Page 17 - Summer 2016 Contact issue 38

This year, our second daughter has attended
High Kirk Playgroup and just like our first child, we
feel they have helped her progress from her toddler
years so that she is ready to take on primary school.
There are many things I love about this playgroup
which I’d like to share with you.
The moment you walk through the door in the
morning, the warmth and friendliness of the staff is
felt, as they greet you at the door. They are very
approachable and have a lot of time for you making
you feel that you and your child are valued.
The kindness and care shown by Mrs Dempsey and
her team means you know your child is being well
looked after. The high staff to child ratio, allows the
leaders to spend time with each child, teaching them
the different areas of the curriculum. I can see in my
own child how she has grown in her knowledge of
numbers, how her imagination has expanded when
she plays with her toys and how her love of reading
continues as she mimics story time when it comes to
bedtime stories.
The Christian ethos is very evident in many ways,
whether it is singing choruses, performing the nativity
or sharing scripture verses in the children’s craft work.
In today’s world, I find fewer children know about
what the Bible teaches so what an opportunity it is to
share about Jesus with the children and parents here.
I am surprised that not more children from High
Kirk Church attend, but at the same time, the varied
backgrounds of the children is good for my child to
learn from an early age that all children are to be
treated equally. She is also learning to respect
children who have little or no English and learning
that a smile can speak a thousand words!
For those of you who read the local papers, you will
have seen many of the special events and visits which
occur on a monthly basis – teeth cleaning, Chinese
New Year, Dogs’ Trust, Easter bonnet parade,
Mothers’ Day tea party are just to name a few.
Great thought and effort is put into ensuring that
the children have as many different experiences as
possible.
I can’t thank the leaders of the playgroup enough for
all they have done for both my girls. So whether you
have young children yourself or know of someone
who does, I would certainly recommend High Kirk
for a wonderful pre-school experience. Just ask if you
want to find out more! Contact details and more
information is available at
www.highkirkplaygroup.co.uk
Elaine Hamill