FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS (FAQs)What is Playgroup’s behaviour management policy?
Stop, observe, encourage: Stop behavior that harms the child or another (for example hitting or head banging), observe behavior that is not harmful but could become so (for example tantrums) and encourage behavior that is positive (for example sharing). Does Playgroup have a convenor? No, we rely solely on parents and caregivers to run Playgroup. Bring out whatever resources your child is interested in using. If you have some ideas about resources we could purchase or activities that we could offer, please do not hesitate to get in touch with a committee member or email or message us. Once a term we have a working bee during a Playgroup session where we all wash and sort the toys. If you see some people who are new to Playgroup, please make them feel welcome, even if you have not been going long yourself. Does my child need to be accompanied to Playgroup? Yes, a parent or caregiver must accompany, supervise and be responsible for each child who attends Playgroup. Do we have to come on particular days or attend Playgroup for the whole session? No – come on whatever days and at whichever times suit. However, please help out by setting up resources if you are there early and by putting away resources or tidying up before you leave. My child also goes to daycare, Playcentre, kindergarten or has an in-home carer or is enrolled with another early childhood education provider. Can my child come to Playgroup as well? Absolutely, and your child is welcome to attend Playgroup with a nanny or in-home carer. Can my coffee group come to Playgroup? Yes, your coffee group is welcome provided that all attendees are enrolled with Sandringham Playgroup, everyone signs in each time and your coffee-group assists in the same way as other members (for example helping to clean up, helping with working bees, opening and closing). My child is not a New Zealand citizen or resident. Can we still attend Playgroup? Yes absolutely. Your child is welcome regardless of his or her immigration status. We do not speak English, is Playgroup suitable for us? Yes of course. Plenty of people at our Playgroup are learning English or speak it as a second language. Does Playgroup still run when the weather is bad? Yes it does. On rainy days, many of us find that it is much easier to keep children stimulated at Playgroup rather than at home. We have outdoor curtains around the courtyard which provide some protection from wind and rain, and the sandpit is covered. When it is cold and rainy, we recommend waterproof trousers and a raincoat for your child. He or she can traipse through rain and the sandpit and still stay warm and dry. Do you have a shared morning tea time at Playgroup? We always appreciate it when someone brings in some baking for everyone to share but the correct answer is that we do not have a shared morning tea. Just bring food for you and your child and eat it whenever it suits you. We do, however, provide tea, coffee and biscuits for parents / caregivers. Please help yourself. (If we run out of milk, you can get more from the shop and Playgroup will reimburse you when you get back. Please just retain the receipt). My child has a food allergy. Does Playgroup restrict the types of food permitted to be eaten on the premises? Food restrictions are beyond our resources. However, hopefully many children with allergies can still come to Playgroup because they are supervised by a caregiver the whole time. Is Sandringham Playgroup suitable for a child with special needs? Yes we hope so. Some parents of special-needs children find Playgroup especially useful because you can come when it suits, there are always other adults to chat to and plenty of resources for all ages and abilities. The Sandringham Community Centre has narrow spaces but it is wheelchair accessible, as is the rear outdoor area where Playgroup runs. What is Sandringham Playgroup’s sickness and immunisation policy? Although we do not check immunisation records, please ensure your child is up-to-date with vaccinations. We often have children with compromised immune systems who cannot be vaccinated and children who are too young to be fully vaccinated. We would like to minimise their exposure to viruses. Similarly, if you know your child has a contagious illness, please do not bring your child to Playgroup until the contagious stage has passed. What should I do about health and safety concerns? We all need to be vigilant about health and safety. Please take steps to minimise or eliminate any health and safety concerns you identify (for example, throw out a broken toy with a jagged edge), and record any concerns on the register on the Playgroup cupboard door. Alternatively contact Playgroup administration or Auckland Council on 09 301 0101. Do you have a dogs policy? Our experience is that dogs get hot and bored tied up to the fence, the dog next door barks at them the whole time and not all children feel comfortable around them. Can I donate old toys to Sandringham Playgroup? Please check with us first because of safety requirements and limited storage space at Sandringham Playgroup. |
ph: 021 458 819 |