We aim to: provide high quality care and education, through play experiences, for children primarily below statutory school age; work in partnership with parents to help children to learn and develop; add to the life and well-being of the local community; and offer children and their parents a service which promotes equality and values diversity. St John’s Nursery Playgroup is part of the Foundation Stage area of education and we admit children from 2 to 5 years (or when the child starts nursery or school). At St John’s we are very aware that the years before a child goes to school can never be recaptured; this is the time when so much is discovered and absorbed. Children of this age rapidly progress from being very dependent on their main carer (normally the parents) to being able to cope with parting from their primary carer, to becoming more independent in their self-help skills. St John’s believes children of this age learn best through play, with the guidance of supporting, caring and professional staff. Children develop their co-ordination, stretch their imagination, explore the world around them and learn to interact with others. We aim to provide a secure, happy and stimulating environment in which the needs of each individual child can be met, as far as possible. For fuller details about the services we offer, please look at our [ Parents' Information ] section.