Page 33 - link magazine

See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com The Link Magazine • June 1999 33
Why is the system destroying
playgroups? erle y
Parents involved with pre-school playgroups are angry and frus- f/c{t Tbt ^ Ultimate s
trated with the difficulties of keeping them afloat.
Music and movement
Nationwide, 1,500 playgroups `Top To Toe*
have closed in the last year and for the under fives
local groups are struggling. Since Songs, nursery rhymes, Workouts now
the introduction of the last gov- old and new
ernment's voucher scheme, pri- available in your area
mary schools keen to increase Every Thursday morning
funding have been taking more 'l from 29th July Monday 8 to 9pm
under 5s into pre-receptionclasses. ^ f to 2nd September Westlea Primary School,
But, says Westlea mother Tracy k Langstone Way
Scaife, "some children are just too ; For more details
young for school." She pointed and prices, T '' Tuesday 8 to 9pm
out that neither pre-reception `. telephone 701104 .. Everybody's Gym,
classes nor free nurseries are able lane Norton, a Link and Learn Hillmead Industrial Estate
to offer the same staffing levels as
pre-schools playgroups. supervisor with under 3s at the group Wednesday 7.30 to 8.30pm
"The government must look at Because of the changes in school Churchfields School,
the pressures on playgroups; they entry, playgroups find themselves 1I$ CELLO AND
are essential to family life and as a with low numbers in the autumn Salcombe Grove
preparation for school." rising to a peak in the summer. PIANO TUITION Thursday 8.15 to 9.15pm
As secretary of the Link and Although currently a busy
Learn playgroup she felt it impor- group, Link and Learn will lose Upper Shaw Community
tant to remind people that play- two thirds of its 80 children at the Centre, Ridge Green
groups are run by volunteer par- end of this term which creates Sunday 10.30 to 11.30am
ent committees. "We rely on pa- funding turmoil.
rental support and participation; Changes in employment law Upper Shaw Community
there is a limit to how much a have recently driven up staffing Centre, Ridge Green
small number of volunteers can costs. Hefty rent increases at the Also music for special A friendly fun class
cope with. Link Centre may well prove to be occasions, weddings, etc. (with no jogging) suitable for all levels
"At times the pressure to keep the last straw. Any queries
the pre-school going is enormous. To find out more about Link and Sarah Higgins LWCMD call 01793 726659
It's a problem experienced faced Learn playgroup, drop in any Tel: (01793) 702127 Qualified experienced Fitness Instructor
by many groups across Britain." morning or call 875149 STILL Only £3.00 per session

`Friends of Thomas Weekend'
r Giving Your Child
am` at Swindon & Cricklade Railway, Blunsdon Station
The Best
Saturday 29th, Sunday 30th,
Monday 31st May In Quality Education
= '-- SWINDON'S REAL RAILWAY Ridgeway Pre-School
Inverary Road, Wroughton

Quality education and childcare
tp for 24 months to 5 years

Open 50 weeks a year, 8am-6pm
^.
Full range of schedules available
COME AND SEE ... PLAY, TRY & BUY
ON DISPLAY IN OUR FARMHOUSE GARDEN
Slides • Climbing Frames • Swings • Trampolines • Tractors/Trailers Qualified teachers following the
Sandpits • Play Sand • Nursery Equipment • Rubber Tiles & much more
nursery outcomes for learning

Please contact n n
All top quality timber Swing Frames • Slides • Play Houses
• Climbing Frames • Tree Houses • Sandpits, etc. Mrs G Simonds
Indoors: Infant Rocking Chairs • Tables • Desks • Dolls Houses on (01793) 845572
Garages • Castles • Farms • Toy Boxes & much more (Mrs Simonds is a trained
Directions: At J13 M4 take A34 towards Oxford. '' nursery inspector)
• 1st left to Beedon. Follow signs to Beedon through
World's End. 1st right to Hamstead Norreys. 3/4 mile on left
' Open Evening:
Thursday 24 June
' 1' I I II i 6.30pm - 9pm