement cannot be reached a mediator will be invited in to help resolve the problem.
Ofsted has a duty to ensure that its requirements are adhered to. Its staff and staff from Hampshire's Early Education and Childcare Unit will advise parents and playgroup if necessary.
Parents may approach Ofsted directly at any stage of this complaints procedure. In addition, where there seems to be a possible breach of our registration requirements, it is essential to involve Ofsted as the registering and inspection body with a duty to ensure the National Standards for Day Care are adhered to.
The address and telephone number of our Ofsted regional centre are:
Office for Standards in Education
NBU, 3rd Floor
Royal Exchange Buildings
St Annes's Square
Manchester
M2 7LA
Telephone 0845 6404040
Hampshire’s Early Education and Childcare Unit can be contacted on 01962 813887 or email at childcare@hants.gov.uk .
If a child appears to be at risk, our playgroup follows the procedures of the Area Child Protection Committee in our local authority.
In these cases, both the parent and the playgroup are informed and the playgroup supervisor works with Ofsted or the Area Child Protection Committee to ensure a proper investigation of the complaint followed by appropriate action.