Haxby Playgroups

About Us

At Haxby Playgroups at Ralph Butterfield we promote the holistic development of the child by encouraging them to develop their skills, knowledge and understanding.

Our highly qualified staff team provide a stimulating environment that is carefully organised to meet children’s needs, interests and stages of development.

We recognise that play underpins learning for young children and staff interact and engage with the children so that they make rapid progress.
Our child-centred approach provides a variety of appropriate learning opportunities, which meet the diverse needs of the young children who attend.

Age Range: 3-5 years

Staff

Liz Radford – Manager

Hi I am Liz, The Manager and SENCO for Haxby Playgroups at RB and Headlands. I have worked at Haxby Playgroups for nearly 10 years and have over 40 years experience in Early Years. My passion has always been to ensure that children receive the very best early years experience. I work with amazing  practitioners and a team of dedicated trustees which makes my job so much easier.

My husband and I have 5 children between us ranging from 34 to 18, 3 grandchildren and 2 on the way. I have two very naughty labradors and the children love to hear about their adventures. I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren, going to the gym and doing long walks with the dogs.

Michelle Musgrave – Deputy Manager

Hi, I’m Michelle and I’m a Deputy at our Ralph Butterfield Setting. I originally joined Haxby Playgroups Committee way back in 2006 and saw it as an opportunity to meet other parents as I was relatively new to the area after relocating.  This was a great experience for me helping to gain an insight into ‘the behind the scenes’ of Haxby Playgroups, volunteering in sessions and gaining new friends along the way. 

In 2009 I joined Haxby Playgroups as an Early Years Practitioner, a new and exciting opportunity after a 10 year career in Accountancy.  My role as a mum led me to this vocation, a role where I believed I could inspire, guide and educate young minds whilst enjoying  the fun and excitement only a child can bring through play. 

I believe in a holistic approach to learning, observing the child’s personal, social, emotional, physical and cognitive wellbeing as they explore the world around them. I believe that high engagement through play only leads to a happy child who is full of intrigue and passion to learn more and I feel lucky to be apart of their journey. 

When I’m not at Haxby Playgroup I love nothing more than spending treasured time with my family, my 2 daughters, my husband and my cockapoo Lola.  I also enjoy time away in my VW camper which takes my husband and I on many adventures,  exploring the outdoors and long walks on the beach but our favourite trips away have to be attending weekend music festivals. 

Kay Smith – Deputy Manager

Hello my name is Kay, I’ve been at Haxby Playgroups since 2017, I qualified as an Early Years Practitioner way back in 2005 and have enjoyed working in various childcare roles since, including nannying and in private nurseries. I believe children learn best in surroundings that nurture and support their interests which at Haxby Playgroups we strive for through our in the moment planning approach. I thoroughly enjoy working at Haxby Playgroups and together with my wonderful colleagues we provide a caring and enriched environment with a warm welcome.

When I’m not at playgroup I spend my time with my husband Matt and 2 children Olivia and Harry. We enjoy catching the latest films at the cinema, exploring new places and walks in the countryside.

Lisa Jackson – Early Years Practitioner

Hi, my name is Lisa and I joined Haxby Playgroups in 2019. I have worked with children of various ages for the last 15 years but have found my passion in Early Years. I have a Psychology degree and a level 3 Early years qualification.

During my time at Haxby Playgroups I have also completed SENCO, Portage and Elkan training. I feel honoured to be a part of the lives of the children we care for and believe providing them with the best early years experience is essential for their future school journey. Our in the moment planning means everyday is shaped around the children’s interests, so everyday is new and exciting as we watch them learn and grow.

I live in Haxby with my husband and two daughters. In my spare time I love to cook and bake, often finding new recipes to try out on family and friends.   

Chloe Stables – Early Years Practitioner

I am Chloe Stables and I am 23 years old. I gained my level 2 qualification in Childcare at York College and then began my Level 3 Apprenticeship at Ralph Butterfield Playgroup 6 years ago.  I am now working as a Level 3 Practitioner at Ralph Butterfield Playgroup on a Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday.

In 2019, I was a finalist in the Apprentice of the Year competition and had to go to London for the presentation event 

I live in New Earswick with my mum and step dad and my sisters and brothers. I also have a part time job at Sainsburys. I enjoy socialising with my friends, holidays and looking after my nephew Bernie who is 3 years old.

Lucy Clark – Early Years Practitioner

Hi, my name is Lucy and I joined Haxby playgroups in 2021 as a one to one support. Before starting at Haxby playgroups I worked as a nurse in palliative care. After having a career break while my children were little, I was so pleased to start at Haxby playgroups.

I really like the in the moment planning and allowing the children to follow their own ideas and thoughts. I believe learning through play is so important, and it’s lovely to be able to give the children the opportunity to do this. 

   I live in Haxby with my husband, three children and two labradors! I love to spend time with my family and friends in my spare time.

 

Contact Us!

Pricing

Current pricing

All Day Session – 9am – 3pm = £36.00
Morning Session – 9am -Midday = £18.00
Afternoon Session – Midday – 3pm = £18.00

We also charge £2 per session (am/pm) for consumables such as snack, play dough, baking ingredients etc.

Please see here for our Terms and Conditions