Castlerock Community Playgroup has been functioning for many years. We are let to believe the initial group took place in local family homes until they took up residency in the Peter Thompson Hall, Castlerock in the early 1980s. 

Castlerock Community Playgroup has served a vital role in our local community providing opportunities for children to mix socially, play, develop and gain new skills. 

Castlerock Community Playgroup is inspected on a regular basis by ETI and have been given and excellent rating for the period ending 31/1/17. We are a cross community playgroup. 

Castlerock Community Playgroup aims to advance the education of children aged 2 years and 10 months to 4 years through the provision of appropriate, safe and satisfying programme of play and activities, which meet the requirements of the Department of Education curriculum. Our mission statement states the aim of the Playgroup is to enhance the development and education of children under statutory school age by encouraging parents/guardians to understand and provide for the needs of their child by:- 

- Offering appropriate play facilities, encouraging parents/carers to take responsibility for and to become involved in activities of the Playgroup, ensuring the Playgroup offers opportunities for all children regardless of religion, culture, race or means 

- Encouraging the study of the needs of such children and families and promoting public interest in and recognition of such needs of children and families in the local and surrounding areas. 

- Support the values and principles of the Early Years, the organisation for Young children. 

This covers the financial year ending 31/3/17. Castlerock Community Playgroup receives money from the Education Authority for each child. The money is used to pay staff wages and general running costs of the Playgroup. Grants are also applied for during the year and fundraising is undertaken by the Management Committee.