Playgroup and Toddlers
Autumn is upon us and I’m sure, if you had listened very carefully, you may just have heard the collective sigh around the village as the schools, nurseries and, of course Kippen Playgroup, returned from the summer holidays. The children have been enjoying getting together again and discovering all that this glorious season has to offer.
Kippen has a bounty of resources for little ones to explore, and at Playgroup we are committed to getting the children outside whenever we can to investigate the natural wonders on our doorstep.
An expedition to a local orchard to pick apples was our most recent outing, and the children enjoyed squelching over the muddy paths, playing under the trees and meeting a donkey and a pony known affectionately as The Glasgow Boys. After the apples were gathered, the impressive booty was taken back to the village hall for closer inspection and of course, much munching. Any apples that weren’t hastily eaten by our intrepid explorers were cut in half, slathered in autumn colours and used to create some brightly coloured diagrams of their findings. These sorts of activities are beneficial in many ways; alongside encouraging a love of nature they also help our little people develop their gross motor skills by navigating uneven surfaces, stomping about in the mud and splashing in the odd puddle…as you do. Plus, it aids their sensory learning just by looking around at the different views, smelling the fruit and vegetation and listening to the world around them.
We are currently going through a period of change at playgroup as one of our Play Leaders, Jane, has left us for pastures new. So, we are hiring! Please get in touch via playgroup.toddlers.kippen@gmail.com if you are interested in applying.
Kippen playgroup runs every Tuesday and Friday, 9:30am -12pm. Please send an email to playgroup.toddlers.kippen@gmail.com if you are looking to secure a place for your child.
Our Toddlers Group has been a beacon of sanity this summer for parents and children alike, as we run every week throughout the year. We’ve had steadily increasing numbers of Mums, Dads, Grans and Grandads coming down for a cup of tea and some light-hearted chat, while the kids are set loose to enjoy free play and socialising with other little ones, from birth right up to pre-school.
Kippen toddlers runs every Thursday 10:15am-12pm in the village hall, just drop in!
Playgroup Leader/Manager
Kippen Playgroup is currently looking to recruit a Playgroup Leader / Manager to start from October 2017.
Kippen Playgroup is a long-established, fun and safe learning environment that provides for children’s educational and social needs from 2 to 5-year olds. We are looking for a committed, caring, enthusiastic person with extensive experience of working with children aged 2-5. You should have a genuine interest in how children learn and why they love to play.
Applicant’s must possess, or be working towards, a BA Childhood Practice or equivalent qualifications accepted by SSSC; and, if successful, you will be required to obtain a PVG Scheme Update through Disclosure Scotland, in addition to which you will be required to register with the Scottish Social Services Council (SSSC) as the Playgroup Manager. The applicant must hold Level 4 Child Protection, or be willing to acquire it on taking up the position.
Responsibilities of the role include, but are not limited to:
Ensuring that the day to day management of the Playgroup complies with group policies and procedures and regulatory requirements.
Ensuring that suitable activities are planned and implemented in accordance with current curriculum practice and the Early Learning and Childcare Setting’s Development Plan.
Ensuring that children’s individual learning needs are catered for and that each child’s progress is recorded.
Liaising with the Care Inspectorate, and other agencies as required.
Operating two mornings per week – Tuesday and Friday (term time) the post is for 7 hours per week (9 – 12:30) with an additional 1-2 hours per week for admin tasks. Salary is dependent on experience but competitive. Funds are available to ensure further education and training of the successful applicants’ areas of interest are fully supported.
Kippen Playgroup is registered with the Care Inspectorate. Charity Number: SC008211We strive to be an equal opportunities employer. Please contact Playgroup.toddlers.kippen@gmail.com to request an application pack or for more information.
The Wee Vine 