Services we provide

Playgroups

Playgroups provide part-time play and education opportunities for children aged between 2½ and 5 years, although some groups will also cater for younger children. Most are run by groups of parents with parent led communities, although some may be privately owned.

Playgroups rely on parents/carers who volunteer their services but all groups also employ at least one paid playleader and/or assistant. Increasingly these playleaders have a qualification. Some playgroups have entered into partnership arrangements with us and are providing places for pre-school children and/or 3 years old on a commissioned basis.

Commissioning is the term used to describe the formal arrangement where we commission entitled places for 3 and 4 year olds from partners. It includes payments by us, at an agreed rate, for the places provided by the voluntary or private sector partner provider. These providers are sometimes called commissioned partners or partner centres – or, sometimes partner providers.

As most playgroups operate in Community Centres, Church Halls and Village Halls, there is not always someone at the premises. In order to make contact you will need to visit the group during opening times. Playgroups usually operate with school term times unless indicated otherwise.

Playgroups require to be registered by the Care Commission.

More information is available on the Scottish Childcare website.