A big step - starting at playgroup

Starting at playgroup is a very big step in your child's development. Often it is the very first time that a child will be separated from his/her parents, so getting a happy introduction is very important.

Here are a few tips that may help;

- It is a good idea to make short visits with your child, before commencing full-time, so that you both get to know the people and how the group operates.

- Get to know staff and helpers - if your child sees that you are happy and compfortable, then he/she will soon be comfortable with them too.

- Be prepared to stay in the group until he/she is ready to be left.

Dress your child in easily washed clothes with easy fastenings and sensible shoes or trainers. Also bring indoor shoes/slippers, named and in a bag. In summer we ask that children bring hats to wear during outside play.

It is important to collect your child promptly at the end of the session. It can be very upsetting for a small child to be the only one who isn't collected. If someone different is to collect your child make sure that the staff know.

The normal daily routine

Morning session

- 9.00am. Children arrive, hang up their coats

and register is taken

- Free structured play

- Music and games

- Free structured play

- Story time

- Parents collect at 11.30am

Lunchclub

- 11.30am Lunch club children arrive

- 12.00pm Lunchtime. Children bring packed lunch from home.

Afternoon session

- 12.45pm. Children arrive, hang up their coats and register is taken

- Free structured play

- Music and games

- Free structured play

- Story time

- Parents collect at 3.15pm

The sessions for the younger children have much the same routine. However the times that they are required to sit quietly, such as at story time, are kept short.