Bathgate Early Years Centre in West Lothian has taken the principles of parental involvement one step further - by inviting grandparents to get involved too.
With this in mind, the centre decided to say thank you by holding a special Grandparent Day. The event was so successful that staff have taken it one step forward by launching Grandparent Group.
The group, which meets every Monday morning, has adopted a varied programme, much of which was decided by the grandparents themselves. It touches on aspects of the curriculum as well as areas such as road safety and health promotion. The activities offer fun, interactive experiences, such as a craft class where grandparents and children learned to make Play-Doh together.
We are all getting so much out of it!
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'The grandparents seem to especially like working ‘hands on’ with the staff and the children in the nursery, and finding out how and what their children are learning,' says Fiona, a nursery nurse at the centre. 'It’s good for us all to share our talents, skills and experiences - we are all getting so much out of it!'
The grandparents certainly aren’t lacking in enthusiasm when it comes to sharing their skills with the children - there are already plans for sessions on sewing, weaving and woodwork. For their part, the children are delighted to welcome their grandparents to the centre and show off some of their own new-found skills. Who can fail to be impressed by a 4-year-old teaching his gran to use the interactive whiteboard?
Encouraging learning at home
As one grandparent commented, this insight into nursery life helps them to extend the grandchildren’s learning at home: 'By coming to the group I have had more help understanding what my wee grandson is learning when he comes to nursery. Then I can go home and continue with what he’s learned in nursery that day!'
The relaxed approach of the Grandparent Group also makes it a valuable social event for the grandparents. Sessions are often led by health visitors or family workers, and grandparents can pick up helpful information and advice over a cup of tea or coffee.
The whole family matters
Headteacher Mvairi Lynch and her staff at Bathgate Early Years Centre are continuing to talk to grandparents about new ways for them to get involved. 'We want to build on this now because children love to have parents, carers and grandparents in the nursery,' says Mvairi. 'We want the children to grow up knowing that their parents and grandparents are there to support them throughout their time at school.'
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