Rhuddlan Playgroup Plus Preschool Guide — Forest-School Learning in Denbighshire
Rhuddlan Playgroup Plus Preschool Overview ()
Rhuddlan Playgroup Plus is a term-time preschool nestled on the Ysgol y Castell campus (Hylas Lane, Rhuddlan, Denbighshire, LL18 5AG). With a forest-school flavour and a warm community ethos, it provides sessional care for children aged two to four.
Key Facts at a Glance
| Capacity | 20 places |
|---|---|
| Age Range | 2 – 4 years |
| Opening Pattern | Monday – Friday, term-time only |
| Language | English with daily Welsh phrases |
| 30-Hour Childcare Offer | Yes (eligible Welsh-government funding accepted) |
| CIW / Estyn Inspection | Feb 2023 – no non-compliance, “cosy & friendly” environment |
Curriculum & Daily Experience
Child-led discovery underpins every session. Indoors, children rotate through themed “learning corners” (space station, café role-play, loose-parts tinkering), selecting resources from low-level, photo-labelled storage to foster independence.
The forest-school strand is a standout: practitioners take groups into nearby woodland to “hunt for bears”, tie ropes, and build dens—helping little ones weigh up risks and cooperate as a team.
Early maths, Welsh culture and literacy are woven into play—counting café orders, singing bilingual songs, and celebrating festivals such as Chinese New Year.
Environment & Safety
Classrooms open directly onto a secure outdoor zone with natural materials, water-pipe runs and planting beds. Robust risk assessments strike a healthy balance between safety and adventurous play.
Indoors, plentiful daylight, children’s artwork displays, and comfy reading rugs create a homely vibe—highlighted as a strength in the 2023 inspection.
Inspection Highlights (Feb 2023)
- Well-being: children “happy and busy”, confidently making choices.
- Teaching: staff excel at prompting problem-solving and managed risk.
- Care & Development: safeguarding meets all requirements.
- Recommendations: enhance formal parent-participation channels; refine staff appraisal system.
Admissions & Contact
Spaces fill quickly—families are encouraged to book a tour and discuss funding options (two-year-old childcare, 30-hour offer, etc.).
- Phone: 01745 590 545
- Email: rhuddlanplaygroup@outlook.com
- Address: Ysgol y Castell, Hylas Lane, Rhuddlan LL18 5AG
