Our playgroup is a true community playgroup, having been set up over 30 years ago by a group of determined Corstorphine families and to this day we are run by a committee of our children’s parents and extended family.
We strive to make our playgroup the best it can be and want every child and their family to have a positive, fun and happy experience with us. There are 4 permanent members of enthusiastic and qualified staff who are all members of the PVG (Protection of Vulnerable Groups) scheme. Other key training includes paediatric first aid, food hygiene, child protection and promoting positive behaviour.
The playgroup is a member of Early Years Scotland.
Costs
Session fees are currently £16.50 per day. This covers hall hire, staffing costs, a healthy snack and drink. Fees are paid per term.
Registration
You may register your child with Playgroup from 18 months. This does not guarantee a place but is registration of interest in a place. Ideally we will make contact to advise of availability of a place 6 weeks in advance. Offer of places is made strictly on date of birth. Any delayed start, up to 2 weeks, will require to be paid for and any longer delay will mean going back on the waiting list until another space becomes available.
Change of Day
If you wish to change the days that your child attends playgroup, please e-mail corstorphinevp@gmail.com with details of the changes you would like to make. We endeavour to meet all requests but 2 weeks’ notice must be given and we are only able to make changes if there is space available. Please be aware that there may be a charge for changes made within a term to cover administrative costs which will be added to the next invoice.
Toilet Training
If your child is still in nappies or in the process of toilet training, please ensure that you leave a clearly labelled bag containing two complete changes (nappies, wipes and disposal bags) and a change of clothes. Staff will change nappies as required and will assist with toilet training when your child is ready.
Illness and Unplanned Absences
Please telephone or text Playgroup on 07707 695426 before 10am to advise staff.
Please refer to these NHS guidelines when deciding how quickly your child should return:
- Chickenpox: return once spots have crusted over (minimum of 5 days after the initial rash).
- Impetigo: stay at home until lesions have crusted.
- Conjunctivitis: keep at home during acute infection, or while eyes are secreting infected discharge.
- Gastroenteritis/ sickness: return 48 hours after symptoms have ceased.
- Diahorrea: return 48 hours after symptoms have ceased.
Snacks
We offer a healthy snack and a drink of milk or water. Examples include: cheese and crackers, apple and bread, bread sticks and raisins. Staff must be made fully aware of any allergies so please ensure you provide this information when you register with us. We ask that you don’t bring any food or drink from home unless you have discussed and agreed with staff first to avoid exposing the children to any potential allergens.
Clothing
Comfortable old clothes are best. Some of our activities are messy and clothes can get dirty. Please ensure that all clothes and shoes are clearly marked with your child’s name and that your changing bag is clearly labelled and hung on one of the pegs near the toilets so that we can find it in the event it is needed.
Joining the Committee
The Playgroup is run by an extremely friendly Committee of parents and staff. We are always looking for new members and extra help. Please speak to a member of staff if you would like to find out more about getting involved.
Security
The front door is locked at all times during the sessions. Parents/ carers are responsible for ensuring that it is properly closed behind them when entering and leaving and that it is never left open. We also ask for a code word on your enrolment form. This must be provided if someone other than yourself is picking up your child.
What happens if I am late at pick-up time?
Staff will wait until 12pm before starting to contact parents/carers listed in your registration details. Two members of staff will remain with your child. If the situation has not been resolved by 12.30pm, staff will be obliged to contact the Children and Families Department for advice.
What can I do to prepare my child for starting at Playgroup?
Please make a brief visit to Playgroup before your start date to familiarise your child with the setting. We expect the visit to last no more than 45 minutes. Be prepared to stay during your child’s first few sessions. Staff will advise you on this, as every child is different. It is useful if your child knows how to wash their hands, with some assistance from staff. Please encourage your child to blow their own nose with a tissue as this is another useful skill.