Meeting the needs of the child at Horsley Playgroup

Having new children start at the group is a reminder of all the things that children have already skilfully encountered and are taking under their wing, at home and then with the gentle support and guidance of the staff, at playgroup. They have grown and continue to grow in so many ways, provided their needs are addressed. Abraham Maslow in 1943 proposed a theory of ‘hierarchy of needs”. Maslow's psychological theory suggests that the most basic level of needs must be met before the individual will strongly desire (or focus motivation upon) the secondary or higher level needs.

Children grow in physical size through water, food, warmth and sleep. At playgroup we provide nutritional snacks, exercise and rest when needed. We help children to feel safe and secure in the play environment through developing warm, trusting and respectful relationships with the children, and their families. Children then grow in confidence and independence – they feel able to explore the variety of resources and activities we have on offer. Children make choices, learning and finding out through their play, and their desire to do things for themselves and their autonomy grows. We help and support them with the skills they need, thereby enabling them to achieve their potential.

Satisfying everyone’s needs at preschool is our skillful work (!) and this spring term we manage to encompass some wonderful celebrations of Valentine’s Day, Mothering Sunday and Easter. The children do lots of making, cooking, sewing, drawing, investigating, creative play with open ended resources, playing with vehicles, sand, water, dough, clay and enjoy being outside in the park and our beautiful surroundings.

If you are interested in your child coming to playgroup please contact us or just call in.

There is also a parent, baby and toddler session on Tuesdays 9.30am -11.30am in Horsley Village Hall – do come along!