Many of the staff have been at Southway Playcare 20 years and more, we all started as volunteers and still do a great deal of voluntary hours if required. We are a very highly qualified and dedicated, long standing team. 

We believe working as team is really important and we work closely with the inclusion services as we try to promote inclusive play. 

All our volunteers are level 2 in Playwork and play leaders have level 3, two of our staff  have the Diploma in level 3 for early years and the manager and chair have NVQ level 4.

All staff have at least 10  -30 basic training such as Manual handling,  Health & Safety,  Food , Prevent Duty,   Safeguarding,    Fire Safety, etc.

Many staff are  also trained with specialist training too, eg Makaton, Tube feeding,  Early Years, Autism, ADHD , and Medical Administration  and  Medical needs .

We offer child care and holiday club services Monday to Friday for a variety of times to work fit around parent/guardian needs and lifestyle. Please see times and rates.

 Our main theme is about breaking down barriers of Inclusion and if we can`t offer all our activities to all children  of primary age  ( up to 18 yrs SEND youngsters ) then we just  wont make them happen , or adapt them so that everyone can access them. We arrange a 4 day weekend one around Easter near Plymouth aimed at younger members , those who have never stayed away before or those with complex medical needs, but everyone is welcome . This has been running for 2 yrs  now but sadly due to the cost of living crisis it had to be cancelled this year.

Our other, is our 6  day Summer one where we go further away up  country to explore the wider world. We are one of the few groups who still offer Residentials too.

This can only happen  if our Fundraiser Judy can secure funding for such special activities for everyone 

Each day the children are offered a healthy  fruit snack around 11am   and we have lunch  between 12 – 12.30pm.

Parents /Carers are required to supply a healthy packed lunch  for their child  and they are encouraged to eat savoury foods before sweet foods .

We do provide sessions who are registered under the PCC Fit n Fed   funding at present , this is normally during Easter, Whitsun and the Summer sessions  and we then supply a lunch too.