YOUNGSTERS from a popular Peterhead playgroup recently enjoyed a festive day out to Alford for some carol singing and a visit to Santa's grotto.
Fun with Santa: Some of the children, parents and staff from the PCEC playgroup recently enjoyed a trip to Alford to ride on the Santa Train. Picture: Submitted
The day was extra special as parents learned that Peterhead Community Education Centre playgroup (PCEC), will continue to enrol youngsters for the 2010/11 session.
The playgroup, on Balmoor Terrace, is currently being assessed by the Aberdeenshire Council's Education, Learning and Leisure Committee, as part of a review on Early Years Provision in Aberdeenshire.
The review will look at ways of improving the efficiency of playgroups in Aberdeenshire.
Playgroup manager Ann Grant was keen to reassure parents that the playgroup would remain open.
She told the Buchanie: "We've always had a good number of parents enrol their children in the playgroup. But after the rumours went around town that the playgroup was closing and we really need to ensure that people know it is open for at least another year, and that they can enrol their children.
"There is a review currently going on by the council and in order for the playgroup to continue we need the continued support of parents sending their children to the playgroup.
"The playgroup provides quality care by experienced, trained staff giving children the opportunity to experience play opportunities in accordance with the Curriculum for Excellence.
"The long-running playgroup is very well equipped and uses the Amazone, games hall and local playpark to enhance the children's play."
"The playgroup enrolments this year will be held from the January 5-15 and parents can come along any morning, 9.15am to 12noon to the playgroup."
A spokeswoman for Aberdeenshire Council said: "We are currently reviewing Community Learning and Development managed playgroups to allow the Education, Learning and Leisure Service to plan more effectively and efficiently to meet the requirements of the Scottish Government in relation to early years learning.
"This review will include a full consultation with users of the playgroups affected.
"There are no plans to close any of the playgroups under review, and applications will be accepted for these playgroups from next month.
"The first part of the review will examine the number of early years places that need to be provided and the level of provision that is required to offer a place to all those parents who would like one."
