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LLANHARAN COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT PROJECT LTD

Registered as a company in England & Wales Company Number 03226397

Registered Charity Number 1064957

PLAY TOTS PLAYGROUP LCDP

Based at Brynna Community Centre, Church Street, Brynna, Pontyclun CF72 9QP

INDUCTION & WELCOME PACK

TELEPHONE NUMBER: 01443 229723

EMAIL: llanharancommunity@btconnect.com

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GENERAL INFORMATION Play Tots Playgroup LCDP Brynna Community Centre Church Street Brynna RCT CF72 9QP

TELEPHONE: 01443 229723 / 07719929967

FAX: 01443 222085

E-MAIL: llanharancommunity@btconnect.com

WEBSITE: www.llanharan.org.uk

PLAYGROUP SESSIONS: Monday to Friday

PLAYGROUP TIMES: 9.15pm - 12.45pm

PLAYGROUP OPEN: Term Time Only

NUMBER OF CHILDREN PER SESSION: 32

LANGUAGE SPOKEN: English with spoken Welsh

SESSION FEE: £8.50

FRUIT/SNACK TERMLY PAYMENT: £5.00

UNIFORM: Yes – purchased through LCDP

PLAYGROUP LEADER: Gemma Kuropatwa / Ruth Rossiter

PERSON RESPONSIBLE: Mrs. Sian Davies Llanharan Community Development Project Ltd.

23a Bridgend Road Llanharan Pontyclun CF72 9RD

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AIMS OF PLAY TOTS PLAYGROUP LCDP

To provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment.

To enhance the development and education of children through play in a parent – involving playgroup.

To provide an environment where children with a range of needs, backgrounds and cultures feel happy, safe and secure. To promote equal opportunity for all children and families.

To undertake the Foundation Phase For children to have FUN, PLAY, LEARN and ENJOY playing together.

STATEMENT OF PURPOSE

Play Tots Playgroup implements the Foundation Phase Curriculum. To ensure a broad and balanced curriculum is being delivered activities will be planned through a theme, under the seven areas of learning.

English is the language through which activities are provided although there is some use of written and spoken Welsh

For all children to develop at their own pace and reach their full potential.

To integrate children with additional needs into the playgroup, providing them with help and support in order to undertake activities of the group. One to one care can also be provided if identified as a need.

Children remain the legal responsibility of parent/carer whilst in the care of the playgroup.

For parents to feel welcome and involved in the care and the education of their child.

To forge strong links with the three local Primary schools in order for the children to feel happy and confident upon starting school.

To work alongside other agencies involved in the care and education of a child.

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WELCOME TO PLAY TOTS PLAYGROUP LCDP

Playgroup is for young children between the ages of two and five.

The children learn:-

to play with other children

to trust new adults

to experiment with all sorts of things

to express themselves in all sorts of ways

to listen to stories with other children

to use language

to work things out

to do things for themselves

At its best a playgroup is a centre involving the whole community - parents, children, grandparents and anyone from the community who is interested.

ADMISSION Your child must be 2 years old and no older than 5 years. A registration form has to be completed and a registration fee of £8 paid before your child’s name will be placed on the register. The registration fee will be refunded if the playgroup cannot offer your child a place. Before a child starts Play Tots Playgroup, parents will be invited to visit the playgroup accompanied by their child. The visit is intended to:-

give parent information about the playgroup

meet staff and volunteers

observe the session

questions to be asked All policies and procedures, the All Wales Child Protection, the Welsh Assembly Minimum Standards for Sessional Day Care and curriculum plans including examples of children’s work will be available for parents to see. Parents will also be asked to complete a pre-assessment form and registration form that will include information to help the staff meet your child’s needs. The in-take of new children will be restricted to 2 per session enabling staff to give full attention to the new families. It is not essential for your child to be fully toilet trained as a changing facilities area is available and we have a Nappy Changing Policy in place. Parents and Playgroup Leader will sign a contract designed to ensure the wishes of both parent and Play Tots Playgroup are met and the needs of the child is catered for. The Playgroup will try whenever possible to be flexible to the needs of the family as long as it is the best interest of the child.

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Once the registration has been confirmed and the sessions allocated, it will not be possible to alter your sessions, unless someone is willing to change with you. Extra sessions can be allocated if they become available. A registration form must be completed indicating the day that your child will be attending playgroup. The leader will confirm on enquiry if these days are available. FEES Each session is charged at a cost of £8.50 payment is to be settled on the first day your child attends the play group each week. The following payment methods are acceptable: Standing order: Account Number: 21509314 Sort Code: 40-44-48 HSBC Cash / Debit and Credit Card over the phone and chip and pin at the centre. A fruit/snack fee is also charged at £5.00 per term. The fruit/snack fee is payable at the beginning of each term. Please note if monies are not received by the playgroup regardless if in credit this may affect your child’s place at the provision. Timetable as follows; Sept to Dec - £5; Jan to April - £5; May to July - £5.

The monies also pay for consumable resources that are used in the playgroup, in addition to the fruit and snack. As a result this supports the playgroup and enhances the provision. A deposit is also required when your child starts at the playgroup. The amount of the deposit depends on the amount of days your child attends and is charged at the normal session charge e.g. if you child is attending 3 days a week a deposit of £25.50 is required. This deposit will be returned to you when your child leaves playgroup if adequate notice has been given and fees are paid in full. ABSENCE Whether your child is absent due to sickness or holidays, full fees are still payable. This is in order to ensure your child’s place is safeguarded. If the absence has been for special circumstances you must write to the responsible person and then this will be considered by the full committee. HAPPY INTRODUCTIONS If your child can settle gradually and happily into the playgroup then he/she will find confidence when going into the world of school, so a happy introduction to the Playgroup is important. Parents have the option to stay with their child for the first session or two until the child gets to know the play staff, the playgroup premises and has had some experience of the activities and routine. Having you there may give your child confidence in his/her new surroundings, so let your child take time to establish contact and then he/she will be happy to let you go home, leaving him/her in the playgroup. The Play Tots staff will help you to decide when he/she is ready to be left. When the time comes to say 'goodbye' to your child, do not slip out without them knowing. A quick goodbye with a confident voice is best when you leave your child - always give them a kiss and tell them you will be back soon. If your child starts to cry after you have said 'goodbye' – please remember - we do not let a child cry for long. You will be telephoned if your child does not settle. How soon they settle varies from child to child, so do not get too concerned if it takes a while. If you have any concerns or problems as to how your child is settling please do not hesitate to talk to the play leader who is available at all times.

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CHILDREN IN PLAYGROUP Play is the young child's way of learning about his/her self and the world about them. To most adults the term 'play' conjures up a rather pleasant but frivolous activity, something that may keep a child occupied. To the child, however, play is innate and a biological need and the younger the child, the less he/she distinguishes between 'play' and 'work’. The children are encouraged to explore and learn from different materials and activities that will help develop their social, physical, language, intellectual, creative and emotional skills. CLOTHES TO WEAR During some activities children may get messy, so please dress your child in their uniform they are hard wearing and easily washable and something that your child will feel comfortable in. Children need to bring coats to every session, as they will regularly undertake activities outside. All coats cardigans etc must have names on. During the summer a hat is to be provided and appropriate coverage of sun cream is to be applied by the parent. The children are accompanied to the toilet, but are encouraged to manage themselves, so it would be helpful to them to wear simple clothing - belts and dungarees are very tricky and long skirts or long dresses can be dangerous on large equipment. It is important that children learn for themselves and at their own pace, so we support and encourage but resist the temptation to be over-helpful. Children are encouraged but not forced to take part in the activities of the playgroup. Confidence comes from being able to do things yourself. CHILDREN WITH ADDITIONAL NEEDS The playgroup is committed to providing appropriate support for every child in the group who has additional educational needs. The Playgroup work in partnership with the local Referral Scheme and other relevant agencies to ensure help and support for the child and his/her family. The Playgroup recognises that the child’s needs change and develop continually, and is committed to ensuring that the provision meets the needs of the child. The Playgroup respects the principle of confidentiality in all aspects of its work in the field of additional needs. Any records about an individual child will remain confidential and under lock and key at all times. The Playgroup will act in accordance with the Special Needs Code of Practice Wales and will follow Early Years Action and Early Years Action Plus to support children when necessary. In a case where the Early Years Action Plus does not meet the needs, of a child, it is possible to apply for a statutory assessment of the child by the Local Education Authority. One person within LCDP is the designated Additional Needs Co-ordinator – Miss. Gemma Kuropatwa. An Inclusion policy is available.

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PLAYGROUP ACTIVITIES OUTDOOR PLAY: Is now considered to be the best possible place for children to learn. Whenever possible the children will have the opportunity to access the outdoor areas where they will experience a wide range of activities. The activities below could take place inside or outside. PAINTING: Children paint freely and choose their own colours and are not limited in the number of paintings they do. There are easels, paints and large sheets of paper. They are not shown how to paint and at first children may simply wish to cover the paper with colour. When they have had a great deal of experience with that, they MAY begin to paint houses and people. They should not be urged to reach this stage too quickly. Staff use the phrase ‘Tell me about your picture’, when talking to a child about their work and do not use the phrase ‘What is it’ as this can undermine the child’s confidence and self esteem. WATER: The children find this fascinating, and they need not get soaked in the process. Plastic aprons are provided. Play can be experimental – studying what the water does when it is poured, splashed or dripped. In using water children can gain ideas weight and volume. SAND: Dry sand, like water is soothing. Wet sand can be moulded and controlled. Very wet sand, like mud, can be squeezed and squashed. Most children welcome and need the opportunity to be messy in some way. CLIMBING FRAME, BOXES, PLANKS: Children are naturally cautious, and if left to themselves only attempt what they can safely do. BOOKS: Books with stories and pictures they will understand and enjoy are for them to look at and to handle, and for grown-ups to read and talk about. Enjoying books in this way helps the child later to enjoy learning to read. MUSIC: Every-day sounds are vital in the young child’s world. In playgroup, attention is drawn to the many different sounds made by birds and cars, wind and rain, bells and drums. They join in singing, moving to music, and learn to listen. HOME CORNER: An area is set-aside in the playgroup to give a cosy home feeling without shutting off completely from the rest of the group. Furniture and dressing-up clothes of the right size are arranged here. The children pretend things, for example, shopping, meal times and bathing the baby. Through identifying with parents, they find relief from the anxiety of being small and from jealousy. OTHER ACTIVITIES: Children will also have a chance to experiment with clay, dough, paste and paper, construction toys, wood and gardening. They will sometimes see nature and ‘interest’ tables to help them form ideas about the world around them. Children gain in skill and understanding through their play, especially when they have a chance to share their enjoyment with an adult to talk about their discoveries. VISITORS: All types of visitors are encouraged, from hedgehogs to policemen. If you have a contact with someone or something that would be of interest to the children, please advise the play leader. FOUNDATION PHASE Play Tots Playgroup LCDP implements the Foundation Phase Curriculum. The Foundation Phase Curriculum highlights the importance of children learning through play. Activities will be exciting, stimulating, sufficiently challenging, build on previous learning and take account of different abilities, including those with additional needs. To ensure a broad and balanced curriculum is being delivered activities will be planned through a theme, under the seven areas of learning:- LANGUAGE, LITERACY AND COMMUNICATION Books, role play, marking, dough, storytime, singing, interest table, games, discussion, name recognition, letter and sound recognition, Mobile Library visits, writing skills etc. CREATIVE DEVELOPMENT

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Junk, Paint, drawing, craft, Dough, Collage, Role Play, Music, Dance, Drama PERSONAL, SOCIAL, WELL BEING AND CULTURAL DIVERSITY Sharing, working together, taking turns, independence skills, personal hygiene, tolerance of other cultures and awareness of own, emotions, preparation for school etc. MATHEMATICAL DEVELOPMENT Sorting, matching, number and shape games, counting, physical equipment, puzzles, sand and water, cookery, Role play, snacktime, stories, songs etc. KNOWLEDGE OF THE WORLD Science: Plants, animals, sand and water, ourselves, interest table etc. History: News, dinosaurs, castles, past events, etc. Geography: Visits, maps, topics on sea, countryside etc Technology: Craft, construction, junk, cookery, woodwork, clay, paint etc. IT: TV, Tape Recorder, Computer, Factual Books etc. PHYSICAL DEVELOPMENT Craft activities, circle games, parachute, climbing equipment, balls, hoops, bikes, dance, sand / water, large and small construction, action songs, finger rhymes etc. WELSH LANGUAGE Children will be encouraged to sing Welsh songs and rhymes, respond to simple phrases, count and recognise colours in Welsh and learn about the Welsh culture. RECORDS AND ASSESSMENTS During your child’s time at Play Tots Playgroup certain assessments on their progress will be made. The assessments revolve around The Desirable Learning Outcomes, previously detailed. These records will be kept in the strictest confidence and will only be seen by the parent and the playgroup staff. In collating this information the children WILL NOT BE TESTED. Parents are free to see their child’s records at any time. Informal coffee afternoons will be arranged on a termly basis for parents to see their child’s records and chat to staff. For the children who will be leaving to start school after the summer or Autumn term a written report will be issued to parents. Please do not hesitate to speak to staff at any time if you have any concerns or want a general chat about your child. PLAYING TOGETHER Play Tots Playgroup LCDP welcomes all children irrespective of creed, colour or ability. All children are individuals and are treated as such. Children of all abilities are helped and encouraged to develop at their own pace without bias or discrimination by the staff or children of the playgroup. Children will be discouraged from an activity ONLY if they are using unacceptable behaviour or are endangering themselves or others. During your child’s time at playgroup they will be developing their basic social skills which will enable them to get along with other children and adults, boost their confidence and self esteem, and provide the foundation for developing good values and morals. Children will be given praise, support and encouragement in order to promote good behaviour. The children are encouraged to :-

Share, take turns and play well with other children

respect themselves, other children and adults

express their feelings in an acceptable manner

listen and respond to requests

respect their property and that of others

accept the authority of the adults in charge

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The playgroup will ensure that all methods used to promote positive behaviour are appropriate to the age and level of development of the individual child. Playgroup staff will ensure that there is consistency in the methods used day to day and from person to person. Occasionally unacceptable behaviour occurs, for example:-

upsetting or hurting other children

using bad language

deliberate destruction of property

any form of violent or racist behaviour

Bullying

Whenever unacceptable behaviour occurs: - Playgroup staff will lead the child away and will speak with the child - gaining eye contact explaining in a way they will understand why their behaviour was unacceptable. This will then be recorded in the incident book. As the child’s behaviour improves he / she will be encouraged and praised. If the unacceptable behaviour continues, the Playgroup staff will discuss the behaviour with the parents and a behaviour modifying plan will be drawn up jointly. The child who has been on the other end of the unacceptable behaviour will be reassured and comforted by the Playgroup staff and their parents will be informed on collecting their child. Both parties of parents will be asked to acknowledge the Incident book. STAYING SAFE ROUTE TO AND FROM PLAY TOTS PLAYGROUP LCDP Car parking is available outside the community centre, but we suggest caution with speed as a number of parents walk to the centre and there is no pavement for them to walk on. Parents are responsible for their child until they have departed the building. Please do not let your child walk from the gates or entrance to Playgroup alone. ARRIVAL PROCEDURE The Playgroup door opens at 9.15am. Parents hand their children to staff at the front door where they are signed in clearly stating the time that the child arrives. A member of staff will stay on the door until all parents have departed. Playgroup staff encourage the children to hang up their coat and bag on the close pegs. The Leader is available at this time if you want to talk about your child. Any umbrellas must be taken home, as they can be a danger to other children. For the safety of your child, staff must be advised if anyone other than yourself is to collect your child and the appropriate form must be completed. DEPARTURE PROCEDURE The door opens at 12.45pm and a member of staff will stay on the door until all children have gone home. The children must sit down until their name is called. Adults will also sit with the children ensuring they do not go before their name is called. If at any time the adult has to leave the door, for example an emergency with a child or adult, the door will be closed. Please collect your child on time as it can be distressing for them to be left when all the others have gone home. If for any reason you are unexpectedly delayed at this time please phone the playgroup as soon as possible. The Leader is available for a chat after all the children have departed. Any dogs must be left outside the premises. Please keep older children away from the door in order to ensure playgroup children do not get lost between playgroup and awaiting adult.

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LATE COLLECTION OF CHILDREN In the event of a child not being collected at the usual time the staff will:-

Phone contact numbers. If the parent is contacted the leader will stay with the child on the playgroup premises until the parent arrives.

If the parent or any of the emergency contact numbers cannot be contacted, the leader will stay with the child at the group for up to 1 hour. During this hour the supervisor will continue to try and make contact with authorised adults. If no contact is made after 1 hour the child will be deemed abandoned and the Child Protection team will be contacted.

If the child is in the care of the leader for more than one hour, depending on the circumstances, a charge of £10 per half hour will be made.

HEALTH ISSUES The following information from the ‘Health and Safety for Playgroups, Nurseries and Schools’ may be helpful:-

Gastro-Enteritis Children should not return until 48 hours after Sickness/diarrhoea symptoms have ceased.

Impetigo Once the spots/scabs are covered and treatment has commenced the child can return to Play Tots.

Head Lice pass easily from one child to another. Check your child’s head regularly, particularly behind the ears and the nape of the neck. Your child is not infectious once the appropriate shampoo has been used – available from Chemists. Please inform the playgroup staff if your child has head lice.

Chicken Pox a child is infectious from one day before the spots appear until they have all scabbed over. Exclusion – 6 days from the appearance of rash.

Conjunctivitis Extremely infectious. Exclusion period – until the eyes stop running.

Measles Infectious a few days before and 5 days after the rash appears.

German Measles Exclusion 4 days from the appearance of the rash.

Tonsillitis No official exclusion period but children should be kept away until they are free of the symptoms.

No matter how much a child wants to come to playgroup, if they are unwell:-

they do not usually enjoy the session

they do not benefit by being there

they could pass their illness onto other children Please see enclosed indication sheet for sickness – information only.

IF A CHILD NEEDS MEDICINE TO BRING DOWN A TEMPERATURE THEY SHOULD NOT COME TO PLAYGROUP. SAFETY DRILLS Fire drills are undertaken a minimum of once a term. Fire alarms are also regularly tested. A copy of the ‘Fire Procedure is on the Parents Board. ‘Outside/In’ drill is undertaken with the children – procedure in Policy book. Care is taken not to frighten the children in any way. CAR PARKING The car park is open for all users. Please ensure access is kept clear to the entrance of the community centre. .

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PLAYGROUP POLICIES The playgroup has devised a set of policies which cover:- List of Policies available:- Admissions Child Protection Lost Child

Promoting Positive Behaviour Inclusion Fire Drill

Medication Sun Protection Whistle Blowing

Keeping Children on the premises Safeguarding Staff Confidentiality

Compliments & Complaints policy Confidentiality Risk Assessments

Equal Opportunities Data Protection Taking Photographs

Leaving & Collecting Children Health, Safety & Welfare

COMPLIMENTS & COMPLAINTS The Playgroup supports the principle of seeking the views of parents/ carers and designated professionals regarding the services it provides so that the service may be improved if necessary. Parents are informed of the policy and of the compliments and complaints procedure before the child commences at the playgroup. The Playgroup will monitor complaints and attempt to resolve them in a constructive way as soon as possible. If the issue is not resolved between the complainant and the Leader and Responsible Person within 28 days or you are unhappy with the decision, please contact the Trustee board address as follows:- LCDP 23a Bridgend Road Llanharan Pontyclun CF72 9RD REGULATED BY CSSIW If you have any serious concerns regarding the provision and you have approached us and been offered no resolution please contact CSSIW with your concerns. Contact as follows:- CSSIW Welsh Government Rhydycar Business Park Merthyr Tydfil CF48 1UZ

Telephone: 0300 062 8888 Fax: 0300 062 8548 Email: cssiw.southeast@wales.gsi.gov.uk

Please note CSSIW are not a complaints agency, so will not be able to deal with independent resolution, but can be made aware of your concerns. ADULTS IN PLAY TOTS PLAYGROUP LCDP LEADER The leader is the ‘Person in Charge’ who is qualified to a minimum of Level 3 and has a minimum of 2 years experience working within a play group setting. This individual is the line manager of all staff and volunteers and ensures all standards are met. They are also the main contact for the Playgroup and are available to discuss any issues with parents/carers.

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DEPUTY LEADER The deputy leader is the ‘Person in Charge’ in the absence of the Leader, who is qualified to a minimum of Level 3 and has a minimum of 2 years experience working within a play group setting. This individual is the line manager of all staff and volunteers in the absence of the leader and ensures all standards are met. PLAYGROUP ASSISTANTS Playgroup assistants are the primary carers for your child and will have experience and formal qualifications in this field. Some play assistants have specialised roles within the setting i.e. Additional Needs Co-ordinator, Parents Liaison Worker etc. They will have gained enough experience to feel confident about taking responsibility for running the session. She/he will normally be there every time your child comes to playgroup and will get to know your child really well. Your child will learn to trust her/him and because of this will more easily learn to trust his/her teacher when going to school. PARENTS Parents are the experts on their children and as such are encouraged to work closely with the playgroup to provide the best possible care and education. It is most important for your child that you take an active part in the playgroup in any way that you can so as he/she feels that you too are part of the playgroup. You may be able to share a special skill or interest such as music, carpentry, animals etc., with the children, or one of the many other jobs that are vital to the smooth running of the playgroup. If you wish to help at the playgroup we will have to undertake the same checks as we do for staff and volunteers including an Enhanced CRB (Criminal Records Bureau). Once all the checks have been carried out you can attend a session, you may find your child wishes to stay beside you for a while, this is quite natural for a child who suddenly finds he/she must share Mum or Dad with all the other children. It may take a little time for him/her to get used to this so do be prepared for this sort of action. Efforts have always been made to keep the fees affordable as part of our Policy on Inclusion but never the less the costs of running the playgroup remain high. Therefore it is vital that additional funds are raised due to the high overheads such as: staff, equipment, resources, consumables, venue hire, insurance etc. Therefore all parents/carers are encouraged to support the playgroup in any way, for example, buying raffle tickets, organising fund raising for the group such as sponsor days, car boot etc.. Not everyone can afford to give money or sometimes time and we do not take this for granted, but if you are able to please help in any way you can, for example, help run stalls, make cakes, find prizes etc. Without parents time and effort we would not have the high standard of equipment and activities. WHO’S WHO THE RESPONSIBLE PERSON This is Sian Davies who is the Manager of Llanharan Community Development Project Ltd., she will oversee the Playgroup ensuring that all standards are being met and appropriate checks are made. Sian will be the direct contact for the organisation with regards to the CSSIW remit and quality assurance standards. The Leader will deal with all day to day issues, but the responsible person is contactable and will be a frequent visitor to the Playgroup.

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THE ORGANISATION Llanharan Community Development Project Ltd. (LCDP) is a not for profit company and registered charity set up in 1995. Llanharan Community Development Project Limited overall aims seeks:

To identify and address the needs of the people within Llanharan, Brynna, Bryncae and surrounding areas and in so doing, to create a stronger sense of community.

To maintain a not-for-profit company and charity to provide training, employment, social and recreational services that meet the identified needs.

To develop effective working partnerships with a range of organisations to achieve our aims.

THE STAFF

Gemma Kuropatwa Leader Ruth Rossiter Deputy

Rebecca Morgan Playgroup Assistant Hannah Fear Playgroup Assistant

Sarah Howells Playgroup Assistant Shannon Squire Playgroup Assistant

Kealeigh Roberts Playgroup Assistant Lindsey Sparrow Playgroup Assistant

Jonothan Barnett Playgroup Assistant

The above team all have experience of working within a play group setting and are qualified to a minimum Level 2 Childcare qualification. They are very easy going, friendly and happy team and are very approachable. If you have any queries, concerns or just require further information please do not hesitate to approach them. The staff team will change from time to time due to training and absenteeism, but please be assured all staff employed by LCDP are qualified and have extensive experience of working with children. WPPA Wales Wales Pre-school Playgroups Association (Wales PPA), is an independent voluntary organisation, which is an educational charity. It is the largest provider of community based pre-school childcare and education in Wales. Their area worker will support the group by identifying training and also assisting us in keeping up to date with current legislation. The area worker will also be a frequent visitor to the Playgroup. If any parents require further information on what WPPA do please do not hesitate to contact:- WPPA Regional Office – South Wales on 02920 451242 CSSIW CARE AND SOCIAL SERVICES INSPECTORATE WALES Play Tots Playgroup LCDP are registered with CSSIW and adhere to the Welsh Assembly National Minimum Standards. A copy of the standards are held on the Playgroup notice board and copies of the Inspection report are also available for parents information. The CSSIW make regular inspections and check that the playgroup meets the minimum standards and recommendations if applicable. USER ASSOCIATION / FRIENDS GROUP This is a group that is made up of parents / carers, staff and friends of Play Tots Playgroup LCDP. They will meet up to discuss fundraising ideas, organise outings and events for the children and generally discuss any other developments. They will meet on a monthly basis or as and when required. One of the staff will also be the Parent Liaison Worker who will organise the meetings – please check the playgroup board for further information.

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If you wish to sign up to the group please speak to the Parent Liaison Worker. PLAY TOTS PLAYGROUP LCDP CONTRACT CONDITIONS

1. A contract and registration form must be completed and signed by both parties before a child can access the Playgroup. Once days are booked and agreed they can not be amended until you speak to the Leader giving at least two weeks notice.

2. A child cannot access playgroup after 10:00am. Failure to attend before this time

will be recorded as absent. A child can only be picked up earlier if agreed in advance with the Leader. All children must be picked up by 12:45pm, if you are expecting to be late due to an emergency or traffic you must telephone the leader immediately. Failure to do so may incur a charge.

As part of the registration process on a daily basis your child must be signed in on arrival and also signed out when picking your child up. 3. Holidays The playgroup will be closed for the school holidays. Dates to be advised. Should we need to close on any other occasion you will be informed in advance. 4. Fees There is a fee of £8.50 per 3.5 hour session, payable at the beginning of the week. Unless the fee is paid within 2 weeks, we cannot guarantee your child’s place. If your child is leaving Playgroup 2 weeks notice is required. Payment can be made by card payment/chip and pin, cash or standing order. For bank details to set up a standing order please contact LCDP head office on 01443 229723 and ask to speak to the Manager. The daily fee will be reviewed on an annual basis. 5. Absence During a period of absence caused by short term illness or holiday - full fees are expected. If the absence is caused by long term illness or hospitalisation, each application is given individual consideration. Procedures in case of illness

If your child is ill during Playgroup, a member of staff will contact you or the contact persons named on the registration form.

If your child vomits or has diarrhoea you will be required to keep him/her off Playgroup for at least 48 hours after symptoms have cleared.

If your child has any infectious diseases, you will be required to keep him/her off Playgroup for an appointed period until he/she is clear of the infection.

If your child requires emergency first aid during the session the accident book will be completed you will be informed immediately.

If your child needs emergency medical treatment, action will be taken in accordance with the permission signed by you on your child’s registration form and you will be contacted immediately.

Giving a child medication – If your child needs to be given medicine during Playgroup you are asked to complete a ‘Request to Administer Medication to a Child’ Form and also a form signed by a Doctor.

6. Food & Drink

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During Playgroup your child will be offered milk or water and fruit. You can also provide your child with nutritious packed lunch. Fresh drinking water is available at all times. In special circumstances other food may be offered. Attention will be paid to any special dietary needs, in accordance with information on the registration form. 7. Photographs We will occasionally take pictures of your child during Playgroup. If you do not want your child’s photograph to be taken we will require written confirmation. 8. Outside Activities We will on times take the children out to the outside areas or a field to play or take part in activities etc. You will be required to provide your child with the appropriate clothing e.g. coats, hat, gloves (winter) and take responsibility for applying sun cream before Playgroup. Playgroup staff CANNOT apply sun cream. 9. Managing and Modifying Behaviour The Playgroup has a Behaviour Management Policy which ensures that physical punishment is not used in controlling the behaviour of any child. If necessary, the Playgroup will follow a consistent programme of behaviour management in accordance with your child’s age, development and needs. 10. Equal Opportunities In accordance with its Equal Opportunities Policy, the Playgroup will ensure that your child is given the same opportunities as every other child in the Playgroup LCDP. 11. Compliments and Complaints The Playgroup welcomes any comments on the service offered. If you have any cause to complain please do not hesitate to speak to the Playgroup Leader. If you feel you are unable to discuss your concerns with the Leader you may contact the Responsible Person, Sian Davies on 01443 229723.

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HEALTH ISSUES The following information from the ‘Health and Safety for Playgroups, Nurseries and Schools’ may be helpful:-

Period of time away from the setting

Where the above illness states ‘completely recovered’ this means they can return to the setting when the leader is satisfied there will be no risk if infection to the other children.

No matter how urgent you need to use the playgroup, if they are unwell:-

they do not usually enjoy the session

they do not benefit by being there

they could pass their illness onto other children

WE WILL ADMINISTER MEDICINE ETC, BUT AN AUTHORISATION FORM NEEDS TO BE COMPLETED. WE WILL DO THIS IN THE CASE OF SHORT TERM ILLNESS ILLNESS.

Illness 24 hours

48 hours

72 hours

Symptom free

Able to

attend

Completely recovered

Leaders discretion

Allergies •

Chest Infection •

Chicken Pox •

Common Cold •

Ear Infection •

Eczema •

Eye Disorder •

Gastroenteritis •

Hand/Foot/Mouth •

Head lice •

Herpes Simplex •

Impetigo •

Measles •

Meningitis •

Mumps •

Ringworm •

Roseola Infantum •

Rubella •

Scabies •

Scarlet Fever •

Sickness/Diarrhoea •

Slapped Cheek •

Temperature •

Thrush •

Tonsillitis •

Whooping cough •