At Polmont playgroup we strongly believe in learning through play so our experienced and qualified playleaders offer children a variety of carefully planned activities and learning experiences designed to develop positive learning attitudes and maximize opportunities to develop individual’s abilities. Our setting promotes a welcoming and caring ethos by showing care and respect for everyone and developing positive social and physical well-being. We encourage an open and relaxed environment where everyone’s opinions and ideas are listened to and valued, and children are encouraged to play an active part in their own learning
Admissions Criteria
Children must be 2 years 4 months old to start playgroup.
Once your Childs place is confirmed, parents/carers must fill in a Child Information Form giving up-to-date emergency contact details and all relevant medical information.
New Enrolments
Your child can start as soon as they reach 2 years 4 months, we constantly accept new applications. To register your child please complete this form. We will then be in contact a month or 2 before your child turns 2 years 4 months to invite you along for a visit with your child and agree a start date.
Sessions
We are permanently located Polmont Playgroup, Redding Road, Brightons FK2 0AA. We have a large open plan space, and we welcome you to come and visit us to see for yourself if you and your child would be happy here.
Sessions run from 9.31 am – 11.30am Monday to Friday, term time in line with Falkirk Council school holidays.
All children must be signed in and out of playgroup by an adult who is known to the child.
Parents decide on the number of sessions their child will attend. This will normally range from single sessions to any number up to a maximum of five per week, depending on the needs of the child.
Fees
Fees are £10.00 per session (09:31 - 11:30) which includes a healthy snack and all crafts. Please note, all fees have to be up to date to allow your child to attend playgroup.
There is a one-off registration fee of £15 which will be added to your first invoice.
Fees are payable monthly in advance and invoices are issued accordingly via WhatsApp.. Fees are also payable when your child is absent (except public holidays as below) as overheads still must be met. Fees are revised annually at our AGM in September and 2 months’ notice is provided for any changes.
We are closed during School holidays, public holidays and School 'in-service' days and you will not be charged for these days.
Falkirk Council School Holiday dates
Toilet Training
Children do not need to be toilet trained. We do ask that you provide a change of clothes in case of accidents in a bag with the child's name on it. We have 2 children’s toilets which include children’s sinks (no hand driers). The children love them as they feel so grown up and independent. If your child has an accident we will change them for their comfort. If you have any concerns in this area please speak to a play leader in confidence.
What should my child bring?
Children should bring a bag with change of clothes in case of accident and a pair of soft/indoor shoes or slippers to change into and wear within playgroup. Children should also bring a jacket as we will use our outdoor play area whenever the weather permits. In Summer, please cover your child in suncream and provide a hat.
Parents
We do not have a parent rota. We do welcome helpers to join us during our special events, please speak to a playleader to arrange this. We also encourage ALL parents to join our committee as without this we would not be able to operate - the committee meet 4 times per year to discuss the management and future of the playgroup. As we are a charity we rely on fundraising to cover costs of new equipment. Therefore, we do ask you do what you can to assist with our fundraising efforts. If you have any special skills to offer or feel you can assist in any way please speak to a playleader.
Facebook/technology
We will not use photographs of your children on our website or public Facebook page. We do however understand that you are interested in what the children get up to. We therefore have a closed Parents & Careers Facebook Group where we provide updates for the current Playgroup children parents/carers. This is closely monitored by one of our playleaders. You may request join this when your child starts playgroup and we will remove you when your child leaves.
We use WhatsApp to cascade important information to all parents. We also have a parents chat where all parents are free to ask questions and join a conversation. All invoices will also be issued by WhatsApp and must be settled prior to the start of the month.
Snacks
Children are provided with a healthy snack every session. Details of this snack is provided in Playgroup and on our Private Facebook Group. Any special dietary needs should be discussed with a playleader so we can accommodate.
Crafts
Craft materials are provided free. We do ask if you have any unneeded crafts and recycling that you bring them in for our children’s model building. We do a craft project everyday with the children, but they are also free to explore and use the craft materials if they wish to do so. We would also welcome donations of used/unwanted colouring books!
