What do we do at Playgroup and why are we special?

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Our playgroup is run in a professional manner, but we like to retain the small community group specialness which is at its roots. Individual care and attention is made possible by a high ratio of adults to children.

We strongly believe that children learn through play and the name “Playgroup” reflects this belief. The children are encouraged to develop social skills through the activities at playgroup. At every session the hall is set up to provide a stimulating environment which is safe and secure. The activities cover all areas of learning specified by Dfes Early Learning Goals. We always have a painting and drawing table set up as well as playdough. The table top activities of puzzles, jigsaws, building blocks, lego etc are changed daily so children do not get bored.

We have climbing equipment, sandpit and water play and the home corner is set up daily. We have dress-up clothes to encourage role playing and a quiet corner where the bookcase is set out daily. We change the selection of books regularly. We also have a good selection of ride-on toys which are brought out at regular intervals and used outside when the weather permits. We have frequent visitors to talk to the children about various topics and we regularly go on organised trips. Our staff participate in all the activities and encourage the children to express themselves and to make new friends.

We have an information noticeboard in the hallway on which you will see the schedules that will keep you up-to-date with our activities and themes. As well as all of the above activities we have a different theme running every few weeks. The children and staff work together on a wall display related to the theme. We also do many different crafts to take home, and work in the children’s books which stay at playgroup but are available for viewing on parents’ evenings. Each theme aims to teach the children something relevant to their everyday lives as well as linking with the Early Learning Goals.

Music, Yoga & French Classes

We are pleased to offer the children the opportunity to learn music, Yoga and French classes from professional teachers who come into our sessions. French is held on a Monday, Yoga is held on a Tuesday and music is on a Wednesday. These lessons are at no extra cost to you and are very popular with the children.

“The partnership with parents is very good.  Parents are provided with a range of good quality information about the preschool.  They are kept informed of their childrens’ progress through parents evenings, written diaries and discussion” Ofsted Report