The Vale Pre-School Playgroup

“The Vale Pre-School Playgroup provides high quality nursery education which enables the children to make very good progress towards the early learning goals.”

OFSTED Report, September 2004

Our Playgroup

The Vale Pre-School Playgroup was established in 1972 to provide quality pre-school education to children aged 2 to 5. Our fully qualified staff, with more than 40 years combined childcare experience, are able to ensure that all children receive individual support, encouragement and praise as they undertake a varied range of activities, both within the playgroups two large rooms, and on frequent trips out.

Our Sessions

Children aged 2 to 5 can attend a range of sessions: 9.15am-12.15pm on Monday-Fridays and 9.15am-1.15pm for children who stay for lunch. A Pre-School session, on Wednesdays from 1.15pm until 4.15pm, is for children who start school the following September. These Pre-School sessions often involve visits and visitors; the dentist, library, a journey on a train or bus; visits from the mobile zoo and music teacher, to name but a few.

OFSTED inspection 2007

The OFSTED report of the inspection undertaken in March 2007 stated that:

“The provision is outstanding. Children are happy, confident and highly motivated, by both the enthusiastic staff team and a stimulating learning environment.”
“The quality of teaching and learning is good.”
“Staff have a sound understanding of children's progress and know individual children well. They are knowledgeable about the next steps for children's learning, and routinely adapt or extend activities to meet individual learning needs”
“Children and their families are warmly welcomed by a happy and enthusiastic staff team.”
“Children demonstrate a strong sense of belonging, they enter the setting confidently and quickly become absorbed in activities of their choice.”

Places for the 2011/12 year

Places for all ages are currently available. We take children aged 2-5 and funded places for qualifying 3-5 year olds are also available. Please contact us for further information, or call in any time for a look around.

Local schools

Children from our playgroup go on to a variety of local schools such as All Saints, Shevington Vale, St Joseph's, Parbold Douglas, Shevington Community Primary, Millbrook, Woodfold and St Wilfrid's.

Contact Us

The Playgroup is situated at the Methodist Church Hall, Skull House Lane, Appley Bridge, WN6 9DR (map). We can be contacted on 01257 400128, 0788 2053534, or email info@valeplaygroup.org.uk