It’s playtime for kids at the Scottish Parliament

063/2006 | 2 August, 2006  

Europe’s only parliamentary crèche for public visitors is the location for a party to celebrate Playday 2006 for a group of Edinburgh youngsters today (Wednesday).

Children from the Royal Mile nursery will be VIP guests at the Parliament’s crèche – a free crèche available to members of the public visiting the Scottish Parliament

The youngsters will be entertained to songs, story telling, face painting, a treasure hunt and art and crafts in the unique facility, which is open from 08.00 – 18.00 hrs Monday to Friday and for a trial period from August until October from 10.00 until 16.00 hrs on Saturdays.

Joining the fun will be Nora Radcliffe, MSP, Scottish Parliamentary Corporate Body member and chair of the Parliament’s Crèche Advisory Group.

She said:

”Our crèche helps people with childcare responsibilities take part in what is happening in their Parliament. Play is an important aspect of a child’s life and we are proud to be able to offer parents and carers the opportunity to come to Holyrood knowing that their children will enjoy the visit too!”

The playtime is part of Playday 2006, now in its 19 th year. This national event involves 100,000 children in activities organised by local authorities and local people across the country. The theme of this year’s Playday is “play naturally”, highlighting the fact that play is a natural part of children’s lives.

The crèche is available to members of the public who are visiting the Parliament. Whilst children are able to take part in tours of Holyrood, the facility means that parents and carers can use the crèche whilst taking a tour if they wish. The crèche is also available to people who come and see Parliament and its exhibition, or whilst they watch a debate, give evidence to a Committee or meet with their MSP. The crèche is also open during the Parliament’s Festival of Politics and World Press Photo exhibition.

Media are invited to attend this event and should meet at the public entrance to Holyrood no later than 10am. Accreditation in advance must be obtained by contacting Sally Coyne.

For further information the Media Contact is:

Sally Coyne: 0131 348 6265
RNID TypeTalk welcome
E-mail: sally.coyne@scottishparliament.uk

For more details on the Festival of Politics and World Press Photo exhibition, visit: www.festivalofpolitics.org.uk

For public information enquiries, contact: 0131 348 5000 or 0845 278 1999 (local call rate)
Text phone: 0131 348 3415 RNID Typetalk calls welcome
email: sp.info@scottish.parliament.uk

Visit our website at: www.scottish.parliament.uk