Little Acorns Playgroup, Coagh

Public benefits

Little Acorns Playgroup has been established to provide a play based learning environment for all children under statutory school age of Coagh and its surrounding environs in County Tyrone. This Playgroup follows the guidelines set out by the Early Years Organisation for young children and follows the curriculum in the six areas of learning set out

by the department of education to promote the child's personal, social and emotional wellbeing through play. The direct benefits which flow from the purpose above include the children experiencing social interaction with other children of similar age, making new friends, becoming familiar with other adults outside the family circle in order to reduce anxiety in new surroundings and enabling self-identity and independence. The children engage in play and learning and consequently learn how to follow routines and rules in a structured way. It also provides early exposure to mathematical language, music activities and other experiences which may not always occur naturally in the home environment. These benefits will be evidenced through feedback from evaluations and inspections from the Education and Training Inspectorate (Department of Education), feedback from parents on a day to day basis and meetings and feedback during the academic year between the child’s key worker and the parents. The Early Years Advisor works closely with the playgroup staff and provides written feedback to the staff and committee to improve the benefits to the children that attend the playgroup. There is no harm flowing from the purpose. The charities beneficiaries are children in their pre-school year and their pre-pre school year. There is no private benefit.

What your organisation does

Little Acorns Playgroup provides preschool education for children living in the local area, regardless of race or religion. The setting can provide up to 26 places, ensuring the preschool curriculum, as outlined by the Dept of Education, is delivered in the village to all children.