About Us

We are celebrating 30 years!

Our story

Our wonderful Playgroup is celebrating its 30th year this year and we couldn't be prouder of the supportive community we have created.

Annette Skelton, our Playgroup Manager, joined St. Joseph's back in 2019, she fell in love with the environment and could see how it would benefit all the children in Early Years. Her passion and deep understanding of the needs of younger children has enabled her, along with all the staff, to shape the Playgroup we have today; one that truly cares for the children and inspires them daily through fun and motivating activities.

Our Playgroup is situated on the grounds of St. Joseph's RC School and we are a self-financed, charitable organisation run by an independent Management Committee. The Playgroup is staffed by experienced childcare professionals and managed by a committee of parent volunteers.

We are guided by the Early Years Foundation stage Curriculum which enables us to support our children in all stages of their development. We carry out home visits in the first few weeks of children starting with us so we can see them in their home environment and better understand how we can nurture and support them. We provide parents with updates on Tapestry as well as regular Parents' Evenings with your child's Key Person.

On starting St. Joseph's Playgroup, we gather information about your child's interests, strengths and needs and this is shared with all the staff and particularly their Key Person, who is then able to ensure your child is happy and settled at Playgroup.

Every day is an adventure

Ofsted approved

"Staff understand the areas of learning they teach and how young children learn best. All children, including those with special educational needs and/or disabilities, make good progress." (Ofsted Inspection 2019)

"Children are encouraged to think and learn about their emotions as they spend time with staff and share their feelings. The setting is calm, and behaviour is very good. Staff are very good role models." (Ofsted Inspection 2019)

"Relationships between children and staff are positive and respectful. Children's interactions show that they feel secure and safe in the playgroup." (Ofsted Inspection 2019)

We are proud to say that our most recent inspection by Ofsted rated the Playgroup as Good in all areas. Check out our Ofsted reports here.

What guides us

Mission:
To enable all children to be independent, confident happy learners, who are not afraid to take risks.

Vision:
Let the children be natural explorers. To initiate curiosity, wonder and awe in the environment and to be able to communicate their needs independently.

Values:

To create an enabling environment, with high quality learning opportunities for children from all backgrounds. To develop their learning through play, and by having nurturing and caring staff who have a passion for Early Years.