SCHOOL NEWS: All systems go for new First Friends Pre School

BUILDING work on a new pre-school at a primary school on the outskirts of Ilminster will begin later this summer.

Neroche Primary School was successful in gaining funding from the Education Funding Agency, in partnership with Somerset County Council, to build a new pre-school on the school’s site at Broadway.

Planning permission was recently granted and the school has confirmed building work is due to begin on June 19, 2017, ready for opening and the first two and three-year-old children to arrive in September.

Neroche School is now able to announce that the new pre-school, for children aged 2-4 will be named the “First Friends Pre-School.”

After the Easter holidays, the school will be taking bookings for new pupils at the pre-school. Parents can contact the school office on 01460-52664 or email sch.067@educ.somerset.gov.uk to book an appointment to visit or get an application form.

Many three-year-olds will be able to benefit from the Governments newly funded 30 hours Free Childcare coming into force from September 1, 2017.

Neroche School headteacher, Connel Boyle,  said: “We cannot wait for work to begin so all of the new toys and equipment we have ordered can all go in place in this amazing £400,000 investment for our olminster and village communities.

“Our current reception teacher, Claire Bowditch will be moving to teach in the new pre-school and lead the unit.

“Neroche School believes our youngest children need to get the best start in life so we have prioritised our finances to be able to afford the luxury of a qualified teacher in the new First Friends Pre-School.”

In addition to the new 30 place First Friends Pre-School building on the school site, the school will also be amalgamating the local playgroup that operates at Broadway Village Hall into the First Friends Pre-School.

The existing village hall setting has capacity for up to 23 two-year-olds to join and be a part of the new First Friends Pre-School. Children who are enrolled at age two will all automatically gain places in the new three-year-old unit at Neroche Primary School’s new First Friends Pre-School.

Early Years specialist teacher Mrs Bowditch said: “I cannot wait to teach in our community’s new First Friends Pre-School and leading our team of eight staff for children aged two to five.

“Supporting our children from age two until they progress through their first year at school when they turn five will be a real honour and privilege.”

PHOTO – TOP: Reception teacher Claire Bowditch and Neroche School’s current four-year-olds celebrate the news building work begins soon.

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