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.

In March 2002 we opened Blackbirds Playgroup Grassmere in Felpham village to provide additional facilities and places for under fives. Unfortunately due to low numbers of children and significantly increased hall costs we had to close this group at the end of 2022.

Our playgroup isregistered 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.

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 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 Playgroups 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.