The Press and Journal (Aberdeen and Aberdeenshire)
Children’ s joy at new home for playgroup
After half a century in a shared space, Turriff Playgroup has celebrated moving into a new home. And the new venue is proving to be a big hit with the children.
Previously known as the Turriff Pre-School Playgroup, the Turriff Playgroup is bringing a new name to its new home to highlight its openness to children aged two-to-five.
The Turriff Playgroup was founded in 1968 and moved into the Turriff Gateway Centre when it opened in 1973.
It operated out of the shared community centre for 49 years. Manager Rae Farquhar said the old space was great but not always the easiest to use.
Sharing space meant they had to break down playsets every day, toilets weren’t easily accessible and they had to walk to the park for outside playtime.
When Turriff Primary School was built a few years ago, a room was set aside for the playgroup. Last week, the Turriff Playgroup finally moved in.
The new space gives children the chance to play outside safely.
And the connection to Turriff Primary School makes pick-ups and dropoffs easier for parents.
Last spring, the playgroup had to cope with fire damage to a public space they often used for outdoor learning.
One of the perks of a dedicated space is no longer having to break down equipment every day. Because the space is their own, children always know where to go to find their favourite toys and games.
So that means story corner, home corner and even the slide now have a permanent home.
Miss Farquhar said the team is taking this opportunity to rebrand the playgroup.
Originally known as the Turriff Pre-School Playgroup, they shortened it to reflect their modern mission.
“When the playgroup started it was just a pre-school group. But that name suggests a limited service.
“We decided with the move that we would change the name as well. We’re now providing early years education, rather than just pre-school play.”
Contact the playgroup by emailing turriffpreschoolplaygroup@hotmail. co.uk