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Celebrating 50 Years 1970-2020.
St Peters Playgroup Rickerscote, Stafford started operating in January 1970.
The playgroup was actually the brainchild of the then vicar's wife Mrs.Joyce Pemberton who felt there was a great need in the area for a playgroup, and as the church hall premises had just been completed, thought this would be an ideal way to utilize the building to serve the community.
She enlisted the help of Mrs.Joan Parkinson who was area organiser for the local Pre-School Playgroup Association. They held a meeting at the Vicarage in November 1969 and invited anyone interested to come along.
There was a very good attendance and due to the keenness of all concerned a playgroup was opened the following January, after fundraising events to gain money for the necessary equipment.
Mrs.Elaine Grounds was asked to be the supervisor and did a marvellous job until she left in 1973. Following this Doreen Chell & Vivien Till also took part in being supervisors until 1989 when Mrs.Marie Dawson became supervisor.
In 2004 our newly refurbished premises at Rising Brook High School (Was Stafford Sports College, now Stafford Manor High School) was part of the Neighbourhood Nursery initiative, a government project aimed at creating more childcare places in areas with 20% deprivation. With the help of the local authority (SSCC), St Peters Pre-School & Nursery was successful in securing the rented accommodation to help expand its services and to remain in the voluntary sector.
Manger Marie Dawson has seen many changes over the last 30 years, & states that "our vision has always remained the same, to deliver a community nursery that is accessible to all. Where children can be well cared for in a safe, clean and rich learning environment.
We still have one of our supporters from 50 years ago Veronica Holdcroft whose daughters attended the pre-school group when it first started, Veronica still attends 1 day a week & supports the group."
I am so happy with this nursery .excellent staff & lovely manager also Great atmosphere. I highly recommended
Fabulous lovely staff and my daughter can't wait to go twice a week.
Lovey nursery with lovely staff, My son settled in very quickly.
Fantastic Nursery, my twins have been going since they were 7 months old and loved every room, all the staff are brilliant, they will be sad to leave in September when they start school. My little boy Logan also started here last year and he is loving it too, he is very content with all the ladies that look after him.
My daughter has come on amazingly since going here. Best thing I've done.
We recently moved our son to St.Peters Nursery. We had all the usual worries about any changes for him but we couldn't be happier. Ted has settled in so well & we are always made to feel welcome & part of the St Peters Family. They include the children in so many activities & trips including raffles, sports days & discos. The staff are incredibly friendly & always have the time to discuss any issues or queries. So pleased we made the move, can't recommend enough.
I highly recommend this nursery, the staff are amazing people and both my kids love both the staff (Stella) and the nursery itself. Its always clean and its such a happy, friendly atmosphere. I wouldn't put my children in any other nursery ever!!
Incredible service, very acomadating, my son has grown so much, academically & mentally during his time at St Peters. The staff at every level are understanding & caring and 100% want the best for each child there, it is like a small family. Hands down a great starting place for your child, if we have anymore children i will make sure they come to St.Peters. Thank you
Well Jamie has officially graduated from nursery... his time at St Peter's pre-school and nursery has been so valuable thanks to their amazing care, nurture, guidance, love and friendship he is more than ready for the next chapter in his life at school. Jamie will miss all his friends and all the lovely staff however he will never forget them or the time he spent there. This is truly the end of an era for us as you also did the exact same for his big brother Brandon and he has just continued to grow into the fun loving young boy he is today which all the staff at St Peter's helped him to do. We will never forget all you have done for both of them. Thanks you all massively once again.
I know that St Peters School has got an enormous reputation about the childcare, this is one of the reasons that i have chosen this school for my daughter. The staff are very lovely with children. Thanks alot for all your effort and care.