Allison Hickson, head teacher at Sandylands, Pippa Day, nursery lead, and Dawn Kenworthy, teacher
A school will hold an open day to celebrate extending its nursery into a new venue for 'little seahorses'.
Sandylands Primary School has regenerated a mothballed former children’s centre to extend its nursery, enabling it to welcome pre-school children aged two and three years.
'The Venue', on Balmoral Road just around the corner from the Hampton Road school, was previously a Surestart Children's Centre, and the school now runs the building following a successful funding bid.
The brand new facilities will open on Monday June 9, with an open day taking place for the public on Thursday June 5 from 10am to 2pm.
The newly-extended nursery will be called 'Sandylands Little Sea Horses', taking inspiration from its seaside location and the famous carved seahorses at the Midland Hotel.
Pippa Day, a highly experienced nursery practitioner, will lead the early years team.
“We know from parents that high quality nursery provision can be hard to find, so we’re thrilled to be able to offer more for the local area,” said Allison Hickson, head teacher.
“Children’s early years’ education sits at the heart of a community, so it’s lovely to breathe life back into this venue, giving local children the best start in not just early learning, but socialisation, stimulation and fun, too.”
The new facilities align with the upcoming extension of government childcare provision from 15 hours to 30, meaning from September, all parents with pre-school children can claim 30 hours’ childcare a week, whether working or in receipt of benefits.
Sandylands school nursery has been operating for more than 20 years.
The open day will be held on June 5, with guests including the new Mayor of Lancaster, Councillor Margaret Pattison.
School mascot Sandy the Seal is also expected to attend!
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