St John’s Nursery Playgroup always meets or exceeds the required ratio of adults to children in the setting. This helps us to: build respectful and caring relationships with the children while focusing on learning and achievement; by observing and listening, staff discover what children like to do and when they feel confident, scared or frustrated; as we really get to know the children, we are able to judge when they are ready to be taught new skills; help children to experience and benefit from the activities we provide; and allow the children to explore and be adventurous in safety. Parent Partnership At St John’s we recognise and respect that parents are children’s first and most enduring educators. When parents and practitioners work together in early year’s settings, the results have a positive impact on children’s development and learning. There are many ways in which parents take part in making the playgroup 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; sharing their own special interests with the children; supporting the playgroup by becoming a representative on behalf of other parents; being part of the oversight committee which help with the management of the playgroup; having access to information about the activities and curriculum provided by the playgroup, which is displayed on our notice board; joining in community activities in which the playgroup takes part such as the Potters Bar carnival and our teddy bears picnic; and building friendships with other parents in the playgroup. Joining In We welcome help from parents, other family members and members of the local community. We recognise families are all different and may speak more than one language at home. All families are welcomed and valued at St John’s. You can offer to take part in a session by sharing your own interests and skills with the children. Parents have visited the playgroup to: show the children clothes worn by different cultures (Saris etc) - as part of exploring Diwali; have brought in pets (dog, gerbil, bird, tortoise, rabbit etc) - as part of our pets topic; brought in and played instruments (tuba, guitar, flute, bass and piano) during ‘hearing’ week in ‘ourselves’ topic. We always welcome input from parents and friends for each of our topics and will sometimes ask for specific help. Do feel free to arrange to drop into the playgroup, if you would like to see it at ‘play’ or to speak with the staff. Records of Achievement – Learning Journals The playgroup keeps a record of achievement in the form of a “learning journal” for each child. The learning journal contains observations, photographs and examples of your child’s learning during their time at playgroup. Your child's learning journal helps us to celebrate their achievements and to work together to provide what your child needs for their well-being and to make progress. We would like parents to keep us informed of their child's needs, activities, interests and achievements and would encourage families to contribute to their children’s learning journals. This information will enable the key worker to identify your child's stage of progress. We will then be able to help your child to move on to the next stage. We provide each child with their learning journal and a report when they leave for their next setting, this should assist you as a parent and their next educator to understand their progress so far. Key worker system At St John’s Nursery Playgroup we operate a key worker system. This means that each member of staff has a group of children for whom they are particularly responsible. Each key worker is in a colour group with one or two other members of staff to ensure, where possible, that at least one of these members of staff is in the Playgroup on the days the child attends. Your child's key worker will work with you to make sure that what the playgroup provides is right for your child's particular needs and interests. When your child first starts at the playgroup, the key worker will assist your child’s transition into playgroup and throughout your child's time at the playgroup and she will help your child to benefit from the playgroup's activities. Please feel free to talk with your child’s key worker about their achievements or if you have any concerns. The leader or manager is also available at any time to discuss any concerns you may have. The first days We want your child to feel happy at St John’s Nursery Playgroup. We pride ourselves on working closely with family members to help all children settle at the Playgroup. We respect and welcome your suggestions to how best to help your child. On the first two introductory days, you and your child will be visiting with other families new to the setting. This is when you will be introduced to your child’s key worker. Thereafter, the key worker will work with you to decide on how to help settle your child into the playgroup if they are struggling. All staff are working on your behalf to make sure your child settles and is happy. Continuing Professional Development for Staff At St John’s we actively encourage all staff to undertake relevant qualification training, our aim being to encourage staff members to have at least a NVQ Level 3 in early years care and education. The Manager of the playgroups has Early Years Professional Status and supports the staff at both settings. The playgroup staff participate in regular training courses to help keep them up-to-date with the latest thinking and best practice in early years care and education. St John’s subscribe to early years publications as well as making use of the wealth of relevant information available on the internet.