THE UNIVERSITY OF STIRLING

PSYCHOLOGY PLAYGROUP

The Psychology Playgroup is privately run and cares for children from 2yrs 9 mths to 5 yrs. It welcomes children from the general public as well as students and staff of the university. The playgroup operates a waiting list system. A child’s name can be put on this at any time. The individual needs of a child will be taken into account and you will be notified as soon as a space becomes available. The Playgroup runs each week day morning from 9am to 12 noon, mainly during school terms. A maximum of sixteen children attend each morning. There are two permanent experienced early years practitioners who are registered with Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as well as a group of third-year, Master’s and PhD students on the supply list and volunteers.

Aims Our aim is to assist in the all-round development of your child. Promoting stimulating and imaginative play, covering a wide range of activities, building confidence, interacting with others in a safe and happy environment. It is also very important to liaise with parents and share information about their child’s interests and progress. Parent’s thoughts and ideas are always welcome.

Play and Learning The curriculum is devised with the children and tailored to suit their individual needs. We also aim to extend the children’s interests and elicit their ideas to support their resoning and problem solving skills. Exploratory play materials are always available, encouraging creative and imaginative play. Outdoor learning, music and science experiments are at the heart of our planning. A wide range of natural elements and games are aimed at exploring early mathematical and literacy concepts. We have also recently reviewed our environment to support the children’s language and social skills by providing the children with more opportunities to unwind, think and focus. We have started offering the children and the parents mindfulness and classical music sessions, which the families at the playgroup have really enjoyed. We have established regular visits to the nursery garden where we now have our very own allotment in which our pumpkins, peas and carrots are growing. Training is always on-going to ensure that experiences planned to develop children’s learning are in accordance with “Curriculum for excellence”, Getting it right for every child, and Pre –Birth to Three.

Clothing Children are encouraged as much as possible to be independent – learning to change shoes, fasten buttons, take off and put on outdoor clothing, also protective clothing for messy play. However, we would ask that clothing worn by the child does not restrict their play. Worrying about getting their clothes messy, may prevent them from taking part in some activities. In case of an accident, we will endeavour to provide replacement clothes, which should be laundered and returned as soon as possible. Child’s clothing should be labelled with their name.

Indoor Shoes and Wellies Please provide a pair of indoor shoes such as gym shoes or slippers with a firm sole as well as wellies for outdoor play. These may be left at playgroup in the bag provided on a coat hook. Child’s name should be on their shoes.

Settling in period Out transition protocol has been graded ‘5’ (very good) by the care inspectorate in November 2016 and offers a preliminary visit and a few settling in sessions for both the child and the parent to familiarise themselves with the new setting. The first three sessions (one visit and two settling in sessions) are free of charge,, but we require the payment of a full session should we agree with you that your child needs further sessions. Please bring along any photographs or favourite toy/game which may help your child settle. As each child is different, we will discuss any individual needs with you and we will work together to identify the best way to support your child in the transition. We have also established a successful framework in partnership with other settings and council nurseries to help with transition.

Behaviour Children are encouraged to respect each other as well as adults. In that way they learn to be helpful and polite and consider other children’s feelings. There are a number of ways to deal with difficult situations, for example and promote positive behaviour, talking the problem through with the child, distracting them with another activity etc, but when this fails an adult with sit with the child in a quiet area of the playroom for a short time, thus calming the situation. If there is a recurring problem, or if one child harms another, parents will be advised and we will work together with you to overcome any issue. Children will not be physically restrained -unless by not doing so would put the child in danger. Outdoors Outdoor learning is central to the children’s wellbeing and a crucial aspect of our curriculum planning. We have extended our outdoor provision with the introduction of a sensory garden, a mud kitchen and raised beds in our courtyard as well as our own allotment on the garden nursery grounds. Children are invited to observe the change in nature and enjoy going for walks around the campus on a daily basis, collecting leaves, feeding the birds and wildlife, and looking after our very own sensory garden. These outings are well supervised and every precaution is taken to avoid accidents. If we go off campus, parental consent will be requested. We plan to visit the nursery garden on campus in Autumn and Spring and the gardeners help us all year round to learn how to maintain our allotment too. There is an annual outing to which all parents/carers are invited. If you need to contact us in an emergency please phone the playgroup mobile number 07585123430. You can also contact the psychology support team on 01786 466857. Details are also displayed on the glass door area.

Parent/Carers Opinions and suggestions are always welcome – see box in room adjacent to cloakroom area or speak to a member of staff. Parents are encouraged if they have special interests to come and share them with the group. Volunteers to come along and help are always welcome. They may also observe the children at play from the observation room, if this is not in use.

Staffing The Playgroup consists of Manager – Federica Caruso and Assistant Play Leader Sarah Thorburn, both of whom have extensive childcare experience. Both are qualified in childcare and first aid: appropriate training is always ongoing. Both practitioners are registered with Scottish Social Services Council. From time to time other early years practitioners are called upon on an ad hoc basis and undergo a Scottish Disclosure Check (enhanced) in accordance with the Protection of Vulnerable Groups Scheme (PVG). There is also a Playgroup Committee that help us identify the future direction of the setting.

Complaints procedures Any complaints should be addressed to Federica Caruso in the first instance; these will then be taken up by the Management Committee. Full information will be provided about what will happen as a result of the complaint. You will not be penalised in any way by the service if you have a complaint. You may also speak to a member of staff in private. Should parents wish to make suggestions or comments about the Playgroup there is a letterbox in the door of room 3A78 and a box in office area adjacent to cloakroom area. If you are dissatisfied you may also contact: Social Care and Social Work Improvement Scotland (SCSWIS) Headquarters, Compass House, 11 Riverside Drive, Dundee, DD1 4NY. Tel: 0845 600 9527 [email protected]. www.scswis.com Playgroup Registration number is CS2003005371

Teaching and Research Children are often the subjects of teaching and research by members of staff as well as students. This may require them going to one of the side rooms adjoining the playroom. Strict guidelines have been laid down regarding this and there are copies of these on display in each room. Please complete the permission slip allowing your child to participate. Occassionally,staff and students from other establishments may also require the children’s assistance for teaching and child development research purposes. You will be informed if this occurs.

With the agreement of the Regional Development Officer we have installed C.C.T.V. in each room and corridor with monitors in the playroom, allowing us to view and record all activities taking place in the side rooms. Photographs and recordings are sometimes needed for research purposes. Carers will be asked for written permission before this is undertaken.

A folder containing details of research being carried is accessible at all times in the waiting area. If you wish general information regarding the research you may contact the students’ supervisor.

Equal Opportunities Children parents and carers in the playgroup will be given the same opportunities and attention by staff/volunteers regardless of gender, race, religion or disability. Everyone will be encouraged to appreciate and value similarities and differences

Child Protection As part of our attention to pupil safety and well-being, the playgroup has a safeguarding framework in place as well as a child protection policy following the guidelines from the Early Years Scotland. A copy of which is sent to you with enrolment forms and one is displayed on notice board. Safety

At all times staff are vigilant about the safety of children in the playgroup, however if accidents do occur, these will be reported to you and you will be asked to sign the accident form.

Snack Children have a daily snack. This is an opportunity to try a variety of tastes, some of which may be new to them. Children are encouraged to help with the preparation and choice of snack and staff ensuring safety and hygiene at all times. The playgroup promotes healthy eating following the guidance from Setting the Table – National Guidance and food standards for ELC providers in Scotland. The playgroup is also inspected by Stirling Council in accordance with current food hygiene legislation. Please inform staff of any dietary requirements.

Illness Children who are ill or have infections must remain at home. Infections/viruses have different exclusion periods e.g. According to Health Protection Scotland - Children with diarrhoea and or/vomiting should be excluded until they have had no symptoms for 48 hours after an episode of diarrhoea and/or vomiting. Please inform playgroup if your child will be absent because of illness or you need exclusion advice

Medication If your child needs medication the Playgroup needs parental authorisation and follows specific guidelines set out by the Care Inspectorate. You will be asked to fill in a few medical documents to confirm the medicine has been prescribed by a doctor, what dosage we should administer and in which circumstance. It is also the responsibility of the parent/carer to ensure medication has not past expiry date. All medicine shall be stored in a secure place and out of reach from children. N.B. It is our policy that a child cannot attend playgroup if their carer does not bring correct medicine e.g. inhaler or epipen.

Photographs During playgroup sessions, photographs, are often taken of the children at play. These allow us to share with you what we’ve been doing. These are displayed both in the playgroup and adjacent corridor. Carers complete a permission form.

No Smoking The University has a no smoking policy. Therefore the playroom is a smoke-free environment for small children.

Confidentiality Parents wishing to discuss any aspects of their child(s) behaviour, needs etc will be kept in strictest confidence.

Visiting/Observation If you wish to visit the playgroup with your child, you will be made most welcome. Please telephone to make an appointment. If at any time you wish to observe your child at play, please inform a member of staff. There is an observation room adjacent to the playroom.

Emergency Procedure If for any reason the playroom has to be vacated, staff will endeavour to inform you by telephone of our whereabouts. There will also be a notice on the playroom door. At present the designated area is the common room 3A90/3A94 found in the A corridor.

Unexplained Absence Please inform a member of staff if your child will be absent for more than five days. Otherwise you will be contacted by telephone or letter.

Nappies There are changing facilities for children who wear nappies. Soiled nappies will be disposed of in an appropriate waste bin by a member of staff. Soiled clothing will be returned to you at the end of the morning.

Playgroup Clothes It would be appreciated if your child needs to borrow clothes belonging to the playgroup that they are laundered and returned as soon as possible.

Fire Assembly points In the event of a fire there are three possible assembly points: Beside Logie Theatre, Outside MacRobert and Outside Cottrell Building

Policies Many of the playgroup policies and curriculum plans are out on the notice board. However, if there is a policy you wish to know about or look at in more detail and it is not displayed, please contact a member of staff.

Staff/ Committee Meetings If you wish to see Minutes from these meetings please speak to a member of staff.

Committee Member The playgroup committee would like to invite a parent /carer to join them at their meetings. Both play leaders are part of the group along with other members of staff from psychology. We are a friendly bunch and would be grateful for your contribution. A copy of the Committee Meeting Agenda will be displayed on the noticeboard and emailed to carers asking if anyone has any issues they may wish to add for discussion.

Car Parking Parents/ Carers are issued with a purple car parking card This allows you to pass through barriers on entering university grounds, and park in a “drop off bay”, yellow hatchings or a parking bay for a maximum of 30 minutes when dropping off and collecting your child from playgroup. Please do not park in a disability space unless you are permitted to do so. A car parking attendant should be there at 11.50 until 12.10 to keep everything running smoothly. If you cannot find a space, please contact the playgroup and arrangements will be made to either collect or bring your child to you. Tel 466836/467662

Accounts Two invoices will be sent, one at the start of each term in September and in January, or depending on your child’s starting date. Fees may be paid in total within two months from receiving the invoice or by two instalments a month and two months respectively after receiving the invoice . No refund will be payable for non-attendance. A month’s notice is required to terminate the contract and obtain a refund if the invoice had already been paid in full and a minimum of two weeks-notice is necessary to apply any change to the agreed schedule. Fees will be reviewed annually.

E Mail address Please write to [email protected] Due to the nature of the job, please telephone 01786 466836/467662 if you do not receive a reply within two days.

Emergency Contingency Plan Please complete form if you are willing to help out at playgroup if for any reason a member of staff has to leave in an emergency.

Elevator At present the lift to playroom is situated in corridor 3W. This will be soon be operating as a goods lift. Alternative elevator is in corridor 3V, please follow signs.

Childsmile Unless you inform us in writing your child will be automatically enrolled into this toothbrushing programme. For more information please contact the Childsmile Team on 01324 616042 or www.child-smile.org. A leaflet will be enclosed with your enrolment forms.

Sarah and I look forward to welcoming you and your child at the playgroup. Best wishes,

Federica Caruso

Playgroup Manager

Reviewed: September 2016, December 2016, January 2017, April 2017, May 2017, June 2017