Starting right

The playgroup at St Stephen's church hall on Woodsgate Park prides itself on its warm, relaxed and friendly approach which helps children develop and learn while they enjoy themselves.

Startright is open Monday to Friday during term time only, and provides pre-school experience for the under-5's. There is also a lunch club available between 12-1pm twice a week.

Supervisor Karen Saunderson runs the playgroup with deputy Carol Phillips and a team of six staff members.

There are 19 registered children at present with a capacity of up to 24, and Karen says that no two days are the same.

"This is a nice small playgroup - the children get quite a lot of one-to-one assistance - and we do a lot of different activities.

Karen began at the playgroup almost four years ago, having started a new career when her own daughter went to school. She began work at a nursery and taking qualifications in childcare and then the opportunity to work at Startright came up.

"I ended up taking up the challenge," she said.

"And it is...nowadays you can't just tip out a box of toys because it is like a mini-school and you have to follow a curriculum and plan activities. There is a lot of learning through play, and getting the children ready for school.

"This is a close playgroup - it is not too big, and it is not too clincial.

"We take all sorts of children, and we are inclusive - we have to be diverse."

The church hall is a hive of activity as different groups of children immerse themselves in the task at hand - whether it is looking at weather with staff member Lin Brookshaw, or making hyacinths for Mother's Day on the arts and crafts table, or playing with plastic bricks and shapes. The children also enjoy spending time outside and Startright is currently raising money to create a play garden area outside.

"It is quite challenging because you have all different types of children and different types of temperament. But it is about adapting...and learning all about what you can do best for them - and that is quite a challenge."

One dad commented: "It is a very caring and warm environment. My son always looks forward to going. After the first day he just wanted to go back for more."

Any parents interested are invited to visit and their child take part in a trial morning. For further details call Karen on 07958512011, or Carol on 07946062125.