PARENT HELPERS

How parents take part in the setting

As a member of the Pre-school Learning Alliance, our setting recognises parents as the first and most important educators of their children. All of the staff see themselves as partners with you in providing care and education for your 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;
  • joining in community activities in which the setting takes part; and
  • building friendships with other parents in the setting.

The Parents’ Rota

At present we like one parent to help at each session, this is to keep running costs and fees to a minimum and to allow us to offer a more varied choice of activity to the children. A rota is drawn up and distributed half termly in advance. Parent's are encouraged to volunteer for one or more sessions per term. If you are unable to cover the session allocated, please see a member of staff.

Helping at the session enables parents to see what the day-to-day life of the setting is like and to join in helping the children to get the best out of their activities.

The Role of Parent/Carer Helpers

  • To help welcome and settle children into the session.
  • To assist staff in providing a safe and relaxed environment for play.
  • To support and guide the children while playing.
  • To listen and encourage children’s ideas and conversation.
  • To encourage children to tidy away toys at the end of the session.
  • To assist in the preparation of food and setting up of snack time.
  • To wash utensils used during snack and play.
  • To support staff in outdoor and group activities when possible.
  • To offer any new ideas or to share any talents you may have with the group.