St. Briavels Playgroup

An update from Play Leader Jo: “All the children have settled well and we have been really busy exploring ice, feeding birds, celebrating Chinese New Year and most recently getting creative with recyclable material making models and 3d structures.”

“We no longer have a half term themes rather provocations taken from the children’s interests, observed in the previous week. Certain ideas, celebrations and topics are adult initiated, if it is felt that more knowledge in a certain area would benefit the children. I am using the black board as means of communication to let you know what is happening each week and if it is a topic which you feel you could support us in  please let us know, likewise please look around the room at our pictures and displays and in the planning book (Kept on the cupboard in playgroup) .”

“The picture cork board on the cupboard door had daily pictures detailing what we have done and finally remember to check your child’s learning journy for regular individual updates (In the wicker basket in the book corner).”

“I recently held a parent workshop about information sharing where I detailed how important this is to support continuity of care for each child. The next workshop will be on Wednesday 14th March 12.15 where we will discuss early maths skills and how you can support these at home.”

“During the playgroup session we are splitting the children into two groups daily to do focused activity sessions the 2-3’s activities tend to be more physical and are based around the individual children’s next steps these activities often take place in the hall or outside. The preschool children’s activities are more focused on Letters and sounds, number play, and activities taken form the next steps indentified by Key Persons Observations. We have had a very positive start to these sessions and the 10.30 slot seems to be an excellent time to do these as all the children are refuelled after snack! The preschool children that stay all day on a Monday are benefiting from a far less rushed lunch time and an hour of collaboration time with class 1. During this time the children get to explore class 1 and are developing confidence in this different environment which will aid their transition into school.”

“Finally, news about Forest Corner. After half term every child will be going out each week, I am going to take two groups on a Wednesday morning. The younger children (2-3) will go out between 9.15 -10.30 and the preschool children will go out from 10.30 -12.00 . Doing it this way means that every child can go out every week keep the continuity of the session which is beneficial to their overall development and confidence within playgroup. Please could children come to playgroup suitable dressed on a Wednesday with plenty of warm layers , hats, gloves , waterproofs (we have some spare sets in playgroup) and wellys we do venture out in all weathers I will be writing a duty rota at the end of this week, so please look out for these in your pigeon holes, remember  duty is voluntary however a worthwhile and extremely beneficial way of finding out about how playgroup runs , it is also a way of lending support to your playgroup there are always jobs to be done so if you have a skill which you are keeping hidden please let us know !”

“The annual parent questionnaire will be sent out before half term, please take a little time to fill this in as it really helps us to recognise the next steps in our practice and your views are vital to us continually developing our playgroup.”