Joining the Playgroup
Children are able to join the playgroup from their second Birthday.
To ensure that your child settles in, we ask that the parent/carer stay with the child until at least the age of two years and six months and after that for as many sessions as is necessary.

Please call 0845 2576193 or e-mail enquiries@littletractors.org.uk for enquiries about admissions.

The Playgroup’s admissions policy (along with much else) is outlined in the Playgroup’s Policies and Procedures. 

Trial Session
Before your child actually starts Playgroup, we encourage you to attend a session with your child so that you can both see what we do in a regular session. We get to know you and your child and more importantly, it is a time when your child will get to know us and the routine of the group

What to Wear

• We expect children to wear suitable comfortable clothing. They will be involved in many “messy” activities and, although we do provide aprons, clothes may still get dirty.
• Suitable shoes, as the floor can be very slippery. 
• Wellington boots and waterproof coat will be required for outdoor play in wet weather.
• On hot days, a hat is required and your child should arrive with suntan lotion already applied
• A bag with a spare set of underwear, socks, trousers and top is advisable in case of spillages or accidents.
• On a daily basis, please provide a labelled bottle of water that your child can drink during outdoor play.
• PLEASE ENSURE THAT ALL ITEMS OF CLOTHING, INCLUDING FOOTWEAR AND BAGS ARE NAMED.

Sickness and Diahorrea
PLEASE ADVISE US IMMEDIATELY should your child contract a contagious illness i.e. Slapped Cheek/Chickenpox/German Measles etc. in order that other parents/carers can be informed.

If your child has been sick or has had diahorrea they must not be brought back until they have been free from the symptoms for at least 72 hours.

Any Problems
If your child experiences any problems when they are with us, we would like to know. Please speak to the supervisor or a key committee member in complete confidence.

Arriving at Playgroup
We ask that you are on time dropping off your child in the morning to ensure that the session we provide can run smoothly. Being late makes it difficult for us to provide all the activities we have planned.

When you and your child arrives at Playgroup there will be a named peg on which to hang coats and bags and your child will be expected to put his/her name in the name/postbox.

The room will be set up with various activities so you may assist your child in making his/ her choice straight away.

How We Run the Session
Well-planned play, both indoors and outdoors is a key way in which young children learn with enjoyment and challenge. At Little Tractors we are committed to learning through play.

Our aims are to help children:-

• Build a strong self-image and self-esteem
• To help children to co-operate, listen, communicate and respond to each other and adults
• Develop attention skills and persistence
• Explore and enjoy a variety of books
• Explore and share their thoughts, ideas and feelings
• Become more independent
• Take risks and make mistakes
• Express fears or relive anxious experiences in controlled and safe situations

We aim to create a partnership between staff at the group and parents/carers, so that we are able to work together to provide activities and stimulation to suit each individual child.

Our curriculum is based on the following early learning goals:-

• Personal, Social and Emotional Development
• Communication, Language and Literacy
• Problem Solving, Reasoning and Numeracy
• Knowledge and Understanding of the World
• Physical Development
• Creative Development

The children will be involved in free play where they are able to choose their activities, some of these will be linked to a topic theme. They will also experience working with others in groups as well as in adult led activities. All children are expected to help with tidying up and other responsible roles such as setting the table, helping others and handing out biscuits.

We will have a snack time during the session. In morning sessions this will be fruit and a biscuit and milk or water. Playgroup provides the milk, water and biscuits and each child is expected to contribute a piece of fruit such as an apple or a banana. Children attending lunchtime sessions should arrive with a healthy packed lunch rather than fruit.

Children are encouraged to participate in adult led group activities and to explore the physical activities provided. We usually finish with stories and songs. We hope that you and your child will enjoy your time at Little Tractors Playgroup, if you have any concerns please speak to Heidi or Cheri or a member of the Committee.

Collecting Your Child at the End of a Session
Please tell the Supervisor of anyone different that will be collecting your child during or at the end of a session. Any people authorised to collect your child should be listed upon your child's record sheet which you are asked to complete when your child starts Playgroup. We ask that you review these details regularly and keep them up to date with correct telephone numbers and details of persons allowed to collect your child.

A dated note or verbal confirmation by yourself of anyone different coming to collect your child MUST be made BEFORE we can allow that person to collect your child. In cases of emergency you may telephone the staff direct during session time using the provided mobile number to inform us of a change of person that is coming to collect your child.

We would appreciate the prompt collection of your child at the end of each session.