Settling In

All children have the right to feel safe and happy in the absence of their parents.

To achieve a smooth transition from Home to Playgroup and make their first time away from you a positive experience we will:

• Invite parents to visit the Playgroup with their child prior to admission.
• Invite the child to a 'Meet & Greet' with their Key Person and meet and play with other children in their group.
• A settling-in-plan for all children that is differentiated to meet the needs of individual children.
• Offer flexible admission to meet individual needs.
• Provide a staggered and gradual intake programme for the benefit of the children.
• Fully support all families until their children are settled.

Help Us to Help Your Child

Arrive as near to the start of each session as possible, so that your child has every opportunity to gain from the activities and interaction with their peers.

Take time to settle your child into our Playgroup. All children need someone they know well to be with them when they take such a big step. Some children settle quicker than others and parents are welcome to stay with their children until they are ready to stay by themselves.

Collect your children on time. Children get very distressed if they see everyone going home and they don't see their parent/carer waiting for them at the door.

What will your child need to bring to playgroup?

• A drinking bottle containing water
• A book bag

A rucksack, which contains:

• T-shirt
• trousers or leggings
• sweatshirt or jumper
• socks and pants
• a change of shoes
• child comforter

Dependent on the weather you may also need:

• sunhat and suncream
• wellington boots
• warm and waterproof coat
• woolly hat and mittens.

Please ensure that all clothing, footwear and personal belongings are clearly named.

A Typical Day in Our Playgroup

When your child starts at the Playgroup from the age of two years, they will be welcomed into our Rainbow Playgroup.   When your child is ready to progress at 3+ they will transfer into our Sunshine Pre-School to continue their learning and development.

All age groups will mix together during outside playtime and sometimes during the course of the day to experience special learning opportunities i.e. Living Eggs, Visitors (Burt the Bin Man).

Session                                                                               

08.55 (11.55)                             Playgroup Opens

09.00-09.05  (12.00-12.05)       Registration                                                              

09.05-09.30  (12.05-12.30)       Child Choice Activities from continuous provision

09.30-09.45  (12.45-13.00)       Maths & Phonics Group Time (Sunshine Pre-School)

                                                  Rhyme Time (Rainbow Playgroup)                                          

09.45-11.15  (13.00-14.15)        Adult Guided Indoor and/or Outdoor Learning

                                                  Free Flow Indoor and Outdoor Play (Children can choose from a range of                                                    activities from the continuous provision.                                                                                                           

09.30 to 10.30                           Rolling Snack Time                                                                                                                                          A healthy snack, milk or water, enjoyed in social groups.  Snacks are not                                                      served during the afternoon but fruit is available.

11.20-11.45  (14.20-14.45)        Story, Song and Rhyme Time                                  

11.55-12.00  (14.55-15.00)        Home Time   

**  The session structure above is a guide for parents.     

Lunch Time 

11.45 to 13.00              The children are called to Lunch between these times.  

Hot Lunches are now available at a cost of £2.30 booked in advance at the start of each term.           Alternatively children can bring in a Healthy Lunch Box.