Playgroups

The name Blackbirds Playgroup comes from the number of children we were originally registered to care for (4 two year olds and 20 three to five year olds), and the nursery rhyme "Sing a Song of Sixpence"...

The first Blackbirds Playgroup (now known as Blackbirds Playgroup Southdowns) opened in September 1997. Find out more about our history here.

Our playgroup is registered through West Sussex County Council and Ofsted to care for children aged from two to five years. We now care for up to thirty children at our Southdowns playgroup.

We accept 15 and 30 hours Free Entitlement for 3 and 4 year-olds as well as 15 hours free entitlement for eligible 2 year-olds. Payment for the session fee can also be made by cash, bank transfer or childcare vouchers.

Blackbirds Playgroup Southdowns is held at Felpham Methodist Church Hall, Felpham Way. PO22 8QL.   Southdowns

Blackbirds Playgroup Southdowns currently open 9am-12  and 12-3pm Mon to Fri during term times. Children are able to stay for a maximum of 6 hours a day.

If you need to contact us whilst your child is at Blackbirds Playgroup Southdowns please call our dedicated number 07572006387.

Here's how to find Felpham Methodist Church where we are situated:

We like to take children out and often make use of the local shops and play park as well as the large field and nearby beach. We like to involve families too and ask for help particularly with our beach school trips. 

  crab    

Our aim is to provide a safe and stimulating environment with activities and resources aimed towards giving each individual child opportunities to develop and progress towards the Early Learning Goals.

Our Curriculum 

Our curriculum covers the main areas of learning and development as detailed by the Department for Education in the Early Years Foundation Stage guidance.

These areas are: 

  • Personal, Social and Emotional Development
  • Communication and Language
  • Physical Development
  • Literacy
  • Mathematics
  • Understanding the World
  • Expressive Arts and Design

We plan the curriculum into themes to help the children to learn as much as possible through a wide variety of activities.  (It is sometimes necessary to amend the planned activities.) We encourage children to discuss what they are doing in playgroup with parents.

At Blackbirds Playgroup we believe in equal opportunities for adults and children and we apply this policy in all areas.

Further details are available from our staff or by e-mailing info@blackbirds.org.uk

Enrolment of Children

Admission of children depends, in the first instance, on availability of suitable places. Older children are given priority if spaces are limited. We have a waiting list and to add your child's name, e-mail us at fay@blackbirds.org.uk

Special Needs

Wherever possible, extra support will be made available within the Playgroup for children with special needs. We have a qualified Special Needs Co-ordinator who will be happy to discuss your child's individual requirements with you or other Specialist Support Agencies, with your permission.