Pre-school playgroups cater for children between the age of 2½ and 4 years. They offer children a valuable opportunity to integrate with other children and have access to new activities. Morning or afternoon sessions of 2 to 3 hours are offered usually during school term time. Children can attend for one to five sessions per week. A charge is made to parents to cover staff wages and running costs. Meals are not normally provided except for a drink and snack.

Many groups encourage parents to actively get involved with daily sessions by helping with activities planned for the children or as committee members involved in the overall running of the group. Some playgroups (Cylchoedd Meithrin) provide their service through the medium of welsh.

All groups operating for more than 2 hours per day and offering childcare for children under 8 years, must register with the Care Standards Inspectorate for Wales.

Some playgroups are extending their opening hours to meet the needs of working parents. They might open earlier in the morning or over lunchtime, subsequently providing care for over 4 hours per day. These groups must register as full daycare providers.

For more information on pre-school playgroups and Cylchoedd Meithrin contact:
Wales pre-school Playgroups Association (WPPA)
www.walesppa.org
Local Contact - Andrea Wright, WPPA Development Officer
Tel: 01792 781108

Mudiad Ysgolion Meithrin (MYM)
www.mym.co.uk
Local Contact - Bethan Williams, MYM Development Officer
Tel: 07837 188851

EYDCP Unit (Contact Us)