A History of Freda’s Community Playgroup and Pre-School 

Initially known as Marshfield Playgroup, Freda’s Community Playgroup was first registered as a charity in May 1973, when it was based in Marshfield House, Settle. In January 2002 the playgroup relocated to Community House in the grounds of Settle College and was renamed Freda’s Playgroup in honour of its founder Mrs. Freda Soames. 

Fredas Playgroup soon became a large part of the community, feeding into (at that time) Settle, Giggleswick, Rathmell, Horton in Ribblesdale, Long Preston, Hellifield, Austwick and Clapham Primary Schools, and following the introduction of nursery funding, the group was renamed Freda's Community Playgroup and Pre-School.

In 2015 Freda’s were asked by Settle Collage if they would be prepared to relocate to the Settle College Lower School site. This proposed site was to be much bigger than Community House and had the benefit of being all one level with a large outdoor play area, which was easily accessible, even to the smallest children. Freda’s agreed to relocate and the move was completed in September 2015. Following this move the group grew even more popular and was able to serve more of the local community.

Unfortunately, In October 2018, North Yorkshire County Council announced that they would not be prepared to renew the lease on its expiry in September 2021.
However, NYCC have been helpful in finding us alternative accommodation and have offered the group the old caretaker’s bungalow, which is adjacent to their present building. NYCC have offered the group a 50 year lease on this property with no break clause on their part. The bungalow will however need extending and altering to make it suitable for modern childcare and education, but this is not possible without raising a large sum of money. Planning has been passed for a purpose built playgroup suitable for all children from birth to 5 years. Unfortunately, due to Covid, many of our funding pathways have been closed and we now need to raise the funds ourselves. 

Since 1973 generations of local children and families have benefited from the friendly and caring educational experience of Freda's Playgroup. It has made a significant contribution towards maintaining a thriving rural community where local families can continue to live and work - without who, the fabric and nature of this community would be very different. 

The Governing Body is now appealing to Parents, local residents and businesses to support this cause - please help us to raise the money we need for the new playgroup. If you have any other ideas or ways in which you want to help, please contact us directly at fredascommittee@outlook.com

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