Page 31 - link magazine

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See us on the net @ www.swindonlink.com The Link Magazine • Ma 1999 31
Pre-schools do matter, but they are closing fast

As local playgroups face increasing difficulties, the Pre-school Learning Alliance (PLA) is trying to raise awareness of the importance
of pre-schools, leading up to its national celebration day on 12 May, writes Gina Dennis.
Since the introduction of the early years education, many chil- employment, doing things they four. If they are happy, why move
voucher scheme by the last Con- dren are still being taken into re- didn't think they could do. Play- them."
servative Government, primary ception rather than nursery classes groups provide education for the Without playgroups, Swindon
schools keen to expand provision where staff ratios are much higher. family." Council would be unable to de-
have been absorbing more and The curriculum may be less well What is not always realised is liver its promise to make educa-
more under 5s into pre-reception suited to the needs of under 5s. that parents do have the right to tion available to all 4 year olds. As
classes. This boosts school income Space and equipment, both in the choose whether their children go numbers peak in the summer term,
but is not necessarily in the best classroom and outside, may be in- to school, playgroup or private up to 35% of four year olds attend
interests of the children. adequate and inappropriate. nursery until the term after they pre-schools rather than state
Nationwide, 1,700 playgroups Swindon Pre-school Develop- are five. But some parents experi- schools or nurseries.
have closed in the last year. ment Worker Veronica Gray says, ence peer pressure to send their The government has acknowl-
Four year olds in pre-school " playgroups offer not only a good child to school at 4. Schools are edged the importance of pre-
playgroups are offered a curricu- pre-school education but also pa- known to persuade parents to reg- schools and their current difficul-
lum and staff ratios suited to their rental involvement. Parents who ister their child, arguing that they ties. Education Minister Margaret
needs, usually 1:6 or 1:8. Although manage pre-schools find resources will be worse off financially, im- Hodge has promised a review and
schools have been working hard in themselves which enable them plying that there may not be a place £500,000 is to be granted to the
to give infant teachers training in to go on to further education or to for a child if there is delay. PLA nationally, from which local
Many parents simply assume groups will benefit. In particular,
that going to school early will help the money will provide support
their child get a head start, but Pat through the Autumn term when
Raising cash: an essential part of pre-schools
Connolly of Freshbrook playgroup the outflow of four year olds into
Children at Peatmoor's Wood- says, "the vouchers can be used in school results in badly depleted
lands Playgroup spent a busy playgroups; children do not have numbers, and therefore creates fi-
morning at the end of last term to go to school when they turn nancial problems for groups.
catching, throwing, jumping and
clambering through play tunnels
to raise money for group funds.
A total of £120 was raised to be
spent on a camera to record play-
group activities and to support a NORTHERN ROAD NURSERIES
trip to Roves Farm on 29 April.
Woodlands Playgroup, which la Northern Road, Swindon
meets in Peatmoor social hall, is a
small friendly group which em- Arriving now: alpines and heathers 85p each
phasises its higher than usual adult Roses £2.50
to child ratio. Places are available. Clematis from £3.95
Call Nicki Sellars on 882429 for Hanging basket selection (12 plants) £7.50
details.
Sponsored fun, from left, Megan
Longworth, Amy Holmes, Josh Large variety of assorted
Webber, Katy Sellars plug plants
Tel: 535580
Post natal exercise
Shapeup with confidence in a small friendly class run specifically for
women six weeks post natal and over.
Safe, appropriate exercises for all levels of fitness is given by inde- • THE
pendent post natal exercise instructor Ruth Barrett on Fridays,l0am to
11.1 5am, during term time at Toothill Church. Babies can be accommo- CC ad
dated. For more details call 886394 or just turn up. E'! ,. little tikes
Parents and babes up north TOY•
Abbey Meads Parents and Tinys meets on Friday mornings at 10am in • COMPANY
Church House, 1 Hayward Close, close to Abbey Meads village centre.
There are toys for children to play with and it is a chance for parents
and carers to chat. For details, call Maureen Spinks on 706558.
Information exchange
The North Swindon Family Centre holds an information point for
Abbey Meads residents in the community centre on Elstree Way on
Tuesday, 1pm to 2.30pm. Drop in to meet the NSPCC workers or call
705810.
Move for women westward
Women Out West is a social group for women, with or without
children. As a result of the Link Centre price increases, they will now
be meeting at Freshbrook Evangelical Church Hall, Worsley Road, on
Friday mornings, 9.30 - 11.30.
There is a small weekly charge of £1 to cover room costs and coffee but
the creche is free when there is a speaker or trainer.
The May programme: TEL: 01635 248683 FAX: 01635 247779
7 May Coffee morning 14 May To be arranged LANGLEY FARM, WORLD'S END, BEEDON, NEWBURY
21 May Quilling workshop 28 May Visit to jardinerie Garden Centre
E-mail us at: [email protected] • Web site: www.activetov.co.uk
For further details, ring Kerrie on 875820 or Hazel on 871248.