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We work very closely alongside Whiteshill Playgroup, which is situated in the Guide Hut, next to the shop, just down the hill from the School. Many of the children who start at Whiteshill have come through this excellent setting as they prepare to arrive at school. Whiteshill Playgroup has recently been reinspected by Ofsted and received ‘good’ in all four areas in January 2025.
The Play Leader, Anna, used to work as an art teacher at the school which has given her a unique insight into our school life and a chance to work alongside many of our current members of staff.
We work closely with Playgroup throughout the year in a range of ways. We collaborate on a number of projects, including Design and Technology and Literacy. Last year, Elm Class designed and made toys for the children at Playgroup, who then came up to the school to test them out. It gave the Elm Class children a sense of purpose of creating for a real audience and the Playgroup Children felt very special having custom toys made especially for them!
When it is the time of year for school photos, the Playgroup children come up to the hall and have their photos professionally taken, which is fantastic if there are any siblings attending both school and Playgroup.
The Playgroup arranges visits to our playground, so the children can run around and play together in a different environment. They are also able to visit the library. These visits increase in the Summer Term, which is particularly beneficial to all the preschool children who will be attending Whiteshill School the following September. Anna has worked closely with the teachers of Willow Class to ensure an effective transition period. During the summer term, the pre-school children attend a range of transition sessions, working with their upcoming class teacher and also the Year 5 children who will become their Year 6 buddies in September when they start school. This transition period ensures that by the time the children arrive at school for their Reception year, they are comfortable with the setting and happy to come into school each day.
Whiteshill playgroup take children from age 2 years upwards and are open Tuesday to Friday (term time) from 08.30am – 3.00pm. If you are interested in booking a place for your child, you can contact them via email on admin@whiteshillplaygroup.co.uk or by phone on 07591 240203 or visit their website at: www.whiteshillplaygroup.co.uk