New nursery for town

A NEW nursery is opening in Uckfield, packed with all the resources under-fives need to learn and develop through play.

Housed in a wing of Holy Cross CE Primary School, it will take children as young as two years old.

The creation of the new nursery, which will open in September assuming Ofsted approves, is down to pioneering work by East Sussex Early Years Development and Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) and Holy Cross School.

The EYDCP advised head teacher Andrew Raven and the board of governors on crucial procedures for working effectively in partnership with nurseries from the voluntary and private sectors.

Transition

Mr Raven said: 'The nursery will be working closely with our reception class to ensure continuity for the little ones who register at the nursery, taking them right through the Foundation Stage Curriculum. On a day-to-day level, it will also ease the transition from home to nursery school and cut down on the stress for parents and children.'

The school-based nursery represents a major step towards all-day, year-round childcare services, which will benefit children and working parents alike. In September, parents of four-year-olds attending school for five half-days a week will be able to top these up with half-day nursery places.

A bid is now being put together for Lottery funding to support a breakfast club, after-school club and holiday playscheme for children up to 11 years old.