Sessions

At St Mary’s we aim to be as flexible as possible due to us recognising that one size does not fit all, and one method does not suit every child. We pay close attention and develop caring relationships with the children and their parents, allowing for the adaptation of curriculum to meet the needs of everyone’s play and learning. We also try to do this with our session format but unfortunately at times we do have to run like a business in order to ensure the sustainability of the playgroup. We are open Monday to Friday during term time with a range of sessions running from 8am to 6pm. You can pick and choose whichever sessions suit you across the days and sessions below, but the sessions do need to be booked for a minimum of half-term. We apologise if this means your needs cannot be met.

We organise our sessions so that the children can choose from a range of activities which are suitable for the children in the setting. 

In doing so, they develop the ability to select a task and work through to its completion. These can be small or large, adult-led but are generally child-initiated. We have a wide range of toys and equipment. Many of the activities take place in our private garden, which is used daily, contributing to the children’s health, physical development of their knowledge of the world around them. We have a carpet time at the end of our two school day sessions, that contains a story or group activity like singing or musical instruments, which introduce your child to new experiences and encourage them to develop new skills, while learning to work with others.

Currently the playgroup accepts 15 hours funding for all 3 to 4 year olds as well as 2 year olds if eligible. Depending on availability, we also accept 30 hours funding for those 3 to 4 year olds who are eligible. Availability depends on the number of spaces available.

We also run a Before and after school club for 4 to 11 year olds from St Mary’s Church of England Primary School. It provides a wrap around care service for 2 to 4 year olds of playgroup too.

Please watch this space as we are hoping to set up holiday clubs very soon!