What are the best children’s toys and games, and are they worth the money?
Those are questions parents ask themselves every Christmas – but an old TV clip recently released from the BBC Archives provides some answers from Harrogate primary school pupils.
The video was first broadcast on December 10, 1975, when schoolchildren from Bilton Grange County Primary School (as it was then) took over from the regular presenters of BBC Nationwide’s Consumer Unit, Valerie Singleton and Richard Stilgoe, to offer their expert opinions on the best children’s games to buy as Christmas presents.
Archive footage from Bilton Grange Primary School, which was broadcast on BBC’s Nationwide.
Among the toys ranked by the retro reviewers were Mouse Trap, Monopoly, Snakes and Ladders, Haunted House, Baby Alive, Super Striker, Scalextric, Action Man, Frustration and Campaign.
The schoolchildren will be in their late 50s by now, and many may well still live in the area. Are you one of them? Do you know someone who is? Let us know – we’d love to hear from some of them, nearly half a century on. Let us know by emailing contact@thestrayferret.co.uk.
You can watch the video on the BBC website here.
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Bilton playgroup rated ‘outstanding’ by Ofsted
Ofsted has rated Acorns Playgroup in Bilton ‘outstanding’ following a recent inspection.
The education inspectors visited the setting, which operates at Bilton Grange Community Primary School on Bilton Lane, in February.
It has 30 children registered between the ages of 2 and 4.
Ofsted found that children “excitedly enter the safe and vibrant pre-school” and are “deeply engrossed in a limitless range of first-class activities and experiences”.
The report said:
“Children’s interests and ideas are at the heart of staff’s thinking when they implement the curriculum.”
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The inspector praised the playgroup for its safeguarding procedures and said staff give the “utmost priority” to keeping children safe.
It said staff have “very high aspirations” for all children and swiftly identify any possible developmental delays to help any child catch up. It said staff at Acorns have an “admiral passion and dedication” to their jobs.
The report added:
“Children demonstrate exemplary behaviour and play extremely well together. They solve problems while building impressive constructions, excitedly dig for ‘treasure’ in the large sand pit and make ‘Chinese noodles’ in the exploratory kitchen. Older children play a mathematical card game skilfully and ensure everyone plays fairly and follows the rules.”
Catherine Kaiser, director of Acorns, thanked staff following the report
She said:
“The staff here are fantastic, we’ve all worked really hard and the report reflects that. It’s our fourth ‘outstanding’ rating in a row. It really has been a team effort.”
Woodlands Kids Club
Earlier this month Woodlands Kids Club, at Willow Tree Primary School on Wetherby Road, received a ‘good’ rating from Ofsted.
Inspectors visited the setting on February 1 and praised staff for offering a welcoming and encouraging environment for young learners.
The report said:
“Staff know the children well and respond to their interests. They extend their learning as they play together. Children greet staff with huge smiles as they arrive at the end of the school day. They show a good sense of belonging as they excitedly talk about their day.
“They form meaningful relationships with the staff and follow instructions well. Staff use their knowledge and experience effectively to support those children who need additional help and encouragement. The strategies they use are highly effective.”