Starting up on July 19, ready for the holidays, is a new Summer Playscheme to be held in Penally School.

Run by Trevayne Keohane, the playscheme will operate for five weeks during the summer holidays, from 8 am to 6 pm, Monday to Friday, and will provide a warm welcome to all children, as well as a safe, caring environment where children can develop and play.

"I've been a child-minder from home for the past 13 years and because of such demand from parents looking for somewhere for their kids to be looked after during the summer holidays, I thought it would be a good idea to start the scheme," said Trevayne, who along with her husband, John, is a registered child-minder.

"I have looked after children since 1975, firstly as a nanny/au pair in Switzerland, to the present time, and I am currently studying for my NVQ 3 in childcare and other courses relevant to child welfare education and protection," continued Trevayne, who along with her husband and daughter, Hannah, have lived in their home, Lydway, Penally, since 1984.

Another loyal member of the playscheme team, meanwhile, is mum of two Michelle Fry, who has a National Diploma for Child Welfare and Childcare Work. She has a wealth of experience with her own two children, one of whom attends Playdays on a regular basis.

Other help in looking after the children will also be received from experienced carers, including Amanda Harley, a learning support assistant at local schools, and Mairwen Head, who is studying childcare at Greenhill School.

The playscheme will take children from the age of four up to 11 years, and also welcomes children with special needs, providing they have the necessary skills and environment to care for that specific child's needs, but cannot care for sick children, and ask parents to give notice if their child has been ill within 24 hours of entering care.

The playscheme also provides a number of creative and interesting activities for the children, including art, craft, modelling, ceramic painting, IT, kite-making and outdoor games and activities, including sports.

"We work very carefully with the children to allow development and learning through the medium of play and provide stimulating toys, puzzles, Lego and jigsaws for them to use," revealed Trevayne.

"As the Summer Playscheme is being held at Penally School, we are allowed to use some of the resources there. Outside play will of course be supervised, whether in the playground or adjoining park facilities, and some activities will be planned on a daily basis depending on the weather," she added.

Parents are asked to provide clothes suitable for the day's weather, plus a change of clothes if they feel necessary. Children should arrive with suitable outdoor clothing and footwear (for sports), with sun hats and sun cream also a necessity.

The playscheme will provide a mid-morning and mid-afternoon snack for children, but parents are asked to provide a suitable packed lunch for their child, plus a drink.

The playscheme is required to keep a record of certain information and make notes for each child, which are then kept in a confidential file, which can be made available to parents on request. A child information form will be provided to be completed for every child, along with a medical consent form which gives permission for medicines to be given and emergency first aid or hospital visits if necessary.

"In the interests of safety, we like to be introduced to anyone responsible for bringing and collecting children, and would insist on being informed if arrangements are suddenly changed," explained Trevayne.

"Parents are asked not to be late when collecting children, as staff have to remain behind, which will result in extra costs for parents."

A full day session at Penally Playscheme will cost £18, with a half day at £10. Fees are due when the booking is taken, with full fees made for a child who does not attend for their pre-booked day.

You can find out more by attending an Open Day at Penally School on Saturday, June 26, from 12 noon - 4 pm, when bookings will be taken.

Further information on the Summer Playscheme at Penally School can also be obtained by contacting Trevayne Keohane on 01834 842822.