FOXBAR youngsters will be taking part in exciting new learning opportunities, thanks to a Paisley-based property management company.
St Columba’s Playgroup in Foxbar has received funding from the Ross and Liddell community bursary scheme – a project which provides support to organisations all over Scotland.
Open to Foxbar youngsters from two to five years old, the group provides learning opportunities in the form of structured and free play, and encourages social interaction.
Around 50 youngsters currently benefit from the playgroup - which runs Monday to Friday in the morning, through term time, and is funded through donations from the community.
The funding received from Ross and Liddell will be used to purchase new toys and learning equipment for the group.
Play leader and group manager Mairi Peters said:
“Being part of a playgroup really helps youngsters develop creatively and socially and introduces a lot of different concepts, including friendship and sharing. It’s so important that children get the chance to experience that before it’s time to go to nursery.
“It’s not prescriptive learning: we’re led by what types of activities the youngsters want to take part in and there’s always a great variety of games, books and toys on display.
“Parents are included too – they are welcome to stay at sessions and in doing so, they often make new friends and socialise.
“We would like to say a huge thank you to Ross and Liddell. The money will make a real difference and will help us to continue to provide youngsters in Foxbar with positive learning experiences which will shape the rest of their lives.”
The group was based in St Paul’s Church in Brediland Road in Foxbar but has now moved to Foxbar Community Centre in Amochrie Road.
Now in its sixth year, the Ross and Liddell community bursary scheme was launches to provide support to organisations across Scotland that are making a vital difference in their communities.
The playgroup is one of 32 groups to receive funding in the 2016/17 bursary scheme.
Irene Devenny, managing director of Ross and Liddell, said: “We’re very proud to be providing funding to groups all over Scotland in this year’s community bursary scheme.
“It’s so important that organisations like St Columba’s Playgroup have access to funding as they provide youngsters with very positive learning experiences which have an impact on the rest of their lives.
“We’re thrilled to offer our support and we hope that the funding will be of great benefit to youngsters and their families.”
60 St Enoch Square