Gullane Playgroup

General information

Our playgroup has charitable status and has been in operation for many years. We are inspected by the Care Inspectorate (Known as SCISWIS). A copy of their inspection report is available in Playgroup and online at www.scswis.com. We are run by a committee of parents who kindly volunteer as without them we would not be able to run our playgroup. We are also members of the Scottish Pre-school Playgroup Association, and have adopted their constitution and policies.

We aim to provide a happy environment where children and adults play together, moving freely from one activity to another. Children are encouraged to develop their skills and grow in confidence as well as learn to share and socialise with other children and adults.

We have 3 members of staff who undertake continuing professional development, and have been recently trained in paediatric first aid, child protection and food hygiene. They also regularly attend conferences and workshops concerned with pre-school children and playgroups.

Lead Practitioner - Elina Mwembo

" I have been involved with the playgroup since my eldest was 2 1/2 years old. I started off on the committee in the roles of rota, fees, secretary and eventually chairperson. When my daughter eventually started nursery an opportunity arose to work at the playgroup as a Play Assistant and I applied for it.

I got the job and started to study my HNC Early Years Childcare and Education and after graduating from that and the arrival of my second child, I was offered the job of Assistant Play-leader. I love working at the Playgroup and get so much enjoyment in seeing the children grow and learn through Play. Now as Lead Practitioner I am continuing my studies with a Professional Development Award in Childhood Practice."

Practitioner - Amanda Forrest

Amanda also comes from a background of having been involved in Playgroup previously as a member of the parents committee when her youngest child was attending. She has three children (two school-age) and has a wealth of experience both as a Play Assistant at Trinity Playgroup in Haddington and as a child-minder prior to joining our Playgroup staff. She completed her SVQ3 in Early Years and Childcare just before the summer.

Play Assistant - Arran Waldman

Arran joined our team in May 2011 and had been volunteering since the start of the yea, with her own child in Playgroup. She has also been an active member of the parent committee, and brings with her bags of enthusiasm and energy. She has started her SVQ3 in Early Years and Childcare.