PLAYGROUP PROGRAMME.

 The PGP Playgroup Programme consists of 1 hour 30 min sessions where children participate with their parent or caregiver in a variety of activities. All sessions are conducted in English and we strongly encourage that English be the only language used by both parents and children while attending the Playgroup Programme. A volunteer Leader and Assistant animate each session, with parents helping alongside to ensure an enjoyable session is had by all. The children are divided into the following age categories:

Sitting-17months

This is the Playgroup Programme for our smallest of tots. Parents, caregivers and budding explorers gather together to enjoy each other’s company, free and structured play, as well as the ever-popular story and song fare. Activities are fun and varied to stimulate and delight all the senses of this age group. Song, movement and music are an important part of the session, including the use of musical instruments, along with lots of tactile props (feathers, knobbly balls, scarves), puppets, soft animals etc. Time is also allocated to free play with both small and large toys, thus allowing the parents and carers time to have a chat over a cup of tea or coffee. The session includes a snack time (optional, depending on the age of the child) and story time. In addition the children also have the opportunity to borrow books from The Playgroup Programme (PGP) Library. As the children develop through the year, activities are adapted to their newfound skills & interests.

This is a photo of a typical session.

Click on the PARENT HANDBOOK for PGP Rules of Conduct and further information.

18mths–3 years olds & 3-4 year olds

Both of these age groups follow the same basic session outline, with the time allocated to the activities varying according to the age and abilities of the group as a whole. Approximately 30-35 minutes are devoted to Craft and to Free Play with a variety of educational toys. See the Craft Curriculum for more information on the range of crafts proposed during the year. In our “Big Toy Room,” an additional 40-45 minutes are for active free play with large equipment, rhythmic movement, games, singing and dramatic play. Children have the opportunity to learn through play and song some age-appropriate skills e.g. colours, action songs, following instructions, taking turns, making friends. A large choice of materials, props, instruments and equipment are available to add variety and interest to this part of the session. The remaining 15 minutes are dedicated to snack and story time. Children enjoy a small snack while a selection of stories are read by one of the adults. There is also time for selecting English books from the PGP Library – another valuable resource.

This is snack and story time that is always a great hit with the children.