Pyramids Playbus

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'Welcome to Playbus'

Pyramids stands for:
Play for Youngsters in Rural Areas of MID Suffolk

Who are we?
Pyramids is a registered charity based in Mid Suffolk. The committee of volunteers which runs Pyramids operate a purpose built double decker bus to provide play and early years education facilities for children aged 0-8 years.

Who runs the Playbus?
You the playbus user. Each year we hold an A.G.M. and elect a committee. The committee must be made up predominantly of playbus users from a variety of ‘stops’.

What are our aims?
To provide safe, imaginative and stimulating play in areas where there are no, or few, existing facilities, or a lack of transport to access such facilities. Also to provide a meeting place for the parents and carers to have a coffee and a chat.

How do we achieve these aims?
We bring the playbus to villages on a weekly or fortnightly basis for a two hour play session. The excellent facilities on the bus provide activities which:

What does the Playbus offer? Play activities including:
Toy Library Many of our toys and items of equipment are available through the Toy Library service we offer. Craft Supplies We carry a wide range of inexpensive craft materials for purchase. Health Information We display information on health matters of particular interest to parents and carers of young children. Who runs the sessions? The activities are planned and supervised by our qualified playleaders who regularly attend training courses and each hold a current First Aid Certificate. Can I leave my child? The playbus is registered by Social Services for up to 18 children and is inspected annually. (We operate on a first- come-first-served system except for children using their nursery grant). Your child may be left on the bus providing they are over 3 years old, there is adequate adult supervision and a child registration card has been completed. The Playleader will then take responsibility for your child once the correct fee has been paid. Free Places!! From the term after their 4th birthday, all children are entitled to five free sessions of nursery education per week during term time. These can be divided between a number of providers as long as each is registered to accept this funding. Your playbus is one such provider, and by bringing your nursery grant to us we will guarantee a place for your child at the session/s of your choice. He/she will get an extra half an hour of activities linked to the Desirable Learning Outcomes set by Ofsted. If you would like to use your grant on the bus please inform the playleader as soon as possible. Due to this nursery grant funding we have regular Ofsted inspections and a copy of the most recent inspection report is available on the bus. Health & Safety on the Playbus There are a few safety points which are specific to a playbus. Please read the safety notices displayed on the bus and note the following: The upstairs fire escape route is through a trap door in the floor of the Soft-play room. Always ring the bell when using the stairs. Never leave children unattended on the stairs or upper deck. Please assist people using the stairs by opening the door when you hear the bell. Take care when operating the entrance doors and ensure that the steps and gate are free from obstruction. During outside play be aware that the fences should always be left closed, even when coming and going through them, to prevent escapees. What do I do now? Please complete a registration card. Information will be treated as confidential. Fees Fees are payable each time you visit the bus except for nursery grants which are processed termly. Session fees: Per child (over 1) £2.00 Under 1 (without sibling) 50p Family rate £3.50 Child left with Playleader £3.50 What we ask of you The playbus receives grants from Mid Suffolk District Council, Social Services and the Parish Councils we visit. Also, we hire the bus out at weekends for parties and other events. Unfortunately these do not cover the cost of operating the playbus. Each year we ask each village we visit to organise a fundraising event. In the past money has been raised by holding table-top sales, coffee mornings, barn dances, book and toy parties, fetes and sponsored events. These events emphasise the commitment our users have to the playbus service, which in turn encourages grant-giving agencies to support us. Please lend your support to fund-raising organised by your ‘stop’. If you have an idea for a fundraising event but need help to get it off the ground please speak to the Co-ordinator. We are a unique service and together we can keep our bus on the road and out of the red! Telephone numbers The Playleader has a mobile phone on the bus at all times for emergencies; the number is at the foot of the page. The Co-ordinator can also be contacted on the number below or at our e-mail address. And Finally.... We believe the playbus is as important to the carer as it is to the child, providing a break and the opportunity to meet other carers. Once you have settled in please consider joining our committee. The meetings are held every 6 weeks or so and are very informal. If you are interested in coming along the Playleader will know the date of next meeting, or get in touch with the Co-ordinator.