The past twelve months has seen the playgroup in Grindleford change radically into a family focused, child centred place to send your child. Under the leadership of the management committee and the Supervisor Rebecca Stephenson, numbers have risen so dramatically that new staff members are needed!

Extended opening hours, carefully considered routine and the fantastic forest school have all contributed to the changes, plus dedicated staff mean that it really is ,’a very happy place’ and ‘my child looks forward to coming every day’ say two of its parents.

‘I am delighted that we are able to offer each child, a unique start to their education. That starting point is to value each and every child. We are very much about meeting the child where they are, as opposed to forcing set ideas onto them. I believe that the pre-school years are for play! To make friends and gain an understanding of themselves and their surroundings’ says Rebecca. ‘We are so fortunate, that the local community is very much behind us-ranging from ladies from the WI baking with the children each Monday, to running events alongside the village shop.’ The forest school is supported by playgroup staff, trained forest school leaders and regular volunteers.’My child cannot wait for Wednesdays, and asks me each morning if today is the day!’ is a common statement from parents.The allotment has been a huge success, along with local crafts people coming into playgroup to work with the children. Local potter Madeline Gay said during her recent visit, ‘I wish this playgroup had existed when my children were small. They would have loved coming here! It is such a lovely place!’

The Friday Mud Kitchen, is also a highlight of the week for many. Between the hours of 1000-1130hrs, mud kitchen toddlers operates alongside the normal playgroup session. This is an opportunity, for parents to see how things have changed for themselves in recent times. Plus eat toast,drink tea and meet other families!

‘My vision for playgroup, is one where children feel safe, secure and loved- so then they are free to get in with the serious business of learning through play’ says Rebecca.

If you would like any further information about GRINDLEFORD AND EYAM PLAYGROUP please either contact the Supervisor on 07812425561 or use our contact form.

I don’t know if Chinese New Year has passed you by, but for us at playgroup, it has expanded to cover two weeks! During and after our Friday mud kitchen session, a dragon was created and enjoyed for hours by the playgroup kids. The dragon took centre stage at lunch, during outside play and in the story.

As I look back over the delights of this week at playgroup – chinese dragon-creating, baking melting moments, tackling mini assault courses, Candlemas at Grindleford church, stick sculptures at Forest School – I am struck by the array of opportunities our children have. Your children also afford us so many opportunities for growth and development, all in the name of childcare, dragons included!

Playgroup children took part in this year’s Christingle service at Grindleford St. Helens church on Christmas Eve.  The service was led by our very own supervisor, Becca, who used her knowledge of the local children well.  They were involved throughout the service as were playgroup volunteers and parents. Obviously the main attraction being the Christingle itself – not many left the building with the sweets still present! Yum yum!

For the second time, Grindleford and Eyam Playgroup joined forces with the playgroup in Hathersage for the Advent Spiral. It is an opportunity for a moment of pause before the onslaught, that is Christmas. Hosted by the National Trust at the Moorlands Visitor Centre, it is truly a magical time. The children are invited to light a candle from the centre of the room, and place it on the spiral. Carols are sung and families from the community come together for a chance to be. A really special event which will be repeated next Christmas.

Some beautiful Christmassy clay creations made by the children at last week’s mud kitchen, inspired by one of our wonderful Friday volunteers Geraldine Brown.

Grindleford and Eyam Playgroup just hosted children’s activities alongside The National Trust at the Shatton Apple Day – lovely time had by all despite the rain! What a joyful event to support – live music, beautiful locally produced food and crafts and the sight of crowds of people pressing their own apple juice. Young and not so young had a go at clay boggarts and apple printing bunting – fantastic!

Last Saturday we held our first annual apple day. Thank you to all who helped pick, wash, chop and crush the apples into delicious apple juice. Home made soup, bread and cakes and a gaggle of assorted animals all added to the pleasantness of the day. Thanks to everyone who helped make the day so special. We were able to serve the juice at our Mud Kitchen Toddler Group this Friday and delicious it was! We will most certainly hold a similar event next year, so book the first weekend in October as a must for all the family!

Our new Mud Kitchen Fridays have been a huge hit with the children producing some gloriously muddy potions, splattered cakes and lots of other carefully crafted creations! We have started welcoming in the grown-ups too to the Mud Kitchen Toddler Group, which is part of our Friday pre-school sessions – and it is magic to see the older pre-schoolers interacting happily with our younger visitors.

So Friday is now … Mud Kitchen Toddler Group

Fridays 10-11.30am Grindleford Pavilion – For parents and children 0-4 years £2/child

Outdoor mud kitchen, indoor play area, children’s crafts and snack included. Places limited to 10 adults on the day

For more information call Becca on 07842 095402