Each year we ask the parents and carers of our children to complete a feedback form of 10 questions. We are always open to hearing the thoughts and comments of our parents and carers and always consider any feedback, good or bad, carefully. This year we have had 12 responses from our 20 families. 

We are very pleased to announce that 100% of responses agreed:

• My child is happy and confident at playgroup,
• There is enough variety of toys, equipment, books & activities for my child,
• The activities and toys are appropriate for the age of my child,
• The playgroup staff are friendly and approachable,
• The playgroup lives up to my expectations of why I chose it,
• I am happy with the level of parental involvement required for playgroup. 

We have looked at all your comments and in response:

• Have returned the notice board at pick-up time, to tell you what the children have done that day and include weekly photos.

We would like to assure and remind everyone that we are very happy to discuss anything with you at any time. If you would like to speak to someone at pick-up, please ask and we will make time for you. Otherwise, feel free to arrange a more convenient time, phone us or email. Even if it’s just a general catch-up, please do not hesitate to ask. We are here to help.

The post INFORM: Parent’s Feedback appeared first on Ilkley Pre-School Playgroup.

Reaching for the stars!

Moving and shaking and having fun.

Louise runs classes are for children aged between 6 months and 4 years. Tiny Toes Ballet classes are linked to the Early Years Foundation stage offering a progressive, educational and fun experience designed to ‘nurture natural ability’ and introduce a life long love of music and dance.

They have 4 age specific classes held at Ben Rhydding Scout Hut, Otley Courthouse and Guiseley Theatre:

• Tiptoes for 6-18 months
• Twinkle toes for 18m to 2.5 years
• Talent Toes 2.5-4 years 
• Tap Toes 2+ years (Otley only)

Visit www.tinytoesballet.co.uk/northleeds-and-lowerwharfedale

or Facebook @tinytoesballetnorthleedsandlowerwharfedale.

The post DANCE: Tiny Toes Ballet appeared first on Ilkley Pre-School Playgroup.

But that doesn’t mean our doors are now closed to everyone else – as ‘Every Day is an Open Day’ at Ilkley Pre-school and we are happy to show people around our lovely premises and big garden whenever they would like to come.

Please call us on: 07754 793644 or email us at: ilkleypreschoolplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk or simply knock on our door. We will always be happy to welcome you.

The post SUCCESS: Open Week appeared first on Ilkley Pre-School Playgroup.

All gardeners – especially grandparents – are invited to come along and help the children with the digging, weeding and sowing in our big back garden. The aim is to help grandparents and other gardeners to pass on their knowledge and experience, at the same time as enjoying the fresh air and the opportunity to socialise together.

We’re also planting our growing pack which has been sent to us from Innocent Smoothies and ‘Grow It Yourself’ to help children learn to love healthy food by growing some of their own at school. The growing pack contains 32 Sow & Grow cups, compost, a growing guide packed with fun activities and experiments, and a wallchart to celebrate our children’s growing success.

So please bring along your shovels and trowels and get ready for some gardening. All willing volunteers will be offered tasty and healthy homemade snacks and plenty of tea to keep them going!

If you would like to come along to this free event (no ticket required), please email us at: ilkleypreschoolplaygroup@hotmail.co.uk

or call us on: 07754 793644 and we’ll get the kettle on!

Sewing Seeds in our Planting Area.

Digging with a trowel in our borders.

Harvesting all the big fat marrows we grew.

Our planting area.

Our garden with paved track.

Further info:

Food for Life: Grandparent Gardening Week

Innocent Smoothies and ‘Grow It Yourself’

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The children also had some yummy book-wormy treats to take home, courtesy of Stevie’s mummy. (Thank-you very much.)

Did you know that for a quarter of all pupils receiving a World Book Day voucher this year, the book they ‘bought’ was the first they’ve ever owned?

And, that this annual reading celebration has inspired 6 in 10 pupils to read more.

What great news!

Our very own ‘Singing Mermaid’ came to play!

Hermione cast a spell on us with her brilliant costume!

Answer: Sven the Reindeer, from Frozen.

The post CELEBRATE: World Book Day appeared first on Ilkley Pre-School Playgroup.

Getting busy on a Bushcraft Friday

Bath bomb sniffing to explore our senses.

Visiting the café after an Explorer walk

Making Jammy Dodgers

Serving up rice for snack during Chinese New Year.

Decorating the Pre-school ‘Friend’s Rules’

The post Farewell to Karley appeared first on Ilkley Pre-School Playgroup.

Thank-you very much to Anne-Marie from “just up the hill” for dropping it off for us last Friday. Thanks Ilkley for sharing & spreading the word on Facebook and Twitter! We are very lucky to live in such a wonderful town where social media has made a positive impact to help serve the community. Hooray!

The post FOUND: Pre-school Banner! appeared first on Ilkley Pre-School Playgroup.

If it landed in your garden or a patch of land near you, please could you contact us and we will gladly collect it.

The post MISSING: Pre-school Banner! appeared first on Ilkley Pre-School Playgroup.

The letter from Fiona May, Corporate Community Co-ordinator stated:

“The participation of members in the Society’s Small Change, Big Difference scheme made this donation possible. Over half a million of the Society’s members now contribute to the Small Change, Big Difference scheme, in which the annual pence from their interest is donated to the Charitable Foundation.

This innovative scheme largely funds the Charitable Foundation and enables it to assist smaller, local good causes – particularly those nominated by Society members on an ongoing basis – many of which may otherwise be overlooked.

The Trustees are delighted that they have been able to help and hope that the donation will make a difference to your activities.”

The money will go towards taking the children on our first ever theatre trip next week. We are going to see a production of one of our favourite books “We’re Going On A Bear Hunt” at the King’s Hall in Ilkley. The donation will cover the staff’s tickets with enough left over for half-time treats!

The post Small Change, Big Difference appeared first on Ilkley Pre-School Playgroup.

On 30th November a pile of green glitter was left outside the door! How did it get there?

Today, the mystery appears to be solved. There is an elf outside the door sat in a safari jeep with more glitter on the floor.  We think that he may have come through our mysterious door. He has the door key hung around his neck.

Our mysterious visitor.

We’re wondering what will happen next…..!!

The post It’s a Mystery! appeared first on Ilkley Pre-School Playgroup.