Kids N Co Dragons Playgroup

An allotment gives Kids N Co Dragons Playgroup a practical connection between growing food and understanding what children eat. Based at St Georges Hall in Bridgwater, this preschool combines that outdoor interest with teaching shaped around individual children. The playgroup has 26 places in total.

At its May 2023 inspection, Ofsted rated the playgroup Good and found safeguarding effective. The children attending then were aged two to four. That dated picture included hands-on exploration, shared stories and opportunities to practise everyday independence; it also identified a need to give children more responsibility for solving problems and disagreements.

Morning and afternoon sessions are offered during term time, giving families two different ways to organise attendance.

Learning and Activities

EYFS provides the framework for learning and care, with children developing through different experiences and teaching adapted to their interests. Here, the current approach includes encouraging children to concentrate independently, cooperate with others and build confidence at their own pace. The practical implication is that individual learning and participation in the group both have a place.

In May 2023, an interest in insects became an extended investigation. Children consulted books, explored close-up images using technology and made clay creatures. Staff introduced vocabulary such as praying mantis. This linked looking, talking and making around something children already wanted to understand, rather than treating each activity as an isolated task.

Other activities in May 2023 included collage-making with independently chosen materials and scissors, and drawing letters and shapes in dry sand. Magnifying glasses prompted children to explain changes in what they could see. These examples show the practical character of the day at that time: children handled tools, selected materials and described their discoveries.

There was also a balance between independent exploration and coming together. In May 2023, children joined familiar songs and counting routines during circle time, while books were accessible for individual use as well as shared stories. Conversations included questions and recollections of earlier learning. For parents, those examples give substance to the playgroup's emphasis on communication.

Outdoor and Community Life

The Allotment is the clearest current physical feature. The playgroup has its own plot, described as accessible to all, where children learn about the natural world and the origins of food. Children may also bring home a sample of what is growing, connecting that experience with family life.

In May 2023, children planted produce there and had opportunities for active outdoor play each day. Walks to the plot also included practical safety learning, such as holding hands and avoiding nettles. Growing food therefore sat alongside learning how to behave safely beyond the setting.

Playgroup Graduation marks the move towards school with a ceremony shared with parents and carers. It gives families a specific occasion to recognise children's achievements as their time at the playgroup ends.

A familiar adult is part of the current approach: each child has a particular adult to relate to. Alongside encouragement to express feelings and respect other people's emotions, this gives relationships a clear place in the playgroup's aims. A SENCo role is also part of the team structure.

At the May 2023 inspection, Ofsted found that staff used observations to identify children's next learning steps and that the special educational needs co-ordinator helped identify additional support needs promptly. Those findings belong to that inspection, rather than being a promise about every child's experience today.

In May 2023, snack time involved children pouring drinks, preparing fruit and spreading crackers themselves. Tables had cloths, and eating together provided opportunities to practise manners as well as physical skills. Everyday care routines doubled as manageable tasks children could attempt independently.

Communication also had a structured element in May 2023. Staff sought parents' feedback during progress reviews, while team discussions and supervision meetings provided opportunities to consider practice and development needs. For families, progress reviews offered a point at which to contribute their own knowledge of their child.

Sessions and Attendance

The playgroup operates during term time. Opening hours are 8.30am to 4pm on Monday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday; Tuesday opening is 8.30am to 12.30pm.

Morning sessions run from 8.30am to noon, and afternoon sessions from 12.30pm to 4pm. These are the named booking patterns, distinct from the overall opening window. The shorter Tuesday opening is an important difference when planning a regular weekly routine.

Getting There

The address is St Georges Hall, Kendale Road, Bridgwater, TA6 3QE. Families can contact the playgroup by telephone, email or its contact form.

Funding and Paid Extras

In May 2023, the playgroup received funding for early education for children aged two, three and four. Paid sessions are also offered; families should obtain a current written quotation for prices. Clothing and bookbags can be bought from the playgroup, including a sweatshirt-and-bookbag starter kit.

• Term-time attendance. Morning and afternoon sessions provide different attendance options, but the playgroup operates during school terms and Tuesday closes at 12.30pm. Match that weekly pattern to your family's care needs.
• Children solving problems. In May 2023, adults sometimes supplied answers to practical difficulties or disagreements too quickly. During a visit, ask how staff now help older children try their own solutions and work through conflict.
• Food and everyday supplies. Snack preparation was part of children's independence in May 2023. What are the current arrangements for meals, snacks and non-food supplies?

Kids N Co Dragons Playgroup suits families seeking term-time morning or afternoon attendance, with an interest-led approach and a tangible connection to growing food. The Allotment and Playgroup Graduation give its offer recognisable shape. Its Good judgement dates to May 2023, and the balance between adult help and children's own problem-solving remains a useful subject for a visit.