Philosophy, aims & values
Chequers Playgroup is a registered charity managed by a committee of parents run for children in Hempnall and the surrounding area. It is Ofsted regulated and works in close connection with Norfolk County Council Early Years Team.
Age & numbers of children
The Playgroup is registered for a maximum of 26 children per session in the main village hall (maximum of 14 children aged from 2 years – 3 years in any one session). On a Wednesday we are registered for a maximum of 22 children as we run the session in a smaller room.
The Wednesday session is for those due to start school in the following September (called 'Rising 5's'). Our Playgroup offers education and care for children below school age and over the age of 2 years. We accept the funding scheme offered by the Government for children who are aged between 3 – 5 years.
Our aims
Our Aim is:
- To enhance the development and education of children under statutory school age in partnership with parents/carers within a community-based group.
- To provide a safe, secure and stimulating environment.
- To plan and provide appropriate learning opportunities and experiences for 2 and 3 year olds within the Birth to Three Matters Framework and, for children aged 3 to 5, within the Foundation Stage Curriculum.
- To recognise and appreciate each child's individuality in terms of interests, learning styles and developmental stages, and to plan to meet each child's individual needs.
What we offer
We offer:
- A curriculum leading to approved learning outcomes.
- Individual care and attention made possible by a high ratio of adults to children.
- Fun and friendship with children and other adults.
- Opportunities for families to be directly involved in the activities of the Playgroup and in the child's progress.
Your child's experience at Chequers
We want children to feel safe and happy in the absence of their parent/carers, to recognise other adults as a source of authority, help and friendship and to be able to share with their parent/carers afterwards the new learning experiences enjoyed in the Playgroup.
We believe that a child's early experiences should be of high quality and suited to their own individual needs and interests. We encourage learning through play, which is our main philosophy, in a caring and happy environment in which children can make friends and feel secure with those around them.
With a wide range of resources the children are provided with plenty of opportunities to explore and experiment in their learning and, in turn, develop socially, emotionally, physically, intellectually and creatively.