FAQs - Managing a Pre-school Setting

Starting a Playgroup

What do we need to know about starting a playgroup?

SPPA's 'Starting a Playgroup in Scotland' outlines the steps that need to be taken, and points you in the direction of other sources of help and advice.

Welcoming Children and Carers to Your Early Years Group

What should our group do to welcome children and their parents and carers?

SPPA's Welcome Form (Word Version / PDF Version) can be used by your group to issue when a new child is starting group.

What should we do to make sure our toddler group is a safe environment for all?

Make sure you have a ‘sign in and out’ sheet                                            

• Both the adults and children’s names should be recorded on the sign in and out sheet.  This is vital in the event of a fire or other emergency evacuations.
• Include statements at the top of the sheet to remind parents and carers that they should be aware of the fire evacuation procedures, and that the children are their responsibility.
• Make sure someone from the committee does a headcount to check that everyone has remembered to sign in.

When setting up for the session you need to

• Make sure that the outside door is secure.
• Think about evacuation procedures and carry out fire drills regularly.
• Think about where the best place is to leave buggies and make sure that fire doors are not blocked.
• Check that there is no access to the kitchen area for children and no hot drinks are allowed near them.
• Check that the toilets are clean and are in good working order and dispose of nappies safely.
• Make sure that glass doors and low windows are protected and that long window cords are out of reach.
• Be aware of stacks of chairs and large equipment and risk assess the dangers. Make sure that parents and carers enforce the rules, such as no climbing on chairs.  Store your handbags safely.
• Ensure that the radiators and heaters are protected with grills.
• Check your First Aid Box is up to date and that you have access to a First Aider in the group. You should store the Accident and Incident book with the First Aid Box.
• Make sure that the floor surface is clean and in good condition, and that safety mats are used around climbing frames.
• Check that the room temperature is warm enough.
• Look at the room layout, as generally babies need a separate place away from other more active older children.
• Check all the toys and equipment are clean and make sure they bear the Lion Mark or CE label.