We hope our picture tells its story. The children at Open Gates Family Centre Play Group know they being well cared for by people they trust and are enjoying one another's company. Stephanie Gribbin, Jan Casey and Lynn Ashburn put their heart into showing the children how to be behave well to one another, taking turns and showing good manners, by treating the children themselves with respect and praising them whenever they do well. It was very easy to understand why a recent inspection concluded that "A calm, well ordered atmosphere prevails in which children can express themselves and thrive." and ,always aware of evidence that young children coming to large playgroups at an early age can develop aggressive habits, Stephanie is determined to provide plenty of adult support for the small group of children that the playgroup serves. On the day we called they were benefiting from the help of Lorna Park, thoroughly relaxed in the company of the children and enjoying her work experience from St. Benedict's School.
The playgroup is dedicated to the needs of local children from Orgill and Smithfield estates. It does not serve professional families looking for a safe place to leave their children while they go out to earn high salaries, but knowing that it has to serve an essential social need, teaching skills as basic as toilet training and the use of a cup, it keeps its charges very low. But above all it is obvious that the children have fun going there. There are plenty of play activities with big toys and sand trays, and a safe play ground outside. In the words of the inspectors' report, "the premises are clean and hygienic. Children are taught about good hygiene and about healthy eating and are provided with snacks and drinks that are nutritious."
At present it faces severe problems in securing continued funding. Funding agencies have a stronger incentive to start up new socially beneficial services than to support those that are already providing an essential need. A new children' s centre is planned for the site, which should certainly incorporate the services provided by the playgroup, but that does not start until April 2008. Open Gates has been assured of funds sufficient to keep it running until December of next year, and the search is on now for finance that will sustain it for the intervening sixteen months.

Our picture shows Lorna Park (on work experience from St. Benedicts School) Stephanie Gribbin (Playgroup Leader) Jan Casey (Playgroup Deputy) Lynn Ashburne (Playgroup Assistant). with Cole, Jessica, Anna, Karrina, Faye, Lucy, Alex and Callie, Bobby and Jack.