How parents take part in the setting

Our setting recognises parents as the first and most important educators of their children. All of the staff see themselves as partners with parents in providing care and education for their child. There are many ways in which parents take part in making the setting a welcoming and stimulating place for children and parents, such as:

• exchanging knowledge about their children’s needs, activities, interests and progress with the staff;
• helping at sessions of the setting;
• sharing their own special interests with the children;
• helping to provide, make and look after the equipment and materials used in the children’s play activities;
• being part of the management of the setting;
• taking part in events and informal discussions about the activities and curriculum provided by the setting;
• joining in community activities in which the setting takes part; and
• building friendships with other parents in the setting.

Joining In

Joining the rota is not the only means of taking part in the life of the setting. Parents can offer to take part in a session by sharing their own interests and skills with the children. Parents have visited the setting to read books the children, play a musical instrument or do some planting and gardening. If parents would like to help at a particular session or sessions of the setting they are welcome to put a note in the diary and let the Playleaders know what they would like to do.

We welcome parents to drop into the setting to see it at work or to speak with the staff.