ABOUT
Hello and welcome to Groomsport Playgroup and childcare center
Groomsport Playgroup and childcare center is a well established, private childcare centre based in a rural area on the outskirts of Groomsport, County Down. We have our own premises with a large outdoor play area. We offer a holistic approach to learning in line with the Pre-School Curricular Guidance (NI). At Groomsport Playgroup, we strive to create an environment that is loving and supportive to ensure children are given every possible opportunity to thrive. At every stage, the children are given an awareness and understanding of the world around them. Our curriculum is enlivened and enriched by good staff to children ratios, personal knowledge of the children and their families. A big aim we have is to try to work in partnership with our parents as much as possible and encourage parents to be involved in their child's learning, development and daily life in Playgroup. We use the Seesaw app for parents to keep up-to-date with all that is going on in Playgroup as well as receive daily photos, videos and comments about your child. We also hold regular open days so that parents can come into Playgroup, have a look around at what we have been up to and meet some of your child's friends that they play with in Playgroup. Our flexible childcare sessions are now for 2024 and we welcome all children from aged 2 to 7 years old. We offer school and pre-school pick-ups within the local area. We open term time; similar to the local Primary Schools and are open Monday - Friday from 8am - 5:30pm. We offer an hourly rate so you only pay for your scheduled days - no payments neccessary when we are closed!
Meet the team
Auntie Shelley
Auntie Megan
Auntie Heather
Auntie Laura
Auntie Patrycja
Our staff are a closely knit team who are all registered with Access NI and checked by Social Services and the Department of Education. Each member of staff is trained in first aid, child protection, fire safety and food hygiene. We continually update staff training and professional practice each year through attending various courses.
Mission Statement
Our mission is to work in partnership with families, providing a safe, stimulating and diverse environment, which will enrich the lives of all involved.
Mission statement
Our
Aims
It is our aim that all children should be given the opportunity to:
- Grow in self-confidence, experience success and thus develop a good self image.
- Develop at their own rate through challenging, progressive play.
- Learn to play co-operatively and share with others.
- Communicate thoughts, ideas and feelings clearly to both adults and children.
- Deepen and lengthen concentration through their natural spontaneous curiosity and interests.
- Choose and explore a wide range of materials which allow them to express themselves appropriately and creatively.
- Share in the wonder and excitement created by books, stories, songs, rhymes, music and the natural environment.
- Enjoy the satisfaction of work well done and share with their parents.
Our aims
Our
Values
- Young children are entitled to their childhood.
- All children are treated equally.
- As well as the primary needs, the need for acceptance, love, approval, encouragement and security are crucial to the development of the young child and to the promotion of a good self-image.
- Parents are valued as their children's first educators and are viewed as active partners of the Playgroup staff.
- It is in the nature of the young child to be active. Purposeful and structured play is vital to all aspects of his/her development.
- The child's past experiences, individual attributes and abilities should be recognised, accepted and built upon.
Our values
Our values
Opening hours
Opening
Hours
8am-9am: Breakfast Club
9am-11:30am: AM Session
11:30am-12:30pm: Lunch Club
12:30pm - 5:30pm: Flexible childcare