Guided play for March and April

During March and April we will be focusing on "growing" as our topic. We will look at composting, making tray gardens and we will have a flower shop in our pretend play area. The children will also be able to make paper flowers in our craft sessions.

The dates for the guided play sessions are:
March
Weds 2nd, Fri 4th, Mon 7th, Weds 9th, Weds 16th, Fri 18th, Mon 21st, Fri 25th, Weds 30th and Thurs 31st (evening session)

April
Mon 4th, Fri 8th, Weds 13th, Fri 15th,

Risk Assessment

We were asked recently by a member to provide a copy of our risk assessment for the toy library premises. A copy is displayed on the noticeboard at the toy library, and is also provided here for anyone who is interested. A copy will also be placed on the schools/nurseries/childminders page which can be accessed from the right hand menu.

SHEPSHED TOY LIBRARY HEALTH AND SAFETY RISK ASSESSMENT
RISK	TO WHOM	CONTROL MEASURE	WHO RESPONSIBLE	WHEN REVIEWED
Fire & inability to evacuate the building	Everyone	All doors to be in good order & doorways and walkways free from obstruction.	Everyone & Safety Officer	Daily plus monthly safety check.
		Fire drill notices clearly displayed.
		Fire extinguisher to be in good condition.	Staff to request visit of Fire officer	Yearly
		Fire alarms to be working.
		Fire exits to be clearly labelled.
		No smoking signs to be displayed.
		No exposed or hanging wires.	Staff & Volunteers	Daily plus monthly safety check.
Accidents caused by Electrical equipment	Everyone	No obstructions to heaters.
		All electrical appliances tested and labelled.	Staff to contact electrician	Yearly
Accidents caused by Chemicals	Children & volunteers	Keep all toxic substances out of reach and in original labelled containers.	Staff & Volunteers	Continually plus monthly check.
		No children in kitchen - notice displayed.
Injuries due to damaged building	Everyone	Check for leaks, lifting floor, protruding screws and nails, broken windows and loose hand-rails, problems with ramp surface and guttering.	Safety Officer	Monthly
Lack of First Aid equipment	Everyone	Ensure First Aid kit is correctly stocked and accident book up-to-date.	Staff & Volunteers	Monthly
ENSURE ALL CARERS KNOW THAT THEY ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR THEIR OWN CHILDREN - NOTICE TO BE DISPLAYED
Danger of scolding	Everyone	Everyone to be responsible for their own hot drinks and not to leave any unattended.	Staff & Volunteers to reinforce this	Continually
Children might go outside unattended	Children	Make sure safety gate to play area is closed and in good working order.	Everyone & Safety Officer	Continually plus monthly check.
Children being injured when playing	Children	Signs in place regarding supervision and proper use of toys	Everyone	Continually plus monthly check.
Children swallowing small parts or being entangled with cords etc	Children	Where possible, all toys with small pieces to be played with on high table in play area. All toys and equipment checked.	Staff & Volunteers	Continually
		Warning signs to be displayed on bags of toys borrowed.	Carers also to be made aware of dangers.

Free cardboard and cones

Do you like making things with your children? We have some free cardboard cones and strong sheets of corregated cardboard. Let us know if you would like some.

Online shopping can raise money for charities!

Do you shop online? We have signed up with shop2fundraise. If you select us as your charity and use their page to click through to major retailers like Amazon, Tesco and Sainsburys then we earn money on your purchases, and it costs you nothing! Please give it a go! See here for more details http://www.shop2fundraise.co.uk/schools/Shepshed+Toy+Library-525825

No registration is necessary - they really have made it easy and safe for all.

Volunteering at the Toy Library

Have you ever considered volunteering at the toy library. We have a friendly team of volunteers who help out with a range of jobs including checking and cleaning toys, helping in the coffee shop, helping with play and craft activities and helping with occasional maintenance, publicity or fundraising.

Our volunteers come from a wide range of backgrounds. Here are some of the things they have said about their time with us:


"I'm applying for a social work course and I wanted to get some experience with children to help my application."

"I've recently retired and I want something to help me keep busy. I like feeling useful, and I like the fact that I can still take time off to help with my grandchildren when I want to."

"I came here to meet people as I had only just moved to the area. 7 years on and I am still here. I get a lot from volunteering here, and I have met lots of new people."

"I like the fact that I can just help out occasionally for specific events. I would not be able to come every week. I like making things for the toy library to sell or to use in their play activities."

"Everyone here is so friendly, it's a really nice place to come, and I like the fact that I am helping."

"I find it a good way to get my little boy used to being with other people. It's great that I can bring him with me."



If you, or someone you know, is interested in volunteering why not come and look around and have a chat. We can offer you a taster session, and if you would like to continue volunteering with us we can help you register for a CRB check.

We are open Monday, Wednesday and Friday 9:30-12:00 and also the last Thursday evening of each month 6:30-7:30.