Christ Church Playgroup was formed in 1979 by members of Christ Church and remains an important part of the church community. We are based in the church complex and are fortunate to have use of two spacious and newly re-furbished rooms and access to a secure courtyard for outside play.

We are open from 9am to 12noon Monday to Friday during school term times. A session just for children in their pre-school year operates on a Tuesday. Children generally start coming for a couple of sessions per week increasing to up to five sessions in their pre-school year. We welcome children from the age of 2 years and nine months until they start at Primary School.

The playgroup is registered with OFSTED and is regularly inspected. Children qualify for government funding of up to five sessions per week from the term after their third birthday. Fees for non-funded children are currently £5 per session.

We fully support the Every Child Matters outcomes to ensure that children:-

• Be healthy
• Stay safe
• Enjoy and achieve
• Make a positive contribution
• Achieve economic well-being

We also follow the new Early Years Foundation Stage introduced in September 2008.

A typical day

We’d like to think that no two days are the same as we take our lead from what the children are interested in. However, to provide the children with a framework to their morning we work to a flexible timetable.

9.00 – Children arrive and are greeted by their key person. Brief register time when we find out what day it is, what the weather is like, a discussion on our theme and what we would like to play with and explore that day.

9.15 – Free play. The children are free to play in both our rooms and outside when the weather is good. Generally the smaller room will have activities such as painting, sand, junk-modelling, stories, puzzles, games, drawing, small-world toys, construction, playdough and books. The larger room has a sturdy climbing frame (which has been a dog’s kennel, princess’ palace, pirate ship and a helicopter to name but a few), a role play area (again with a multitude of uses), dressing up, trains, cars, construction etc.
During the free-play there will be activities which the staff have prepared with a particular learning focus in mind which the children are encouraged to try.

10.30 – The children go back to their key person and help tidy up

10.45 – Snack time when a range of healthy snacks are available with water or milk to drink.

11.00 – Outside play

11.20 – Group activity such as P.E., music, dancing, circle time, parachute, ring games, bikes

11.40 – Story time

11.55 – Group closing session, discussion about what we have enjoyed that day and a prayer before the children go home.

Our Staff

At each session there is a minimum of one Play Leader and three assistants. Staff hold a range of appropriate early years qualifications and have plenty of practical hands on experience too. All staff have CRB disclosures and a trained First Aider is always available at each session. Each child is placed with a ‘key-person’, a member of staff who will take special care of them, record their developments and liaise with parents.

Parents

We encourage parents to take an active part in the playgroup as we recognise the valuable role parent’s play in their children’s education. All parents are required to help at some playgroup sessions each term by signing a rota.

Parents are regularly kept informed of how their child is developing through daily contact and more formal review sessions. We also keep a photographic and written record of each child’s time at playgroup in a ‘Learning Journey’ which parents can access and update at any time.

Parents are also represented on our Playgroup committee.

Contact us

We welcome visits from prospective children and parents although it is usually a good idea to let us know when you plan to come so that we can ensure a member of staff is available to show you around. For more information about the Playgroup, please contact:-

Mrs Joanna Johnston (Playleader) 01242-570489

Mrs Maureen Jones (Administrator) 01242 517183

Or email us at christchurchplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk

Please feel free to arrange to call in and visit us.
 

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