top of page

About Us

We are a registered charity and committee run, playgroup in the heart of the thriving Woodchester community.  A dedicated and wonderful small team of staff encourage the children to flourish and grow. We are set within the grounds of Woodchester school and operate from our own building with an enclosed garden for outdoor play. We also have use of the school playground. 
Woodchester Playgroup is managed by a committee of volunteer parents who are elected each year.

We follow Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) guidelines to ensure all children have the opportunity to develop their potential while with us. ​

 

The aim of the EYFS is to ensure that children learn and develop well and are kept healthy and safe. It promotes teaching and learning to ensure children are provided with the knowledge and skills that provide the right foundation for good progress through school and life.

 

The EYFS principles are grouped into four themes and commitments:

 

  1. A unique child

  2. Positive relationships

  3. Enabling environments

  4. Learning and development

 

These in turn cover the seven areas of development, PRIME AREAS are:

 

  1. Personal, social and emotional development

  2. Communication and Language

  3. Physical

 

SPECIFIC AREAS

 

  1. Literacy

  2. Mathematics

  3. Understanding the World

  4. Expressive Arts and Design

 

To discover more about the EYFS guidelines click here to download the pdf.

Meet The Team & Committee Members
Profile picture_edited.jpg

Sophie Cooper: Playgroup Manager

I have worked in childcare for over 15 years and have gained a lot of experience, to go with my passion throughout that time, as well as being a mum to two teenage boys. I look forward to working with everyone to provide a fun, educational and nurturing setting, within the local community. I have lots of ideas, as well as lots of energy to make the playgroup continue to maintain its high standards. ​

Sabine framed.png

Sabine Rickett: Play Assistant
I have a Level 3 diploma in childcare and early years. I have worked in Woodchester playgroups since January 2025, but I have been working with children since I left college at the age of 19. I have two daughters, and in my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family, reading, dancing, walking and singing.

Profile Pic SK.jpg

Sarah Knight: Deputy Manager

I am Level 3 qualified, have a real passion for childcare and have over 18 years of experience working with young children.  I find watching children growing and developing, learning new things and building their own unique personalities extremely rewarding. 

I have 3 children ranging from their teens to their twenties, all of whom are now taller than me! As a family, our favourite place is Cornwall, where we enjoy beach walks and being outside together with our dog, Monty.

I am a happy, bubbly person, and a child at heart.  I love anything creative, smiles are a must, and I look forward to a good bear hunt!

Playgroup Committee

Woodchester Playgroup is a registered charity, which means we are run by a committee.

 

To meet our charity requirements:

​

  • At least 40% of committee members must be parents of children currently attending the playgroup.

  • A minimum of 5 members is required for the committee to be officially formed.

  • In line with our constitution, the committee meets at least three times per year.​

 

Without a functioning committee, Woodchester Playgroup cannot open.

Emma Steinberg

Chair

Will Humphries

Secretary

Leo Steinberg

Treasurer

Jess Rivers
Committee Member

Bex Harris
Committee Member

Alex Wheeler
Committee Member

Mark Lemon
Committee Member

Ellie Gillingham
Committee Member

Join the Committee

 

We formally invite parents to join the committee each Autumn term, but new members are welcome at any time throughout the year

 

If you are interested in joining the Committee, contact us or make the Playgroup Leader aware. 

 

Committee Structure
 

The committee is made up of a core team, which includes:

​

  • Chairperson

  • Secretary

  • Treasurer

 

While the above roles provide helpful coordination and leadership, every member plays an important part in shaping our direction and supporting our activities. We value collaboration and encourage active involvement from all members to help build an inclusive and effective committee

​

Without a committee, Woodchester Playgroup cannot open.

​

How often are meetings?

​

Meetings are held termly with our annual general meeting in October. Additional meetings for fundraisers are held when needed. If you would like to get involved with just fundraising this is brilliant. We are always open to new ideas.

Our Committee Members
bottom of page