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Playgroups
provide sessions of play and education for children aged
between 2½ and 5 years. Some playgroups also work in
partnership with their local authority to provide free, part
time pre-school education places for 3 and 4 year olds. You
will find playgroups in many areas of West Lothian, often
where parents or voluntary groups have set them up. Parents
help the staff normally on a rota basis and many parents
learn about child development through their involvement.
Since April 2002, playgroups have been required to register
with the Scottish Commission for the Regulation of Care
(also known as the Care Commission). This means that the
premises and staff have to be in line with the National Care
Standards for Children aged up to 16. You can view these
standards on the internet at
http://www.scotland.gov.uk/Topics/Health/care/17652/17983
You can also ask the staff at the playgroup to see their
registration certificate and latest inspection report. If
the playgroup is providing funded pre-school education then
it undergoes joint inspections by the Care Commission and
Her Majesty's Inspectorate of Education.
Details of West Lothian
playgroup provision can be obtained from the
Childcare Information Service website
Local support for playgroups is provided by development
workers from the Scottish Pre School Play Association (SPPA)
who provide advice, training, access to an insurance scheme
and various publications. This service is funded through the
Early Years and Childcare Partnership and Sure Start. For
more information, contact:
SPPA,
St.Columbas Primary School,
Boghall,
Bathgate.
Telephone 01506 651403.
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