The Staplegrove Pre-School Playgroup is situated within the grounds of Staplegrove VC Primary School at Hudson Way, Staplegrove. TA2 6UP. Telephone 01823 324566. (It must be emphasised that a child at the Playgroup will not automatically go to Staplegrove Primary School. It is still necessary to register a child at the school of parental choice).
At Staplegrove Playgroup the aim is to provide a warm and friendly environment, in which children, from age 2 years 6 months up to school age, can socialise and learn through free-play and various structured activities. The Playgroup is registered with the Pre-school Learning Alliance and has adopted their constitution.
The Playgroup is open during term times only and runs a full day program. This means that a child may come for mornings, afternoons or all day, depending upon the personal needs of child and parents. The sessions are from 9 am to 12 noon and from 12 noon to 3 pm.
The trained and experienced staff are lead by Paula Lukins, the Supervisor, who is a qualified teacher; deputy Supervisor is Jan McShane with assistants Vicky Hobbs and Jane Watson. The adult/child ratio is no greater than 1:4 for children age 21 to 3 years and 1:8 for 3 years and above.
At Staplegrove Playgroup the aim is the promotion of the Early Learning Goals as set down by Ofsted, and the Playgroup is inspected on a regular basis by an Inspector of the Department of Education.
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The Early Learning Goals are:- 1) Personal, Social and Emotional development – mixing and co-operating in a group. 2) Communication, Language and Literacy – developing the skills of talking and listening and getting ready for reading and writing. 3) Mathematical Development – basic number recognition, sorting, counting and introduction to mathematical language. 4) Knowledge and Understanding of the World – developing knowledge of their environment, other people and world features. 5) Physical Development – control, mobility and manipulative skills, handling a range of objects indoors and outdoors. 6) Creative Development – imagination, expression of creative ideas and feelings, acting out, singing, stories and artwork. |
Teaching in a formal sense is not conducted, but children are introduced through play and guided activities to some of the basic skills they will require on entering school. All activities are planned for individual children as they develop at different stages.
The Playgroup is required by the Department of Education to keep simple records of each child’s development. These records are for the benefit of parents to show how the child is developing and are open to discussion at any reasonable time. With parental agreement these records may be passed on to whichever primary school the child attends, for the benefit of the child at the new school.
The Playgroup has clear guidelines in the case of illness, for the administration of medication and for safety. It operates a dedicated Equal Opportunity Policy. All children are treated equally regardless of race, culture, gender, disability or religion. This also applies to all parents.
Currently Fees are – Full Day £14, Half Day £7 (morning or afternoon session).
All 3 year olds that live in Somerset will be entitled to claim the Nursery Education Grant. Application forms and details may be obtained from Margaret Berry at the time of Registration or near to the child’s 3rd birthday.
Finally, on the registration form you may care to indicate special names your child uses for things like a cuddly toy, comforter or using the toilet. You should include anything that you think the staff should know; all information is totally confidential.