It might seem strange that a playgroup in Stutton is putting an article in the Tattingstone News but we are pleased to be able to welcome many children to Seals who live in Tattingstone.  We hope they are enjoying their time with us.

The Summer term is a funny time for Playgroup. We start to realise that some of the children will shortly be leaving us and going on to school. In a way this is a sad time, but it is also exciting for the children and a good opportunity to celebrate! To mark this momentous event in the children’s lives we invite a local photographer into Playgroup to take a group photo and also individual photos of the children for parents to purchase, should they so wish. We will also be planning an end of year party for the children and, as the weather is getting warmer, we are putting together an outing for the children.

As I write, it seems barely any time since our Easter holiday. St. George’s Day was at the end of our first week back, which gave us an excellent opportunity to build on the interests of the children in knights and dragons, castles and princesses. The children have enjoyed making things, dressing up and reading stories on the theme.

For those of you with children of 3 and 4 years of age, you may be aware that the free entitlement to childcare and early year’s education is increasing to 15 hours per week in the Autumn term. In line with this we will be changing our opening times to 9:00 – 12:00 for the morning session and 12:00 – 1:00 for the lunch session from September. Seals does take government funding so, if you would like to take advantage of this, please contact us for further information. (We will still be taking children from 2 ½ years of age for those of you who wish to use this service). If you’re looking for childcare and early years education for your pre-school child, please feel free to give us a call to arrange a visit.

Lesley Rayner, Chairman of the Playgroup Committee Penny Hynes, Playgroup Leader (Tel: 328090)