Our history, vision and ethos

Cirencester Opportunity Group was founded in 1973, becoming a registered charity in February 1975, by Mrs Brenda Baker and Mrs Jean Cowley, both of whom lived locally and had young children with significant additional needs. They wanted a place to take their children where they would be accepted and where there was provision for them to play and learn along with other children of their age.  The group met on two mornings each week in Watermoor Church Hall. It was a small well-equipped playgroup with a qualified teacher; its aim being to support children who would find it difficult to attend a large playgroup.

In September 1979 COG launched an appeal for £25,000, to secure the site for their permanent premises. In March 1980 South Cotswold Planners gave outline consent for the erection of a single storey building at the ‘Old Allotment Gardens’ on Beeches Road, Cirencester. In January 1983 COG purchased this 3 acres piece of land to build their own premises for £5000, and the building was completed in April 1984 at a cost of £100,000.

This site, where COG remains today, has an auspicious background. Standing along the banks of the River Churn, it was excavated in 1970 with the permission of the then landowner, Mr Richard Chester Master. The remains of two substantial Roman townhouses, affluent in their nature, were discovered, along with evidence of some thirteen mosaic floors! Two floors were thought worthy of lifting and are now displayed in the Corinium Museum. From these discoveries rose the 'Cirencester Roman Hare Trail', which COG took part in and you will see many pieces of mosaic art around the grounds today, paying homage to COG's Roman history and connection.

Children attended the group from 10am until 2pm, and lunch was provided so that mothers (more than fathers in those days) could perhaps go out for lunch with friends on their own, which was very difficult particularly if they had a child with additional needs. Today we might call this respite, although times have changed and more mothers of young children now work, whereas in those days this was more rare. To this day, COG still provides children with a 2-course, nutritionally balanced hot meal. We work hard to fundraise for this service, to ensure it remains inclusive, and to support families to feed their children.

The view of the Local Education Authority in 1973 was that it was not necessary for a special group to be set up. It was also felt at that time that parents would not support their typically developing children attending a playgroup with children who had additional needs. This assumption was disproved as the group became a success and, as we know today, inclusion is very much at the forefront of the education model. The comprehensive secondary school system was introduced in the UK in 1965, and so was still in its infancy at this time.  By February 1974 numbers of children attending had risen from three to sixteen. Donations were given from various fundraising events and many of these are well documented. Cirencester Urban District Council provided £200 to launch the project.  This only covered the cost of the hire of the hall and insurance. Referrals came from health workers in the town, and we still work closely with our Health Visiting Team and many other professionals and agencies who support young children today.

A scrapbook was put together showing the progress of the group, which remains at the centre today! COG was registered as a charity with the aim of being an inclusive setting for young children, specialising in supporting those with additional needs and living in challenging circumstances. The mission of the group was to endeavour to provide a stimulating environment which was adaptable to the needs of the individual child and to encourage and support parents in caring for their children. This very much remains central to COG's ethos today.

When the new Centre opened in 1983, the Local Education Authority had been funding two teachers, but this was withdrawn in 1986. A huge variety of fundraising events, one which included Anne Robinson cutting the cake at the 21^st birthday on 11 June 1994, supported COG to continue its vital work. Another landmark event in COG's history was the building of the 'Annexe', thanks to a £125,000 grant from The Starfish Trust, which opened its doors in 2012. This enabled a huge boost to our Family Support offer, including the ability to provide parent/carer groups, toddler groups and host community events concurrently with nursery early intervention sessions; something that is still very important to COG's offer today.
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Today, we have a team of well qualified, professional and dedicated staff and a number of valued volunteers who help in a variety of ways – from supporting in the playroom to maintaining the grounds and repairing the building. COG now has the support of a charity fundraiser who works hard to identify sources of support and funding, both locally and nationally, to enable COG to continue and develop our vital services.

We also have a board of trustees, who between them possess a wealth of knowledge, experience and expertise which they put to good use in governing and monitoring the activities of Cirencester Opportunity Group. If you are interested in finding out more or feel you could bring your experience and time to our staff team, volunteer team or our board of trustees, please do take some time to enjoy these pages and get in touch with us.

Children and families who attend COG today still benefit from the wealth of knowledge and resources that have been lovingly woven through the fabric of the building, beautiful grounds and ethos of the organisation; to provide early years inclusive education, parenting support and advice to the local community; from those navigating parenting and educating their child with special educational needs and disabilities, to those needing extra support to cope with life with a young family and all the challenges that brings. As it was at its inception in 1973, COG retains its nurturing, caring and supportive ethos and practice today, and hopes to continue through the years to come; removing barriers to learning and giving every child the opportunities to fulfil their potential, striving everyday to realise our vision of creating positive beginnings for young children and families.

Some quotes from families regarding what they value about our Summer Play Scheme.
‍100% of families stated the Summer Play Scheme was important to them.

"It’s too expensive now to go anywhere in the holidays, very grateful for being part of the COG family."
 
"It’s important as this is (my child's) safe space and so good to keep up positive experiences."
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"I feel so incredibly lucky to have such a wonderful, understanding place to bring my son."  
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"Over the last 18 months, COG has been my safe space with (my child), there’s always a smiling face and an understanding ear to listen."