At Ashwell Playgroup we offer a relaxed and friendly atmosphere where children are cared for in an environment that nurtures, protects and encourages learning. Through a variety of play opportunities, children are supported in developing a broad range of skills to help prepare them for the transition to Nursery School.  Following the national guidelines set out in the Early Years Foundation Stage, our well trained highly motivated team offers a wide range of activities both indoors and out; these include:-

Arts and crafts	Singing	Gardening
Music and movement	Cooking	Sand & water
Physical play	Role play	Exploring outdoors
Construction toys	Ball skills	Puppets
Rhymes & Stories	Turn taking games	Outings and visits

Some highlights for 2009 were:-

Village walks	Reading with school children
Road safety week	Trip to Standalone Farm
Visit to Ashwell Springs	Pets week
Sports day & picnic	Cakes for Comic Relief

New this year:

We are very excited to be involved in the new Holly Blue Children’s Centre which will be opening in Baldock next year, offering services and support for children and families in Baldock and the surrounding villages.  Network meetings with other practitioners, including Gloria’s and Ashwell school allow us to share good ideas and make the most of facilities available to us for the benefit of all the children.

“Thank you” to all the parents and other members of the community who have supported Ashwell Playgroup during the year through fundraising, social events, charitable donations etc.  We are especially grateful to the enthusiastic volunteers on the committee who have organised several really enjoyable fundraising events and raised much needed money to help us offer such a variety of activities and equipment for the children in our care.   

Ashwell Playgroup is a registered charity offering pre-school education to children aged between 2 yrs 6 mths and 4 yrs old.  Operating at the Village Hall, sessions run from 9.30am to 12.00 on Mondays, Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays during school term time. 

If you would like to find out more, come along to our open days in May, (see Ashwell News or village posters for details) or phone for an information pack:

                                          Jo Adams  Playgroup Leader     01462 742090         Kate Harrison  Chair of Playgroup   743217

In November 2007 the OFSTED inspector judged Ashwell Playgroup’s provision to be good in every category.  To read the full report, go to www.ofsted.gov.uk/reports (URN146861)