We offer children the opportunity to play and learn in a safe, caring and stimulating environment. It is child-centred, play-based learning, carefully adapted to the age, needs and stage of development of each individual child.

Children are able to enjoy both indoor and outdoor activities on a daily basis which skilfully incorporate the educational curriculum into play. There is free flow access to the outdoor areas and a rolling snack bar enables children to independently access snack when they choose.

The key person collates information including photographic evidence and examples of work which are included in each child's special book. This helps staff to assess children's individual learning and records a child's progress through the stepping stones. This in turn informs future planning.

Little Rainbows: Friday 2.15 - 3.15

We also welcome all babies and under-fives, together with their parent or carers to our contact group, Little Rainbows. This is a structured hour of music, play, activities and stories run by members of our committee and volunteers. It is free to attend, but we welcome donations towards our costs.

"All children benefit from the well-organised and stimulating indoor and outdoor environment…,           
The staff give activities a lot of thought and also respond well to children's likes and dislikes."           

Ofsted December 2010                                                 

Our main aim is to provide a friendly, fun filled and stimulating environment where the children feel
both safe and valued. We aim to:

• Encourage the emotional, social, physical, language and intellectual development of children.
• Promote the welfare of children.
• Encourage the children's positive attitude to themselves and others and develop confidence and self-esteem.
• Create opportunities to play and learn through play, to have fun and make friends with other children and adults.
• Plan activities and experiences based on the foundation stage of the national curriculum.
• Encourage children to explore, appreciate and respect their environment and other people.
• Provide opportunities to stimulate interest and imagination.
• Extend children's abilities to communicate ideas and feelings in a variety of ways.
• Provide equal opportunities for all staff and children irrespective of gender, creed, race, colour or ethnic origin/abilities.
• Work in partnership with parents and the community to enhance the quality of the children's learning and welfare.
• Support the continued professional development of all staff.
• To provide a smooth and confident transition into school through close links with the local community primary
   school.

"The pre-school meets the needs of early years children well,           
providing a welcoming learning environment."           

Ofsted 2010                                                  

Research has shown that children learn better when their parents are involved. At our pre-school, we recognise that parents are the first and most important educators of young children and we aim to support parents and actively encourage their involvement in what we do as much as possible. Perhaps you might be able to join our management committee, help out during a session or support us with our fundraising events?

Rota

We warmly invite you to come along and help out at any session that you wish. Taking an active part in the pre-school session enables you to see at first hand the care and education we provide for your child and your child will enjoy sharing their pre-school experiences with you. You will be able to see for yourself and feel reassured that your child is learning and making new friends. If you are able to help then please add your name to the calendar in the cloakroom. You may bring younger siblings with you at the staff's discretion.

Pre-school is always looking for new experiences to enhance the children's learning. If you have a skill, hobby or interest that you could share, please speak to a member of staff.

Fundraising

As a charity, we make no profit. All monies are put back into the group for the benefit of the children. Government funding for playgroup continues to be minimal and so active fundraising can and does provide extra equipment, toys and money for future projects. We are constantly grateful for the support given in time and money to our fundraising events and are always seeking new ideas for additional fundraising. If you feel you can help in any way, please contact a member of committee. You do not need to be on the committee to help with fundraising.

"The pre-school's level of engagement with parents and carers is excellent. The parents talk very positively about           
how well their children are looked after and how much progress they are making."           

Ofsted December 2010                                                 

We employ six permanent members of staff plus an Administrator. Five have early years qualifications at Level 3 and above. We also have regular bank staff on hand to help and support when required plus volunteers who are actively encouraged and supported to develop their skills in Childcare.

All staff attend ongoing training and receive opportunities for continuing professional development which enables the group to keep up-to-date with current practices. They all hold suitable and current first aid qualifications.

Helen, our Playleader, has been with the Playgroup in its different guises since 2002. She has developed and grown with the group, gaining experience and qualifications along the way. Helen holds a Diploma in Pre-school Practice Level 3 as well as NVQ Level 4 and is currently undertaking the Foundation Degree at University of Northampton. She is our SENCo (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator).

Sandra is the Deputy Playleader. She started with the group in 2004 and has completed her Diploma in Pre-school Practice Level 3.

Sharon joined the Pre-school in 2005 and has also completed her Diploma in Pre-school Practice Level 3. Sharon is our Child Protection Officer

Michele started at Playgroup in 2006; holds the Diploma in Pre-school Practice Level 2 and NVQ Level 3 in Childcare, Learning and Development (CCLD).She also works part time in the school which helps aid transition for the children.

Karen joined the team in 2009. She has GCSE in Childcare, has completed the CWDC Common Induction Standards and is looking forward to starting her next qualification.

Pauline started as a Volunteer whilst she studied for NVQ Level 3 CCLD and became a staff member in September 2011.

Samantha our Administrator started in December 2011. She has worked for the Pre-school Learning Alliance for 7 years and brings both administrative and pre-school experience to support the staff team and committee.

"Staff are deployed excellently throughout the room and in the outdoor area to ensure supervision            
is excellent.           

Ofsted December 2010                                                 

The management committee is made up of a maximum of 15 members, most of whom should be parents of children at the pre-school. The committee have many important responsibilities such as control of the pre-school finances; employment and management of staff; ensuring that the pre-school provides a high quality service by the formation and implementation of pre-school policies and to work in partnership with parents.

Each year an Annual General Meeting is held. Parents and friends of the playgroup are invited to join the meeting and the new committee is elected. The AGM is usually held shortly after the start of the autumn term. If vacancies exist, it is possible to join the committee at any point in the year. It is a great way to get involved in your child's education and to gain additional skills for your c.v. Please speak to a member of staff or a committee member for further information.

"There are rigorous recruitment and vetting procedures when new staff are            
appointed and for all staff and volunteers working with the children."                 

Ofsted December 2010