Our teaching philosophy / Meet our team / Our sessions
We are a community-based playgroup managed by a committee of parents, carers, and staff. We hold charitable status and are a non-profit making organisation, reinvesting all funds and fees back into the service we deliver.
Our staff are our most important asset and we have a fabulous team of dedicated and qualified childcare practitioners. This is testimony of the friendly, welcoming, community atmosphere within the Playgroup, which in turn provides a lovely sense of community for the children.
All staff have excellent experience and qualifications, are dedicated to their roles and have been with the playgroup for many years. They regularly update their skills to maintain continuing professional development. All staff are checked by the Disclosure and Barring Service and have completed First Aid and Early Years Childcare and Education courses.
We strive to provide a high adult/child ratio. We have regular staff meetings to give all staff input into our curriculum and the chance to discuss children’s progress. We fully comply with the government-set equal opportunities employment policy.
Vicky: Manager, NVQ level 3 in childcare, Senco Safeguarding
Charmaine: Level 3 Early years educator and our lead in Maths and the wonderful Scarecrow Club where the children have lots of enjoyment at the allotment. First aid Paediatric trained.
Sophie H: NVQ level 3 in child care, Safeguarding lead, Outdoor learning lead (Woodland scarecrows) – where the children learn all about the wonders of the woodlands and look after the wildlife and nature. Our Self-regulating lead/Emotional, mindfulness lead. Paediatric First Aid.
Victoria: Deputy Manager and Level 3 Early Years Educator. Sports Lead, Paediatric First Aid and British Values and Prevent Lead.
Lynda: NVQ level 3 in Child Care and Health and Safety Lead. Risk assessment Officer, Fire Safety Lead, Food and Safety Level 3 and Paediatric First Aid.
Aamina: NVQ level 3 in Child Care, working with us part-time. Paediatric First Aid.
Paula: NVQ level 3, Paediatric First Aid, working with us part-time.
Sophie S: Level 3 Early Years Educator and Senco Lead, EYPP Champion. Works alongside Victoria on sports. Paediatric First Aid.
Kim: our new Apprentice! She has taken on her level 3 as an Early years Educator.
Our Playgroup is run by a committee of parents elected each year. This fosters a community feeling as parents are involved with the running and fundraising for the group. As a charity, we are all volunteers and rely on the help and support of parents to ensure that we can maintain the fun activities and excellent work of our staff.
Our current committee:
Stuart Hampton-Roach – Chair
Angela Farrell – Deputy Chair
Sarah Grimstick – Treasurer
Caroline Kennedy – Secretary
Ella Jones – Committee member
Estelle Flachi – Committee member