Parents
Marlow Opportunity Playgroup
Registered charity no. 1177581 Ofsted Registered
Special support and development for pre school children with special needs
We work in partnership with parents to achieve excellence in support for all children. We aim to ensure that the children will develop and grow socially, intellectually, culturally, physically and emotionally in a caring and secure environment. By forming such close relationships with parents, carers and professionals, well established links are formed in order to provide the best care for every child. Individual Educational Plans (IEPs) and activities are planned in liaison with the relevant therapists and parents and are carried out daily by the child's dedicated key person. The curriculum is meticulously planned to take into account the individual needs of all children and IEPs are set in conjunction with the families to record the progress each child is making and are evaluated and assessed every six weeks, before a new IEP is created. Relevant feedback is often given at the beginning or start of a session and more formally at IEP review time. The key person works to promote a two way flow of communication with the families of their children, ensuring the best interests of the child are met at all times. Our key workers also have a vital role to play in developing secure attachments with their key children providing a settled and close relationship. Hopefully this bond with the children will encourage greater independence, happiness and security to explore and learn.
Parents of children with such complex needs often require the support of other parents in similar circumstances and need to know their child will be cared for in an experienced environment where special needs are not the exception. To ensure success parents complete an annual questionnaire in which the playgroup asks for feedback on the services offered. We have also commenced plans for quarterly parent's forums reporting to the management committee ensuring parent's voices are heard. Parental involvement also includes a voluntary management committee who fulfil roles such as treasurer, fundraising, publicity and health and safety managers.
The running of the playgroup is constantly under review and suggestions and recommendations from all involved are considered and evaluated. In an Ofsted report (graded Outstanding in both inspections 2011 and 2015) the inspector noted: 'the setting is highly reflective in its approach and demonstrates a significant ability to make continuous improvement'. She also commented, 'Each child is recognised as an individual and staff work extensively with parents and outside agencies to ensure their unique needs are met'.