Steppin9 Stones Play9roup's Annual Report for the Year 2021-2022.
The aims of Steppin9 Stones Playgroup
As all children are different and develop at different rates, Steppin9 Stones Play9roup aims to
develop the whole child by. _
Promoting emotional. social. physical. creative and intellect￿1 development:
t)eveloping self-esteem. self-control and positive attitudes towards others.
Developin9 language and communication skills to encourage sharing of thoughts and feelings:
and
Creating conf ident. eager. enthusiastic. independent, curious learners with a positive and
problem-solving attitude to learnirvj.
Most young chi Idren come to Steppin9 Stones Playgroup as active, experienced and enthusiastic
learners. To build on the learning that has taken place in the home and its immediate
environment, pre-school staff should provide children with a rich variety of challenging play
activities and other experiences in a stimulatiThJ environment. The focus should be on enabling
chi Idren to learn at their own pace, to have a breadth of learning experiences and 9ain a
positive ima9e of themselves as resilient learners able to cope with uncertainty, and to learn
through trial and error.
Youn9 children learn best when: _
They feel happy and secure in a safe and stimulatin9 environment that supports their well-
being;
Adults are sensitive and understandiNJ in their interactions with the children while extendin9
their learning and development.
The pre~school curriculum is broad and balanced, builds on their needs, and provides time f or
sustained involvement in play..
They have opportunities to investigate and ewe in a wide range of activities that are
enjoyable, motivatin9 and challen9ing,'
The activities are based on previous learnin9 and are caref ully planned, with some f lexibility.
They have the opportunity to develop concentration and skills such as observing, making
decisions and problem-solvir9: and
Parents/guardians/carers and other professionals work together in partnership.
Public Benef it statement
To promote play-based learnin9 environments for all children under statutory school age in
Ballymoney and District without distinction by associatirKJ the statutory authorities, community
and voluntary organisations and the inhabitants in a common effort to advance education, and in
particular: to advance the education of the benef iciaries by the provision of safe and satisfying
9roup play.
The direct benef its which f low f rom this purpose include improved learning outcomes,
development, lan9uage skills. social integration and emotiornl well being f or all children involved
in the play school. Other benef its include improved relationships/partnerships with
parents/carers of the children involved with the play9roup.
Our main source of income comes f rom the Department of Education.
At Steppin9 Stones Play9roup our objectives and planning our activities for the year the
Management Committee have given caref ul consideration to the Charity Commission f or
Northern Ireland's guidance on public benef it to ensure that the activities have helped to
achieve the charitys purpose and provide a benef it to the benef iciaries.