Playgroups and Pre-school Groups
What is a Playgroup or Pre-School Group?
A playgroup or pre-school group is a registered childcare
facility that offers sessional care - usually 2-3 hours - for
children between the ages of 3-5 years, though they may take
children from 2 years.
They may be run by a committee of parents and staffed by a
qualified or experienced supervisor with assistant(s), with parents
helping on a voluntary rota basis. Parents should not automatically
assume that all carers have been subject to CRB checks. Supervisors
and Officers in Charge will, but assistant staff may not
necessarily be Groups are open several morning or afternoon
sessions each week, usually in term-time only.
Why do They Have to be
Registered?
Playgroups/pre-schools are required to register with Ofsted to
meet the 14 National Standards. They must meet these specified
standards which relate to their suitability as carers of children,
the safety of premises and facilities, insurance and record
keeping. Their certificate of registration and public liability
insurance should always be on display.
The group will be inspected annually by
Ofsted and inspection reports will be on the
internet.
How Many Children may
Attend a Playgroup / Pre-School?
The number of children will vary depending on the premises.
There should always be an appropriate number of adults to
children. The staffing ratio being:- 1 adult to every 4 children
aged 2 year and 1 to 8 for 3 5 years. However, if the building
presents particular problems, extra staff may be necessary. A
higher ratio of adults to children may also be necessary when
children with disabilities attend a group.
Where are
Playgroup/Pre-Schools Located?
Community centres, church halls, leisure centres, schools, scout
huts, anywhere that groups can meet. They often share premises with
other community groups.
What do Children do at Playgroup/Pre-Schools?
Playgroups provide children with pre-school experiences such as,
art, craft and construction activities, sand and water play,
adventure play, music and movement, books and stories etc, as well
as the opportunity to socialise with other children. They provide a
stable, secure, and relaxed environment where parents and carers
feel satisfied to leave their children to have a short break.
Parents and carers also have the chance to share the responsibility
for their own and other children in the group, to watch and learn
from them, to learn with other parents/carers, and to support each
other.
How do you Settle your
Child?
The group will ask you to stay with your child for several
sessions until your child becomes familiar with the new setting and
staff. They may ask you to start by leaving your child for short
periods until you are leaving them for the whole session.
What Information
will the Playgroup/Pre-School Need?
You will be asked to complete a registration form giving details
of your child, any illnesses or allergies, where you can be
contacted etc., and any information that will help your child to
settle. You should be given information about the group.
Some Points to
Consider
- Visit the group with your child.
- Are you made welcome?
- Check they are registered and have up to date public liability
insurance.
- Do the children look happy,
- Do the adults seem to enjoy being with the children?
- Are there plenty of toys, books, and play equipment, including
dressing up clothes and a home corner set out for the children's
use?
- Do the activities take into account the children's ages,
cultural backgrounds and any special needs?
- Do the toys, books, equipment, activities, displays and staff
show a positive attitude to children of both sexes and of all
races, religions, cultures, and disabilities?
- Are you encouraged to settle in your child?
- Are you provided with any information about the services and
policies?
- Will you be consulted on your child's welfare and
development?
- Are the children prevented from leaving the premises
undetected, are gates and fences kept secure?
- Do staff know how to reach you in an emergency?
- Do staff carry out regular fire drills and have their fire
equipment maintained?
Take your time before you decide where to place your child,
visit several groups several times if necessary.
What do you do if you are
Not Happy About Things at the Group?
Discuss any difficulties as soon as they arise and follow the
group's complaint procedure.
If you are still unable to resolve your difficulties and they
relate to the quality of care, contact Ofsted on Telephone Number
0300 123 1231 or http://www.ofsted.gov.uk/
