About Us

A committee run playgroup in the heart of the thriving Woodchester community. Registered as a charity we have been established for over 30 years. 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:

A unique child
Positive relationships
Enabling environments
Learning and development

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

Personal, social and emotional development
Communication and Language
Physical

SPECIFIC AREAS

Literacy
Mathematics
Understanding the World
Expressive Arts and Design

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

Testimonials

"It’s great for her to mix with children of different ages, and we have great communication from her key worker and staff. We were particularly impressed with how they have handled the difficulties in operating during 2020, and are confident that staff always put the children first.

Staff & Committee Members

Bev Fowler: Playgroup Leader

I have worked at Woodchester Playgroup since 2016 but have been involved for many years before as my three children all attended. I have a level 3 diploma in Nursery Nursing (NNEB) and have many years experience working with children. I also run Woodpeckers After School Club for children from Woodchester Endowed Primary School. In my spare time I enjoy running, walking, gardening, upcycling and camping trips with my family in our VW camper van.

Rachael Kipling

'The team are great - so engages with the kids, thoughtful and supportive, I love the atmosphere there, and the space is great too. Would highly recommend!'

Ruth Bradley-Jones

Cherril Wenban - Deputy Playgroup Leader/SENCo

I have been qualified in childcare level 3 for over 10 years. I have worked at Woodchester Playgroup since 2017.

In my spare time, I love to sew, do cross stitch, sketch, paint anything craft related. I enjoy walking with my dogs and love to do gardening.

'The staff always seem so happy to work there which is a testament to how great the playgroup is. i couldn't wish for a better environment for my daughter in her early years.'

Jess Rivers

Frankie - Playgroup Assistant

I am a Newly Qualified Early Years teacher with over 10 years experience supporting the development of children and young people. I spent my formative years studying the Arts and enjoy using creativity to enrich my practice.

I am especially passionate about Early Years Education and feel totally privileged to work in this vocation.

In my spare time I like to seek out adventures with my young family, be creative, spend quality time with friends and loved ones and keep fit when the opportunity arises.

'My children have absolutely loved Woodchester playgroup. The caring staff go above and beyond to find fun things for the children to do, encouraging growing independence and helping wonderful friendships develop.'

Rose Mitchell

Sarah - Playgroup Assistant

I have an NVQ level 3 in early childhood and education and have worked with children in playgroups and day nurseries for 12 years.

In my free time, I enjoy baking, arts and crafts, going for walks with my family, and exploring the local countryside.

Emma - Playgroup Assistant

I have an NVQ 3 in childcare and education, and have worked within the early years sector for over 20 years.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, knitting and playing the piano, and going for a walk with my dog.

Playgroup Committee

Woodchester Playgroup is a charity and is committee run, which means it is managed by a group of parents and community members. The committee are voluntary directors of this charity. The committee are an essential part of this playgroup as without them to run the setting Woodchester Playgroup would have to close. If no committee come forward each year playgroup could be closed following the AGM.

What do they do? The committee are responsible for managing funds,deciding on outings,organising events,fundraising, making decisions and managing the staff.

Rachel Lee
Chair

Samantha Hartt

Secretary

Erin Windless

Treasurer

Em Birch
Committee Member

How to get involved?
We are always on the look out for enthusiastic fundraisers who would be happy to help out at one of our events.

Committee members usually change at the AGM held in June. If you are interested please ask a member of the committee or make the Playgroup Leader aware. Each year we begin handover in the summer term to allow people time to learn the roles before they are responsible for them.

What are the roles?

Chair - leads the committee and oversees the administrative tasks. Chairing meetings and working closely with the playgroup leader

Treasurer- Responsible for overseeing the finances of playgroup and managing the accounts. Other tasks include preparing the annual budget, overseeing expenditure, signing cheques, banking and reconciling petty cash. A background in accounting would be ideal.

Company Secretary - They will take, distribute and keep a record of meeting agendas and minutes. They will communicate with parents in collaboration with the Chair

Other Committee Members - These directors attend and vote on committee meeting agenda items, support the committee and are delegated tasks throughout the year.

How often are meetings?

Meetings are held once a half term plus an annual general meeting in June. 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.

Steven Williams
Committee Member