28 Jul 2024
A St Albans playgroup is hoping to bolster its numbers for the autumn by raising awareness of its services.
Fleetville Community Playgroup in Royal Road is a much-loved facility which has seen hundreds of children – including two whole generations of families – pass through its doors since it first opened 45 years ago.
But rather than rest on its laurels, it wants to attract a fresh wave of youngsters whose parents might not have been aware of its existence, despite its long history in the Fleetville area.
Manager Debbie Stallan has been in charge for 22 years, and prides herself on the low staff turnover and the strong and lasting relationships they build with children which helps them settle, grow and thrive.
“The child is always at the heart of everything we do. Our keyworkers are all parents and all of our own 10 children came here.
“We all love our jobs and are passionate about providing a stimulating environment to enable the children achieve their full potential while having fun.
“We aim to give them opportunities to explore an extensive range of resources that they might not have access to such as an large outside space with lots of wildlife, cooking once a week, sensory play, arts and crafts and of course all of the Early Years curriculum focusing on communication and language, physical development and personal and social development.”
The playgroup is the closest to Fleetville Infants and Nursery School, and many of the children continue their friendships when moving across there, ensuring a smooth transition.
Most families hear about the facility through recommendations, and happy parents have offered their own thoughts: “My eldest went to the playgroup and he thrived with his development. The staff are warm and welcoming, it feels like a home from home. We have now sent our second child and he is having the best time.”
“My child has come on leaps and bounds since attending. He looks forwards to going every day and his confidence and skills have grown daily. He adores all the staff that support the children and ensure they have a fun yet educational time”
“Our child attends once a week but he rushes in without so much of a goodbye. We are grateful for the pictures and video updates and enjoy hearing him enthusiastically talk about the activities he has participated in on his way home”.
“My child thrives and has learnt so much at this nurturing pre-school, it is such a warm and kind environment.”
Find out more about Fleetville Community Playgroup on their website: http://www.fleetvillecommunityplaygroup.org.uk/
An evening of cocktails and canapes to raise funds for the playgroup is taking place at Fleetville Community Centre on Saturday November 16 from 7-10pm. Tickets cost £30 each, and include a £10 donation to the playgroup and a strip of raffle tickets. They are available by emailing becsboozeandbites@gmail.com or calling 07359 183655.
