We recognise parents as the first and most important educators of their children. All of the staff see themselves as partners with you in providing care and education for your child. We believe parents have the right to be:

- valued and respected;

- kept informed and consulted,

- involved, and included at all levels.

There are many ways in which parents can take part in making the setting a welcoming and stimulating place for children and parents, such as:

· Exchanging knowledge about their children's needs, activities, interests and progress with the staff;

· Helping during the session as a parent helper.

· Taking part in the footsteps road safety scheme

· Joining in community activities in which the setting takes part,

· Building friendships with other parents in the setting.

· Being part of the management of the setting by becoming a parent governor or joining the fundraising team.

Parents can offer to take part in a session by sharing their own interests and skills with the children. Parents have visited us in the past to play the piano for the children, do cooking activities and to show photographs of their holiday which related to theme. Please let a member of staff know if you would like to come, you are welcome to come and visit us at any time,

Another way parents often like to help is by joining the fundraising team. This team of parents together with staff arrange fund-raising events and activities. All money raised at these events is spent on improving and updating facilities and buying new equipment. Any one who would like to be involved please see a member of staff. We hope that being a part of Stepping Stones at Northbourne enables adults, as well as children, to make new friends.

If you are interested in becoming further involved with the group you may wish to become a parent governor. Governors are elected for a term of 2 years and their role involves taking part in meetings (approx 4 times per year) and helping to manage the more fundamental aspects of the group such as ensuring we meet OFSTED and Day Care standards. If you are interested in joining the governing body please see a member of the staff team and they will be able to tell you more.