Play Sessions

Below is a broad outline of options we could offer;

• Large Scrap Play: we bring a diverse selection of large and smaller items but large items are suitable for over 5’s. The children explore playing with the items and can experiment with cellotape, scissors and string provided to fix items together. At the end of the session all resources are packed up and taken back by APE so children won’t be able to take models home. Suitable for up to 30 children in a large space.

• Medium Scrap Play: this activity is as above but we reduce the size of the larger resources so they are more manageable for under 5’s or if the space available is limited.

• Junk Modelling: we bring small scale scrap resources which are suitable for making small models to use in display or to take home. This activity is suitable for all ages. Children can be allowed to make any model they want or the activity can be themed to fit with school topics. Suitable for up to 30 children in a classroom sixed space or larger.

• Crafty activities: we offer LaminART or Newspaper Puppets craft activities where we bringagain we bring small scale scrap resources suitable for laminated pictures and making newspaper puppets. These activities are good at play schemes and settings with less than 10 children in the group.

Whilst booking the session with you we can advise the setting on the most suitable activity and can tailor it to specific needs if needed. Just let us know!

The play session

The description below roughly outlines how a play session generally happens;

• Set up: we will arrive before the session is due to start to set up the resources and make sure everything is as planned.
• Session Introduction: once the children are ready for the play session we normally sit them down and quickly explain what we have brought and what we will be doing with the resources. We also let them know when the session will end and explain that we will have some time to tidy up. They have opportunity to ask questions.
• Play begins: children are allowed to play and explore how they want for the time given.
• Play ends: the play is ended sensitively to allow children to finish off anything they were doing. All children then stop so they can listen to instructions.
• Tidying up: our staff explain how we would like everything to be tidied up and all children help.

For all sessions the focus is to allow children to play. This means there is no right or wrong way for children to use the resources. A successful play session is judged on how the children have had chance to explore, be creative, problem solve and follow their own ideas, rather than on the things they have created.

 

Roles during the Play Session

BCEP staff:we will normally provide 2 members of staff depending on the number of children in the session. Our role is to introduce the play session to the children and facilitate the play throughout. We don’t tell children how they should do things but will help with ideas and problem solving if needed. Often we are able to take a step back and observe, occasionally encouraging and offering support. All staff and volunteers are CRB checked.

Setting Staff: as the setting staff know the children better than us we expect them to manage the behaviour of the group if necessary. Otherwise setting staff should take a similar approach to our staff to facilitate and support the play when needed.

Health and Safety
The project does encourage adventurous and risky play during sessions to encourage participants to learn to manage risks themselves. Often the risks involved are not material risks but perceived risks taken by the children. Risk is managed in a sensible way by our staff who will be aware and in control of situations.
Our resources and activities are fully Risk Assessed and copies of these can be provided if requested.

 

Heres some of our feedback;

'The children really enjoyed the session and were able to develop their knowledge and creative development.'

 'The staff were great with all our children, it was a great session in every way!'

'Fab service, keep it up!'

'The imagination shown by the children and the evidence gained from observing the children was invaulable for my assessments.'

'Fantastic session, the children really enjoyed it. We would definitely use this service again!'

 

To inquire or book a play session please contact the APE team on 01274 223236 or email claire"at"bcep.org.uk

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