The first community playgroup to be established in the south-west of Northern Ireland is marking over 40 years in existence with a full enrolment and an outstanding inspection report.

The Clogher Valley Playgroup was the first of its kind established in the area in 1973 in the home of Mrs. Trixie Thompson. As a teacher and young mother, she recognised the value of children having the opportunity to develop their learning and social skills through play.

Two years later, due to an increasing interest in pre-school education, a cross community group was formed to look for larger premises. A suitable building was found in part of Fivemiletown’s former primary school. A hard working committee and enthusiastic parents worked constantly to fund and supply play equipment. From these beginnings, the first cross community playgroup in South Tyrone and Fermanagh was established. It continued to grow and flourish there for almost 10 years.

Following the opening of a nursery school in Fivemiletown, the playgroup moved back to Clogher, where new premises were found in the Cathedral Hall.

For the next 20 years the Playgroup provided a vital role in early years education for over 500 three-year-old children.

Although partial Government funding for Playgroups became available during these years there was still a considerable need to raise money to finance running costs. This was achieved by parents, staff and management committees through a variety of fundraising efforts.

Sources for funding were becoming available through Peace and Reconciliation, as well as the International Fund for Ireland. The Trustees with their very enthusiastic Chairperson, Mrs. Gail Boyd, pursued these funds with the aim of erecting a permanent purpose built playgroup. Despite the challenges ahead, the committee undertook one of the biggest fundraising efforts. They purchased an agricultural trailer and over several months visited many cattle marts with the trailer to sell tickets for a grand raffle. It was a great success and raised over £10,000.

With thanks to the Clogher Valley Family Centre Ltd, which enlisted the support of Dungannon Council and the local councillors in the area, their the dream became a reality in 2003 when the Playgroup moved to its new home at Tullybroom Road, Clogher.

This new building provided space for the children to enjoy and participate in all aspects of play required by the new curriculum and also gave lots of space for developing outdoor activities. In this transformation which required so much work, the playgroup were fortunate to have Mrs. Dympna McConnell as playgroup leader, Mrs. Henrietta Fawcett as deputy leader, Mrs. Mona McElroy and Mrs. Claire Clements as playgroup assistants. The quality of their work was also favourably recognised by a previous ETI Inspection in 2007.

This committed team soon added to the outdoor play space with an Eco garden theme around the Clogher Valley Railway, one of the first of its kind within pre-school education.

In September 2014, Ms. Sinead Donaghey was appointed Playgroup Leader and Mrs. Nuala Hanna as Deputy Leader with Mrs. Mona McElroy and Mrs Jayne Crawford continuing as playgroup assistants The most recent inspection report praised the work of the Clogher Valley Playgroup.

The inspection report concluded: “In all areas inspected, the quality of education provided by this playgroup is very good and the pastoral care is outstanding. The playgroup is meeting very effectively the educational and pastoral needs of the children.” The staff, parents and the management committee of Clogher Valley Playgroup said they were delighted with the results of the inspection which was carried out by the Education and Training Inspectorate.