JANUARY 19 has been labelled by the media as the most depressing day of the year. It is a thought that crossed through the minds of the leaders and helpers at Crossways playgroup this year. This was the date the Ofsted inspector called to carry out the full review which all groups have to undergo.

  • Unlike a lot of settings, playgroups do not get advance notice of the visit which in some ways is good and in other ways can make for a couple of stressful days. Once that is over there is a wait for the report and this has now come through.
  • The playgroup has been assessed as satisfactory across the board with some good aspects and no sources of concern or failing. This is an extremely good result especially bearing in mind the introduction of a completely new framework for learning brought in by the Government last September.
  • The inspector spent time in conversation with the children, leaders and parents and was most impressed with the communication seen throughout the group. A copy of the inspection report is available on the ofsted website and every parent was supplied with the document.
  • Numbers at both playgroup and mother and toddler group have been steadily rising and with 37 on the register for playgroup the team have their work cut out keeping up with them all. Another inspection is due in three to four years time which gives plenty of opportunity to reflect on the comments and suggestions made.
  • Children at both groups have been enjoying playing with new toys and equipment which has been bought as a result of donations and fundraising. With so many children the equipment does wear out quicker than at home so repairs and renewals are the order of the day.
  • To help with the fund raising the playgroup is holding an Easter prize bingo in the village hall on Saturday, march 21 at 7.30pm. There will be a raffle and refreshments and previous events have been very popular. Offers of help and donations of prizes would be very welcome.
  • Recent activities in group sessions have included the making of vegetable soup and cooking of pancakes which the children particularly enjoyed. New children have been welcomed with their parents and helped to quickly settle into the routine of the playgroup.
  • TINY DAYS is the name of the parents and toddlers group which meets in the village hall on Wednesday afternoons from 1.30 – 3.00pm. It is an ideal opportunity for the parents to meet as well as children getting used to the playgroup environment with plenty of opportunity to play in the main hall on the large toys.
  • MANY of the playgroup children go on to attend Frome valley first school and headteacher Helen Boyce has been telling me about a new club on offer for the pupils. Mrs Wellman is running a cookery club which has proved to be extremely popular. So much so that children have now booked for future sessions.
  • The school is participating in many national campaigns and at the beginning of March will see children and staff dressing in honour of the world book day. They will also be learning about the importance of recycling by attending a roadshow called ‘the Astra and the Waste monster’. There is also the red nose day in aid of comic relief on Friday, March 13.
  • Music and sport are represented too with the choir attending the ‘Dorset rocks’ concert in Bournemouth. There is a tag rugby festival and orienteering at st Mary’s school, Puddletown.
  • MORETON village hall is currently undergoing some refurbishment work and locals are invited to take part in a book exchange and coffee morning to see the improvements. This takes place on Saturday, March 28 from 10.00am to 12 noon. There will be coffee and homemade cakes and a large selection of books. Enquiries about the hall can be made to Janet on 07500 512680.