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Playgroups Pre-school and playgroups provide early years education for children between the ages of 2 to 5 on a sessional basis, usually 2-3 hours in a morning or afternoon session during term-time. Run by trained early years professionals, they emphasise parental involvement. Many voluntary playgroups are run by a parent committee, with a maximum staffing of one adult to every eight children. They offer play and learning opportunities alongside childcare. Length of sessions, times available and ages of children accepted at pre-schools may vary so it is advisable to check with individual playgroups for their details. A playgroup is ideal if: - You want to take advantage of a range of services at affordable prices
- You want your child to mix, learn and socialise in a pre-school in your community
- You want your child to meet and make friends with other children who may go on to the same primary school
- You want to participate in your child’s early years education
A playgroup may not be suitable if: - You need immediate childcare. Pre-schools and playgroups often have a long waiting list. Make sure you put your child’s name down sooner rather than later to guarantee a place
- You need full daycare and your local pre-school just provides sessional or extended day care.
Always check: - That the premises are safe and well-maintained, especially if they are shared with other community groups
- That the leader is suitably qualified. The HSST’s require pre-schools to have a leader with a level three qualification in early years care and education, plus suitably qualified assistant staff.
- That the setting offers a wide range of activities working to the early learning goals and providing stimulus across all early learning criteria.
Questions to ask: - What is their settling in policy?
- How do they provide feedback to parents?
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