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• Playgroups

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• Types of childcare

Playgroups

Playgroups aim to provide a warm, friendly environment allowing your child to mix with other children and adults, and to learn through the play activities that are offered.

What are playgroups?

Playgroups, or pre-schools as they are sometimes known, provide early years education for children who are aged between two and five years (please check age group catered for as some playgroups only cater for children two years six months and above). Playgroups aim to provide learning experiences through structured play and to give children the opportunity for mixing with other children and adults. Sessions can be in the morning or afternoon and usually last between two and four hours, some playgroups now offer an extended day service.

Do playgroups need to be registered?

Under the Children Act 1989, all playgroups must be registered. Ofsted (Office for Standards in Education) is responsible for registering and inspecting Playgroups. Ofsted Childcare Inspectors, Fire Safety Officers and Environmental Health Officers will visit the premises to ensure that they are suitable. Police and health checks are made on all the staff and volunteers to ensure that as far as possible, they are suitable to care for children.  All playgroups are subject to regular Ofsted inspections to ensure basic National Standards are met and improved upon. Following each inspection visit an inspection report will be issued. This report is a public document and you are advised to ask to read the report when you visit or they can be viewed on the Ofsted website at www.ofsted.gov.uk

How many children are allowed in a playgroup?

There must be a ratio of at least one adult to every eight children aged three - five years and one adult to every four children aged two - three years. At least two members of staff must be on the premises at all times. The size of the room from which the playgroup operates may also limit the number of children allowed. A maximum of 26 children are allowed in any one room, regardless of available floor space.

Do the leaders need to be qualified?

The person in charge of the playgroup must have a relevant childcare qualification and most pre-school staff are trained to work with children or are undergoing training or have experience of working with children.

What can I expect to pay?

Charges vary according to the service that is being offered. Coventry Children's Information Service can provide you with a guide showing the average costs for all types of childcare in Coventry.

Nursery Education Grant (three and four Year Old Funding)

You may be able to get some financial help with your childcare costs when your child is three or four years old if their childcare setting is registered for Early Years Education Funding. Please ask the Playgroup leader for details or contact Coventry Children's Information Service for further details or follow our link to the Sure Start website to find out more about this type of funding. 

 Do playgroups provide food and drink?

Playgroups may provide small snacks and drinks for the children – remember to inform the leaders of any special dietary requirements your child may have.

Will I be expected to become involved with the group?

Many playgroups encourage and rely on the involvement of parents and carers. There may be opportunities for you to become involved in  helping on outings, fundraising or being part of a committee.

What information about my child and myself will be needed?

You will need to give you home address and phone number and emergency contact details. You should also give tell the provider about any medical conditions, such as allergies, special dietary requirements or any other additional needs that may need to be catered for.

Children with additional needs

Some playgroups have equipment including toys for the purpose of supporting children in their care, who have additional needs. Please ask the Playgroup leader for details.

What should I do if I am not happy with the service the playgroup is providing?

Try to discuss any concerns or problems with the playgroup leader as soon as they arise. If you are unable to do this, or are still not happy, then you can contact the Ofsted Complaints Team on 0845 601 4772.

How do I choose a playgroup?

It is advisable to visit playgroups well in advance of your child being old enough to attend and to put your child's name on the waiting list. Ask about the range of activities that are offered to children  - the Foundation Stage curriculum is relevant to children aged from three - five years.

Contact details

To receive detailed information of playgroups in Coventry please contact Children's Information Service.

You can request information from us using our online enquiry form. If you prefer to leave a telephone message please remember to leave your name, postal address and age of your child(ren). Alternatively just leave your telephone number and an information officer will contact you as soon as possible. Details of some local childcare providers can be found at www.childcarelink.gov.uk