Little Diamonds playgroup celebrates glowing report

The Little Diamonds Community Playgroup was found to be providing outstanding pastoral care when school inspectors visited last year.

A report published by the Education and Training Inspectorate (ETI) also showed that the parents of 11 children attending the pre-school were more than happy with the educational provision provided there.

Parents voiced their satisfaction by responding to a survey organised by the school inspectors.

The report stated: "Most (80 per cent) of the parents responded to the questionnaire and three made additional written comments. The responses from the parental questionnaire indicated a high level of satisfaction with the overall provision in the playgroup and in particular, they appreciate the caring ethos, the range of activities offered to the children and their involvement in the life and work of the playgroup."

It continued: "The quality of the arrangements for pastoral care in the playgroup is outstanding. There is a warm and caring family atmosphere in the playgroup, parents are made to feel welcome and there is a strong sense of team-work among the staff and management committee.

Chairperson Shauna Doherty said the report was a huge boost for the nursery given a historic lack of funding for playgroups.

She advised the Sentinel that the "the playgroup was highly praised for its achievements."

And stated: "In fact Caitrona Ruane invited Mary McCloskey (playgroup leader) to Newry to receive an achievement award on the basis of the report.

"This is a wonderful achievement given the difficulties the playgroup has faced over its 26 year history with the lack of funding given to playgroups."

The overall conclusion of the report highlighted this achievement with the remarks: "In the areas inspected, the quality of education provided by this playgroup is very good.

"The playgroup is meeting very effectively the educational and pastoral needs of the children; and has demonstrated its capacity for sustained self-improvement."