Carew Play and Learn Group offers a warm and friendly welcome to all children aged from two to three years and nine months, including those with special needs, where they will be looked after in a safe and happy environment. Founded in 1986 and based at Carew Memorial Hall, Carew Play and Learn Group is registered for 24 children and Estyn inspected to meet the standards set for pre-school education. The group also holds a valid public liability insurance certificate and belongs to WPPA (Wales Pre-school Playgroup Association). Playgroup supervisor is Michelle Grove, who has a wealth of experience and is NVQ level 3 trained in Childcare and Education. Helping her are Maria Joyce and Melanie Phillips, and together they provide the ideal care and knowledge to make sure children are prepared for the step-up to school. All staff are first aid qualified and all hold basic food hygiene certificates. "The emphasis at the playgroup is on learning through play, with development prioritised on skills such as social, physical, intellectual, creative, language and communication, and knowledge and understanding of the world," explained supervisor Michelle. "Children are encouraged to participate in all activities, but are never forced. We recognise each child is an individual and through planning we provide activities, choices and experiences appropriate for the age and stage of development of each child in our care." With a large, spacious hall for the children to learn and play in, Carew Play and Learn Group provides a wide range of activities, including painting, craft, play dough, jigsaws, sand/water play, constructional toys, puzzles, floor and tabletop toys and games, educational games, books and stories, and much, much more. As well as indoor activities, the children also have the enjoyment of learning outdoors in the group's own garden, which was opened last October. The garden is intended to teach the children about plants, how to grow and tend them and to respect the wildlife found in and around the garden. The children also have safe access to the large playing fields at the back of the Memorial Hall. The playgroup is a registered charity and has a committee of parents, with all encouraged to join in so they have a say in how the playgroup is run. They also have strong links with Sageston CP School. "We can offer free places to three-year-olds registered with Sageston CP School for two terms until they start school in the afternoons, and the school's reception teacher will visit our playgroup and spend a morning with the children who are going into their first year at Sageston," explained Michelle. Run in conjunction with the playgroup, is the Mother and Toddler Group, which takes place on Thursdays between 11 am and 12 noon, where children have the chance to feel more comfortable and aware of the environment they are in, and mothers have the chance to socialise and meet others. "It's not unusual for a child to be a bit upset and unsure at first, so we encourage parents to stay with their child until they feel secure and confident," said Michelle. "Parents are also encouraged to discuss the needs of their child, in complete confidence, and when registering with the playgroup they are also asked to agree and sign a contract and complete a child information form and a medical consent form to allow emergency first aid to be given if necessary," she continued. Carew Play and Learn Group runs on Wednesdays, Thursdays and Fridays between 9.15 am and 12.45 pm. The format for a day is as follows: 9.15 to 10 am - free play, circle time; 10 to 10.30 am - craft; 10.30 am snack time; 11 am to 12 noon - free play and songs; 12 noon 'til 12.30 - lunchtime (parents to provide child's own lunchbox); 12.30 to 12.45 pm - storytime. For further information and all enquiries, contact Michelle on 07800630657, and for information regarding the Mother and Toddlers Playgroup, contact Gwen Head on 01834 651614.