Pre-schools and playgroups

 A community playgroup is a place where pre-school children learn and develop through play in a safe, stimulating and caring environment. They learn to develop their social skills and experience high quality pre-school provision, with well trained staff supporting them in their development towards the Early Learning Goals of the Foundation Stage Curriculum.

All pre-schools and playgroups are registered with Ofsted and parents are usually able to use their entitlement to Nursery Education Funding.

Pre-schools and playgroups work locally with health centres, libraries and Social Services.

For parents and carers, the pre-school playgroup offers many opportunities to find support and make new friends while being actively involved in their child’s development. In addition, they are encouraged to become involved in the running of the playgroup, developing new skills. As a result, many parents and carers move on to further training in childcare offered by PATA.

Pre-schools and playgroups are working in partnership with schools and children’s centres to meet the Government’s 10-year Childcare Strategy.

Membership benefits:

• Advice, information and support from the PATA Centre about committees and regulations

• Useful publications including the PATA Business Pack

• Support with constitutional and charity issues

• Professional and friendly support from PATA’s dedicated Fieldwork Support Team.

• Training workshops at a preferential rate for parents, carers, committee, staff and volunteers

• Regular newsletters

• Groups in Need Fund

• Help when considering starting a playgroup

PATA member playgroups from outside Gloucestershire receive consultancy support from the Fieldwork Support Team and/or the Fieldwork Development Manager.

For the latest information about about playgroups, please contact the Fieldwork Development Manager at the PATA Centre 01452 541244 / 541245 or e-mail: playgroups@pataglos.org.uk