Squirrels Toddler and Playgroup

squirrel  
Squirrels is a registered charity run by a committee of parent volunteers and has 5 members of staff. The group was established more than 30 years ago, and has been fully operating from the its current setting since 2005.

We are Ofsted registered and members of the Pre-school Learning Alliance.

Some quotes from parents:

"My daughter has thoroughly enjoyed being part of your playgroup. She has made lots of new little friends and enjoyed new experiences. Thank you!"

"My son has enjoyed his 18 months here at Squirrels. Staff friendly,patient and warm with the children. The playgroup is a gift to the local community."

"Excellent year - thank you. Only sad it wasn't longer. You are doing a great job!"

We are based in the Histon Baptist Church on Station Road and run two different groups:

Toddler Drop-in Session - Thursdays 9:30-11:30am. Cost: £3

Aimed at children aged approximately 12 months and upwards, this is a drop-in session for toddlers and their carers. With a variety of different activities each week, craft, singing and a snack. Coffee for mums and dads too! A great way to get your toddler to meet and socialise with other children.

Playgroup - Mondays, Wednesdays 9:30-12:00 Cost: £6.50 / Lunch Club 12:00-1:00pm. Cost: £2.50

For children aged 2 years 4 months and up. A session with a variety of activities to help the children learn through play and stimulate their social, physical, emotional and mental development. Children have the opportunity to choose from a range of activities including art, role-play, puzzles, construction toys etc. and also spend time playing outside. The session includes snack time and a story and singing session. For an additional cost, your child can bring a packed lunch and stay an extra hour at the end of the session and eat lunch with his/her friends.

Children who are three in the autumn or spring-terms may qualify for funding (Nursery Education Grant) from the local authority.

Contact

For more information, read our prospectus or contact us by for further details. To join the playgroup waiting list, or speak to staff at the toddler drop-in session. Alternatively, phone Tina Kidd (Admissions Secretary) on 01223 235591. We welcome visits from prospective parents and children; if you are interested in joining our group, please do get in touch.

If you are the parent of a child already attending one of our groups, there is lots of useful information on our "info for parents page", including our latest newsletters, information for parent-helpers and copies of our policies. Why not join our committee? For more information about being on a pre-school committee read this overview of the roles and tasks involved

Fundraising in 2008

Squirrels relies on fundraising to buy equipment and keep the playgroup running. If you can help with our fundraising effort, by helping to organise events, manning stalls, putting up posters, baking cakes then please get in touch!

  • Yellow Moon Catalogue - shop online using our source code: SSQ10061
  • Village Fun Day, Sat April 12th, Squirrels Stall on the Green
  • Bingo Night! Thurs April 17th, 8pm, Histon Baptist Church
  • Stall for kids at Baptist Church Fun Day, Saturday 26th April
  • Cake Stall on the Green - Saturday 10th May
  • Nearly New Sale - next sale is Saturday 14th June 2008

Thanks to the Co-op, who have given us a grant of £423 to buy folding tables for the playgroup.

Thanks to GlaxoSmithKline, who have donated £500 towards new equipment for playgroup.

Term Dates

Summer Term 2008

First playgroup - Wednesday 9th April

Last toddlers - Thursday 17th July

Last playgroup - Monday 21st July

May Day : Monday 5th May

Half term : 26th - 30th May

Staff training day: Monday 2nd June - tbc