OUR AIM AT LADYBIRD PLAYGROUP
To provide an exciting and stimulating environment in which to learn and develop as individuals and to make new friends.
WHERE WE ARE
We are based within the grounds of Thriplow Church of England Primary School, surrounded by meadows with horses. We have a wonderful rural environment on our doorstep.
STARTING AT LADYBIRD PLAYGROUP
We welcome children from 2.5 to 4.5 years of age. Admission is flexible to suit all families. We encourage visits to the setting, prior to starting, and can offer home visits if required. We recommend a minimum of two sessions (over more than one day) per week, as this helps children to develop a routine. However the choice remains yours.
SESSION TIMES
We have a variety of session choices to suit your needs. Please see current session sheet for further details. Monday is our Pre-School Day, focusing on more structured learning for those preparing to start school the following September – this includes the offer of a hot meal which is aimed at familiarising the children with the school lunch routine. Tuesday – Friday are mixed Pre-School & Playgroup sessions, and if the children attend the Playgroup between 12.00 p.m. – 1.00 p.m., a packed lunch is required.
SESSION BOOKING AND BILLING
Ladybird has a £15 booking fee ; once you have committed to specific sessions any changes to these require a half term written notice. Our Treasurer will provide you with a bill each half term. In line with other playgroups & nurseries, fees are due on the child’s nominated days, irrespective of whether the child is absent due to holidays or sickness. We are registered by both OFSTED and to accept Early Years Education Funding. This is available to all children from the term after their third birthday. You can therefore choose sessions that suit you, using some or all of your funding with us (see Current Sessions and Fee Schedule). We are also registered to accept many childcare voucher schemes.
EXTENDED HOURS
BREAKFAST CLUB: We offer a Breakfast Club for school children as well as those over 4 years, term time 8.00 a.m. till 9.00 a.m. Healthy breakfasts are provided enabling parents/carers the chance to miss the rush hour etc with the knowledge that their children are in a safe, caring environment.
AFTER SCHOOL CLUB: An after school club, run by the school, is also offered to school children and those over 4 years, term time 3.15 p.m. until 6.00 p.m. More details on request, please contact 01763 208013.
HELPING AT LADYBIRD
Parents are welcome, at any time even with younger siblings for you to experience the fun in our early years setting. We appreciate that some parents work and that helping is not always possible on a regular basis. Staff do, however, invite ideas and suggestions from all. There are many ways you can help with either the children’s activities or by sharing skills.
WHAT GOES ON
We plan themes, with activities linked to the six areas of learning, from the Early Years Foundation Stage, which the children are encouraged to participate in.
PLAYGROUP SESSIONS
Personal, social and emotional independence starts to develop on entering. Children are encouraged to find their own coat peg, self-register and choose their snack-time drink, which could be milk or water. Children are supported by staff until they feel confident to tackle these tasks themselves. Each playgroup session is organised with a similar routine. On arrival these start with a group registration time and discussion of the activities available that day, as well as revealing the child chosen as the days “Helper”. Daily sessions have both structured and free choice activities both indoors and outside. Children are encouraged to self-select. Snack-time is a social activity, with opportunities for sharing, turn-taking and discussions. Children are offered a wide range of healthy foods from around the world, which are distributed by the “Helper” of the day. Water is available throughout the session on request. We hold annual events such as the Playgroup Nativity Play and Sports Day as well as intermittent local outings which are arranged for the children to visit places around Thriplow village, for example the farm, garage, cricket ground, recreation ground and places of interest. We also invite the school to join in with activities including visits from e.g. the fire service or police.
PRESCHOOL SESSIONS
Pre-school sessions, on Mondays, are more structured and the children separate into small groups for focused learning activities and we have some themed and free-choice time. We have a Library from which the children select a book to share at home with parents, carers & siblings on a weekly basis. Activity bags are also borrowed to help develop skills at home. We work closely with Ants, the Thriplow Primary School Reception Class, visiting for stories, sharing activities and visits. Our staff have a wealth of training, experience and enthusiasm.
PARENT COMMITTEE
Ladybird Playgroup is run as a charity and as such is required to have a Parent Committee, which is essential to the continuation of the Playgroup. The AGM is held in September with regular half-term meetings. Parents, Grandparents and Carers are all warmly welcome to join us. Help from every parent is vital, especially for the fundraising, as this is an important way to fund the Playgroup and maintain the affordable fees. Previous experience is not at all necessary. We enjoy a huge variety of fundraising events throughout the year, with emphasis on fun for the whole family! This is also a good way to meet up with other parents and your child's friends. Regular newsletters are circulated to keep you updated with upcoming events and information on the Playgroup.
UNIFORM
Ladybird sweatshirts, t-shirts and bookbags are available to buy from the setting. These help enormously to identify the children as “Ladybirds” and also gives them a sense of belonging, not to mention preventing the children from spoiling their home clothes! |
