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.
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Amy Harris, our playgroup manager, joined us this September. With her passion and knowledge of early years she joins an amazing team of staff who have shaped the playgroup into a setting that cares for children, motivating and inspiring their learning in an enabling environment.
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.
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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.
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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
"Children are confident and demonstrate a love for learning at this inviting playgroup. Staff warmly welcome children as they arrive, helping them to transition well and start their day calmly and settled. Staff provide a learning environment that is inclusive, engaging and tailored to the needs of the children." (Ofsted Inspection 2025)
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"Children participate enthusiastically in warm-up sessions set to music. They listen well to instructions and move their bodies in different ways, marching, galloping and stretching. Staff are highly responsive, and interactions with children are purposeful and rooted in strong knowledge of child development." (Ofsted Inspection 2025)
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​"Staff promote positive attitudes to learning... Staff act as positive role models and reinforce respectful, empathetic
behaviour. Children are kind and caring towards each other." (Ofsted Inspection 2025)
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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.
Our Team
Amy Harris
Manager
Designated Safeguarding Lead
BA Honours Degree in Early Childhood Education
Level 3 Paediatric First Aid
Emma Spears
Special Educational Needs Coordinator and Key Person
Designated Safeguarding Lead
NVQ Level 3 Early Years Care and Education
Level 3 Certificate for Early Years Special Educational Needs Coordinator
Level 3 Paediatric First Aid
Lorraine Smith
Key Person
Level 3 Paediatric First Aid
Jo Cedron
Key Person
Level 3 Paediatric First Aid
Clare Edwards
Key Person
CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
Level 3 Award on Paediatric First Aid
Robyn Sharp
Key Person
NVQ Level 3 Children's Care & Learning and Dev
Level 3 Paediatric First Aid
Becky Oates
Key Person
CACHE Level 3 Diploma in Child Care and Education
Level 4 in Early Years Practice
Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid
Besijana Mipra
Key Person
Level 3 Award in Paediatric First Aid
