Playgroups
Playgroups cater for children age 2 to 5, usually for 2 to 3 hours in the morning or afternoon and mainly during term-time. They offer a safe and stimulating environment where children play, learn and socialise with each other. Parents and carers are active in running playgroups and often join their management committees.
Cylchoedd Meithrin are Welsh language playgroups which give children an opportunity to become bilingual (in English and Welsh). They are supported by Mudiad Meithrin (MM), a national voluntary organisation. Parents do not have to speak Welsh for their children to attend Cylchoedd Meithrin.
| Registration: | Playgroups providing sessions of over 2 hours must be registered with CSSIW. Groups are encouraged to belong to either Wales Pre-school Playgroups Association (Wales PPA) or Mudiad Meithrin (MM). These organisations offer advice, support and training as well as referral schemes to integrate children with special needs into local playgroups. |
| Qualifications: | At least half the staff should hold a relevant childcare qualification or have completed a specified training course. |
| Fees: | You'll probably pay be paying between approx £5 per session. Some may ask you to pay for a block booking of a week or term. |
| Other Information: |
Playgroups are a good way of extending your childcare. There are a few questions you may wish to ask the playgroup: 1. What qualifications do staff hold? 2. Can you talk me through the learning and developmental activities my child will take part in? 3. How will I find out how well my child is settling in? 4. Is the building/room safe and well kept? 5. How much emphasis is on parental involvement and how can I get involved? 6. Will you keep a daily record of what they've done? This are not a set list of questions; ask whatever you feel nessesary; it is an important decision where to send your child and you want it to be right and feel confident in the care provided. |
