St Cuthbert's Online
Old School Playgroup

Old School Playgroup image At the Old School Playgroup we aim to provide a happy, safe environment with a Christian ethos for children aged between 2 years 9 months and 5 years. Children of all abilities are welcome and a special needs policy is in place (copy available at the Old School). We are open five mornings a week in term time from 9am to 12 noon all year round, with extra afternoon sessions in the spring and summer terms according to demand. Our term usually coincides with that of local schools. The Playgroup is run by four full time staff and a number of part-time voluntary helpers. All staff are qualified to the appropriate level and undertake extensive regular training. A rigorous Child Protection Policy is in place. Our work is overseen by a Management Committee made up of representatives from St.Cuthbert's, the local community, staff and parents.

Your child's morning will follow a structured timetable which will cover all the six areas of learning stipulated by OFSTED:

•  Social Skills
•  Mathematics
•  Physical Development
•  Mathematics
•  Knowledge and Understanding of the World
•  Creative Development

Old School Playgroup student We offer a wide range of activities including: painting, gluing, cutting, jigsaws, building, Playdough, sand & water, Brio, dressing up and role play, reading corner, music & movement, singing, pre-school room etc. All children are observed and progress is recorded and dated for parents' information. We possess extensive outdoor play facilities, consisting of a grassed and hard surfaced area where the children are encouraged to enjoy both free and structured play. There is a mid-morning break for milk and biscuits when children can also experience different foods. Parents are welcome to come in at any time of the morning to discuss their child's progress.

Comments by OFSTED (Oct. 2000):

"Teaching is a great strength of the playgroup. The quality of interaction and management of behaviour is excellent."

"Most aspects of children's personal, social and emotional development are fostered very well."

"The children are made to feel important and special."

"Mathematical development is promoted very effectively and the children are making very good progress in this area."

"The development of children's speech and confidence in communicating is a strength."

"A very good informal partnership with parents and carers has been established and they support their children's learning well."

"The staff are talented at providing activities which are fun for children and effectively promote progress."


Old School Playgroup students We are delighted to offer places to children from any cultural or religious background and will endeavour to cater for any special needs your child may have. Children can be admitted to Playgroup as soon as they reach the age of 2 years and 9 months. This age limit is set by Social Services and applies to all Playgroups in Stockport. It can only be varied in exceptional circumstances and with the prior agreement of Social Services. Whilst we will endeavour to do everything possible to ensure that your child obtains a place, admission is on a strictly 'first come first served' basis. Please call in on any weekday morning to register your child as far in advance as possible. For younger children places will normally be limited to two sessions per week.

Fees
Fees are currently £5.00 per session and are payable half-termly in advance. There is no refund for absence due to illness or holidays. At least one half-term's notice is required before a child is removed from Playgroup. The Old School Playgroup forms part of the Stockport Early Years Development Plan. Consequently, once your child has reached the age of eligibility, the cost of their place will be fully covered by the local authority for up to five sessions per week. Please ask for further details.

The Old School, Councillor Lane, Cheadle, Cheshire, SK8 2BY.
email: playgroup@stcuthberts.org

And finally... the Playgroup has come a long way since the Old School was first built:

Very old photo of the school