Save Stepping Stones Playgroup from closing

As of July 2013 Stepping Stones has been given notice to leave the site at College Town Infant School in Sandhurst.

Stepping Stones has played a significant part in the early education of thousands of children in the Sandhurst Community since 1966. Created by an enlightened Junior School Head and a Local Health worker its aim has always been to help local children prepare themselves for life at school.

The Playgroup began in a large portacabin in the middle of the school playground until 1994. At risk from being moved out of the school site, local people started a forceful campaign. With support from councillors and the local MP, the Playgroup managed to stay open in a new building. At this time the Playgroup took Charitable status adopting the constitution of the Pre-School Learning Alliance to which it is still affiliated today. In 2009 the Playgroup moved into its current location adjacent to the Infants School Nursery.

During this time the Playgroup has continuously adapted to the changing Early Years policies which have seen the state schools take children at an ever lowering age. Stepping Stones took LEA funding in Summer 2009 and developed its service to provide ad hoc Crèche facilities for the Children’s Centre. Most recently in Autumn 2012 the services were further extended with the introduction of a daily Lunch Club for both Playgroup and Nursery Children.

The Playgroup continues to uphold its aim of providing services to support local children, families and the community.