Volunteer of the Year Award

Karen Thompson’s long, dedicated service of volunteering within Benachie Playgroup in Dunfermline, was marked at the SPPA Conference on 8 November when she received the SPPA Volunteer of the Year Award.

Karen began volunteering twenty years ago for one day a week whilst she was doing her Duke of Edinburgh’s Award and has volunteered ever since, helping out every Monday.  Her dedication and support of the playgroup have also been recognised by the group, with a celebratory party and cake this June.

Karen (right) is pictured receiving her award from SPPA Chair Isabel Dunn.

Group of the Year Award

Benachie Playgroup in Dunfermline has been awarded SPPA’s Group of the Year Award. The prize trophy, supported by Step By Step, SPPA’s approved early years educational supplier, was received on behalf of the group by May Tweedie, Benachie Playgroup Manager, at the SPPA Conference. The playgroup was nominated by former Chair Claire Croucher. She said;

"Benachie Playgroup began in 1976. It runs in the Studio Theatre in the Carnegie Hall and has an excellent reputation for the care and learning that the children who attend receive.
It provides play for 24 children at a time and has a full waiting list.  The setting has a huge hall with an excellent garden area fully equipped for outdoor play.  The children are encouraged to play outside as often as possible and waterproof clothing is provided for all to enjoy the outdoors even on wetter days.  Healthy snacks are provided every session and tooth brushing is also part of the routine.  Being a part of the Carnegie Hall means that the children are often invited to performances that are being shown in the theatre which is a wonderful experience for them.

Whilst all of these physical elements make Benachie fantastic, it is the playleaders, play assistant and volunteer that make it truly exceptional.  May Tweedie, Karen McLean and Catriona Small, create an ethos which has at its roots with the child and the family.  This ethos permeates through everything that they plan and do with the children, from the morning greeting to the end of the day song.  As a parent leaving your child for often the first time, you feel so safe in the knowledge that your child will be cared for.  No question or worry goes unanswered and you are given time to discuss any problems or successes your child has. Nothing is too much trouble for them to help you with. 

The Care Commission has awarded Benachie Playgroup with full marks, six  ‘sixes’ for the last three years, and it has been flagged as a centre of excellence.  Whenever you ask anyone for information about Benachie you are met with so many positive responses from former parents and children.  Many parents talk of the ‘Benachie Bubble’ when they describe their personal experiences of the kindness shown to them and their child."

 Visit Benachie Playgroup's website.

May Tweedie is pictured receiving the award on behalf of the group.