Welcome
We are situated in our own building on the Stoberry Park School site, right next to the reception and KS1 classes. Our building is designed for preschool aged children, with low level facilities and a free flowing system for children to choose their activities independently. To enhance our teaching and learning experiences, we also make the most of our beautiful outside areas; our garden, mud kitchen and outside play areas as well as the wonderful wider school grounds.
We have an experienced, friendly and professional team of staff; our small-scale setting means that everyone gets to know your child, ensuring that their individual needs are met throughout their time with us. Stepping Stones has been running for over 30 years and we welcome applications from every family within our community and the surrounding area of Wells in Somerset.
- We can accept children from the age of two until they reach school age.
- Each child is assigned a Keyworker who charts their progress during their time with us.
- We have a very strong and healthy bond with Stoberry Park school, making the transition into starting school an easy and exciting adventure for our children.
- We are surrounded by natural space. Zoe and the children keep our garden in bloom (Gold Medal Winners for Wells in Bloom!). Our outside play area, beautiful garden and mud kitchen are wonderful, fun places to explore.
The playgroup is a member of the Early Years Alliance and is governed by Ofsted.
Learning can and should be fun!
Here at Stepping Stones Playgroup we aim to provide opportunities for creative and physical play with more specific skills involved in preparation for your child’s future education, in accordance with Ofsted and the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework.
We provide a safe, exciting, happy and caring environment for your child to learn and grow. We recognise that each child has differing needs and therefore we encourage each child’s physical, intellectual, emotional and social skills through their play, to help them discover more about themselves.
We aim to:
- Learn through play,
- Offer a wide range of stimulating activities and experiences,
- To work closely with parents and carers as your child’s educators,
- Ensure your child feels secure and valued,
- Continue to develop learning based on their individual needs and abilities,
- Offer opportunities to play independently and engage in planned activities,
- Have opportunities to initiate games based on their own interests,
- Continue to regularly update our training and skills to ensure we deliver the best learning opportunities and keep informed of changing government legislation and policies.
Stepping Stones is a registered charity (No. 1022365) governed by an elected voluntary committee of parents, carers and teachers from Stoberry Park school.
The day-to-day running of our establishment is the responsibility of the Playgroup Leader, in cooperation with all staff. They are supported by the Committee.
Being a member of the Playgroup Committee is a very worthwhile experience, giving you greater involvement in the vitally important early stages of your child’s education. We would welcome you to consider joining the Committee at any stage in the year, and have the unique opportunity to be involved in how the Playgroup is run and how the children are cared for and educated.
Our Annual General Meeting is held every year in the Autumn Term and this is when the Committee for the following year is selected, including the roles of Chairperson, Treasurer and Secretary. The Committee is responsible for setting up the playgroup’s policies, managing and engaging staff, fundraising and organising social events. The Committee try to meet once every half term, mid week in the evening.
The way we run the Playgroup is governed by our Policies and Procedures and our Constitution, which are all reviewed annually with regard to Ofsted recommendations and with the help of the Preschool Learning Alliance.
A list of current Committee members can be found in the playgroup. Please feel free to contact any member directly if you have any questions.
All children in our care are allocated a member of staff who will be their keyworker. The keyworker role involves helping the child settle into playgroup and recording their developmental progress. Children will be regularly observed and assessed so that we can plan for your child’s individual needs.
Our staff are available to discuss your child’s progress with you after sessions if you wish. If you feel you need more time with your child’s keyworker, you can book an appointment at a convenient time for you to come into playgroup and discuss anything further.
Here is the link to our most recent Ofsted report completed in April 2024. We were awarded GOOD in all areas of our provision.
Ofsted Recent Report
“Children are keen to enter this friendly playgroup and settle to play quickly. Staff are very caring and sensitive to children’s needs. Children interact easily with staff and give them spontaneous hugs and smiles.”
“Staff give a clear focus to supporting any children with special educational needs and/or disabilities and promote inclusion very well. They have raised their awareness of how to identify any specific additional needs a child may have, and how they can provide appropriate activities to support all children’s learning.”
“Staff monitor children’s progress and plan activities to support what they know and can do. Children learn well through this approach overall. Staff use praise and encouragement effectively to help children develop good self-esteem.”