Council affirms ongoing support for local playgroups
Last updated | 17/05/2008
The vital role of playgroups for very young children and their families will be stressed in a report to the next Lifelong Learning Committee, setting out the Council's continued commitment to assisting the community-led groups.
There have been playgroups in Perth and Kinross for over 40 years, benefitting local communities by preparing very young children for nursery school, helping parents build up social and support networks and giving volunteers on playgroup management committees the opportunity to develop skills that can be transferred into work or other community activities.
In the last seven years, there has been a reduction in the number of playgroups operating locally, as a result of various factors including issues with volunteer recruitment and adapting to the increasingly complex regulations under which they must operate. The Council has provided support in a range of ways for some time, including assistance since 1999 with access to training courses for childcare staff working in playgroups to meet national requirements.
Through a process of ongoing consultation with local groups, proposals for continued support over the next five years have been developed as part of a restructuring of the Council's Childcare Strategy Team. General support will be provided through a dedicated playgroup worker while additional help will be available as and when groups require it.
Lifelong Learning Vice-Convener, Councillor Bob Band said: "Playgroups are operating in a constantly-changing environment and it is vital that they can continue to provide their important service to local families. The way forward set out here is intended to maintain the Council's support to playgroups and the volunteers who run them for the good of our communities."
