Gloucestershire nursery groups get cash boost
NURSERY school children in Cheltenham will end their 15-year wait for a permanent home following a cash injection from the county council.
The authority has announced it is pumping £7.3 million into providing new buildings for 14 pre-school and primary school groups in the county.
The Piccolo Bears Nursery, in Benhall, has been handed £467,000 to build a permanent pre-school capable of holding 26 pupils.
Staff at the nursery, which operates from a temporary building, said the grant would help to secure the organisation's future.
Playgroup assistant Sue Griffin said: "It's marvellous news that this money has been set aside for us.
"We've been in our current building for at least 15 years and it is now in a very poor condition.
"A permanent new home will give us upgraded facilities as well as a place for kids to enjoy for years to come."
The nursery caters for youngsters aged between two and five years old. It also runs after-school groups for primary school pupils.
Mrs Griffin said: "The funding might also allow us to expand. We currently have 25 kids on our books and the new building would allow us to cater for more."
Mitton Manor Playgroup, in Tewkesbury, is also set to benefit from the scheme, with £477,000 set aside for a new pre-school building.
Louise Thomas, committee secretary at the nursery, said: "We are thrilled to bits. We're based in a temporary cabin which is fast approaching the end of its lifespan. We would have struggled to continue if we had to stay here.
"Having a permanent home paves the way for a secure future. We will also be able to make improvements to our playground area, although we haven't decided what they will be yet."
Funded through the Government's Sure Start and Early Years Childcare grant, the projects could start by April and be completed in time for the autumn term.
Councillor Stephen McMillan, cabinet member for young people, said: "I am pleased that we are able to invest to make the start of our children's education better.
"These improvements will hopefully enable staff to make a difference to the young people in these communities."
3 Comments
by Matt H, Cheltenham
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 3:26PM
“I too am wondering what Scott Maslen and Keith Duffy have to do with this story...???
Perhaps the good folk at TiG could enlighten us...???”
by A Senior Editor, The backroom
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 3:23PM
“I am amazed, that |Eidtors can't even get the correct pictures as alead to this articale will someone please enlighten me on how Scott Maslen and Keith Duffy were involved in getting this cas award that has been up until now run by hard working individuals perdominately within the school area of business, someone tell the Editor that their role is to check articles for inaccuracies not leave information in to make the article look good.”
by A sure start friend, school
Tuesday, March 09 2010, 1:37PM
“If this does come off, then well done to all the SUre Start members here in the county, they worked hard to achieve this.”