Playgroups

Finding a playgroup

To find a playgroup with vacancies in Wolverhampton, visit the the Childcare Link website. Further information and advice is available from Wolverhampton Children's Information Service.

What age range are the children in a playgroups?

Children in playgroups are usually aged between three and five but often there are places for two year olds as well.

When are playgroups open?

Playgroups are usually open during school term time. Most offer sessions of three hours – either every day or on several days during the week.

What about full-time childcare?

A number of playgroups are developing their services to offer longer sessions or full time day-care. Some parents choose to arrange for their child-minder to take their children to playgroup; others may choose to use other types of daycare, e.g. nursery. please see separate leaflet “Choosing a nursery class or nursery school”.

How much does a playgroup cost?

Fee vary so contact the Wolverhampton Children's Information Service for details of prices and costs.

How do I find a playgroup?

First of all you know your child best – look for a playgroup you feel will suit your child. Help in making this decision is provided on a separate leaflet – 'Choosing Childcare – What to Look For – Top 10 questions to ask'.

Wolverhampton Children’s Information Service can tell you more about playgroups near to your home. The Childcare Link free also provides details.

What will my child do at playgroup?

A child will usually begin the first stage of the National Curriculum called the Foundation Stage that focuses on the distinct needs of children aged three until the end of the the reception year of primary school.

It is a broad, balanced and purposeful curriculum, delivered through planned play activities to help ensure all children have the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Children will develop skills such as speaking, listening, persistence, as well as early reading, writing and numeracy so that most will achieve and some, where appropriate, will go beyond the early learning goals by the end of the foundation stage to help ensure they experience the best possible start to their education.

How many children will there be in a playgroup?

Most playgroups will provide places for between ten and twenty children.

How do I know my child will be safe and secure?

Most playgroups are registered with Ofsted and are inspected by them regularly. Inspection covers all aspects of the service including safety and the suitability and standard of the building. Most playgroup staff are trained to work with children or are undergoing training. There should be one member of staff for every eight children aged three to five and
one member of staff for every four children aged two.

Why chose a playgroup for your child?

Your child is safe and can make new friends
Your child can develop new skills and build greater confidence
You can meet other parents and get to know your local community better.

Download

This information is also available in guide format. To download the 'Chosing a Playgroup' guide, click on the PDF icon below: