Whilst we are finally back to running our Toy Library stay and play sessions. Due to the current situation, however, there are a few small changes.
How we are managing our sessions:
Ross St Community Centre has been given the COVID-19 Safe Space tick. This means they as a centre, and us as its users, adhere to guidelines to keep activities running in a safe way.
This means:
-There is sanitizer gel available for all members to use when they first come into the Hall. Baby wipes are also available to help with wiping down toys between users.
-There is a restriction on the number of users in the hall: this will be on a first come first served basis and a judgement will be taken on the day as to how full the hall is and how safe it would be to let any more people in. I recognise this may lead to disappointment and if it becomes too difficult, an online booking system can be arranged instead.
-Tea/coffee and biscuits are now being offered. Toy library users need to bring their own cups, however, as these cannot be provided at the sessions. Cups should be sealable to avoid potential hot liquid accidents.
-Volunteers will be wearing masks and gloves to handle toys.
-We ask that children do not go into the toy library cupboard themselves. Parents are encouraged to sanitise their hands before getting additional toys out of the cupboard.
If you are returning toys:
Please leave your toys on the table provided and if any pieces are missing. If too many pieces are missing or those missing are a crucial part of the toy, we would ask that you provide a voluntary donation to cover the costs of replacement.
If you are borrowing toys:
Toys can be borrowed in the normal way. There is no requirement to pre-book right now. Due to the Toy Library’s inability to become cashless, we are offering members the opportunity to pre-pay a sum of money in advance (eg £10, £20) that you can then borrow toys against over a number of sessions (until the money runs out). This avoids the need to bring cash to each session and avoids the need for handling cash between volunteers and members.