Playgroups would be ideal if you would like your child to mix, learn and socialise in your local community. This would also be good if you would like your child to meet and make friends with other children who may go on to the same primary school.

Playgroups are usually open on a sessional basis for a few hours, usually during term time only, so they are not always an ideal childcare option for full-time working parents. They can however be used as part of a childcare package e.g. with a childminder who would be able to drop the child off and also collect them. For non-working parents playgroups can provide a welcome break for a few hours and give children the opportunity to learn through play.

Playgroups that are open for more than 2 hours per day and more than 5 times per year must be registered and inspected with Ofsted on a regular basis. This means checks are carried out to ensure that the staff are suitable to look after children. If they are registered to receive the Nursery Education Grant they will also have to undergo a further Ofsted inspection to prove that they are reaching the required standards for the Foundation Stage, working towards the Early Learning Goals.

Most playgroups will provide places for between 12 and 30 children, depending on the space available.

Playgroups usually provide care for children between the ages of 2 and 5 years, although some only take children from 2 ½ years.

Playgroups are required to have a minimum of 50% qualified staff. The most common qualifications are the Diploma in Pre-school Practice (DPP) or the more traditional nursery nurse qualifications such as NNEB or NVQ Level 3 in Early Education and Childcare.

Staffing ratios are:-
1 member of staff to 4 children for two to three year olds
1 member of staff to 8 children for three year olds and over

Playgroups are usually open for sessions of around 2 to 3 hours and children usually attend for the morning or afternoon session. Some open just once or twice a week, where as others are open two sessions per day five days per week. However, most are open during term time only.

Some now offer wraparound and holiday care to better meet the needs of parents. Ask your playgroup if they offer this or are planning to in the near future.

First of all you know your child best, look for a playgroup you feel will suit your child. It is important that you begin your search by visiting a few so you can see what they have to offer.

• Take your child with you when visiting to see how they get on.
• Make a second visit to the ones you like.
• Be clear about what you want.
• Prepare a list of questions for when you visit.
• Ask to see their latest inspection reports from Ofsted if they are registered.
• Be prepared to spend time settling your child in.
• Speak to other parents/carers using the Playgroup.

When you visit a Playgroup, look for these Quality Pointers. You could add your own as well.

• Children appear to be happy, content and actively engaged with what they are doing.
• The staff have a genuinely caring and friendly relationship with the children, a calm atmosphere with no raised voices.
• The setting is safe, adequately lit and maintained to a good standard of hygiene.
• Adequate personal space for children to play including an outdoor play area or provision for outdoor play if this is not available.
• Comfortable area where children can relax.
• Clean toilets and hand basins with towels provided.
• Toys, books and displays that represent and promote different cultures in a positive way.

• Do you hold or are you working towards a recognised Quality Assurance Scheme?
• What qualifications / experience do the staff have?
• What are your fees? When do I pay?
• What charges are made for absence/sickness or family holidays?
• What areas/rooms will my child be using?
• Do you provide for children with special needs?
• How do the staff settle in new children?
• Do the children play outside regularly?
• Does the Playgroup have a complaints procedure?
• What is your routine and what activities do you provide for the children?
• How do you manage difficult behaviour, potty training etc.?
• Do you encourage parental involvement?
• Do you keep records for the children? Can I see an example?
• How can I reserve a place?

Charges vary from each playgroup. In the Wakefield District the average costs range between £3 to £5 per session.

Most playgroups are also registered with their Local Education Authority to provide nursery education places for 3 and 4 year olds. This enables them to offer parents a free part time place for five 2 ½ hour sessions per week during term time.

When you have decided which playgroup you wish to care for your child(ren), make sure you have a written contract stating the costs and outlining exactly what is included, for example arrangements for sickness and holidays and how much notice is required for termination by either party.

The more time you have to find a playgroup the better. A gradual settling in process is easier for everyone. Consider staying with your child at first for a short period, then use short sessions when you are not present. Say goodbye to your child and state clearly when you will be back. Then, when your child realises that you do come back, he or she will feel happier about being left for longer periods.

Your playgroup will probably have lots of experience in settling children. You should discuss this and then make a plan between you. Children are often upset at first – this is only natural – but by gently reassuring the child this phase will pass. Many playgroups have a trial period for new children, after this time you can assess whether your child is happy and make further plans as necessary.

Some parents arrange for children to go to pre-school with a childminder or consider other types of daycare, e.g. nursery.

Children in funded early years settings work towards achieving the Early Learning Goals. Through well-planned play, children will develop skills such as speaking, listening, persistence, concentration, learning to work together and co-operate with other children.

They will also learn about reading and writing and numbers which will prepare them for Key Stage 1.

Pre-schools, also known as playgroups or playschools, are for young children to learn and play in small groups, often close to their homes. They are registered with OFSTED’s Early Years Directorate and inspected every year. Some pre-schools also provide free early education.

Most pre-schools open for sessions of around two and a half hours at a time but some are open for the whole day.

Pre-school staff work with children and parents often help out. They offer a range of fun activities for children and lots of opportunities to learn.

Your child can enjoy learning and playing in a small group. Your child can acquire skills for a head start at school. You can meet and get to know parents in your area.

First of all you know your child best - look for a pre-school you feel will suit your child.

Registration and inspection of pre-schools is arranged by OFSTED’s Early Years Directorate. This means annual checks are carried out to ensure that the pre-school staff are suitable to look after children. At least half the staff must be trained to work with children. A check on pre-school premises is carried out to make sure the building is safe and suitable for children. Once the pre-school is registered, every year an inspection is carried out to make sure the pre-school is continuing to provide a safe and suitable service.

There should be a set number of staff to work with the children. It is recommended that there is one member of staff for every eight children aged three to five and one adult for every four children aged two to three. However, there will often be more adults if parents help out.

You can ask to see the pre-school’s registration and inspection certificate.

This is only a guide. You must be the judge of what is best for you and your child. However, if you have any concerns there are a number of organisations that may be able to help:

• Wakefield District Sure Start Partnership
  Childcare Development Team
  Telephone: 01924 305630
  Email: information@wakefield.gov.uk

  The team support playgroups to ensure the quality of childcare provided and that they are meeting Ofsted requirements.

• Wakefield Pre School Learning Alliance
  Julie Baker
  Telephone: 01924 387700
  Email: jbpla.wakefield@virgin.net
  Website: www.pre-school.org.uk

  The Pre-school Learning Alliance offer advice and support on funding to support children 0-3 in under 5’s settings and settings for children 3-8 years in out of schools. They also offer information on membership and insurance.

• Ofsted
  Telephone: 0113 2158404
  Email address: em.rc@ofsted.gov.uk
  Website address: www.ofsted.gov.uk

  Ofsted is the body who register and inspect day care providers for children under eight. Ofsted also deal with complaints about childcare providers. They will also take appropriate enforcement action.

Contact us for information on all registered childcare, play and education provision in the Wakefield District.