Marhamchurch pre-school has unveiled its new building.
Before the opening of the new pre-school on Thursday, October 22, the school had been using a classroom within Marhamchurch Primary School, but was asked to leave due to an increase in school pupils and the school needing their classroom back.
Therefore, the preschool went back to using the local village hall (Bray Institute) which "was totally inadequate for an early years setting" commented Emma Horrell (chair of the preschool), along with the fact that OFSTED had only granted temporary registration to run from there, once again the preschool looked for a new building.
Emma explained: "The process started about five years ago. The committee at that time set to work fundraising and applying for funding to buy our own building. This was successful due to a large amount of money from the Big Lottery Fund and North Cornwall District Council.
"It has been a long and difficult journey but we now have a wonderful purpose built preschool building situated conveniently adjacent to the local primary school."
The official opening included guests from local agencies that have helped support the preschool, including: Marhamchurch Revel and church committees; Marhamchurch Parish Council; MP Dan Rogerson; local retired councilor Tony Edwards; Paula Dolphin (local councillor); past and present committee; staff; parents and children.
Marhamchurch pre-school is now under graduate leadership and offers children a high standard of care and education. Along with this they have 'positive links' with the adjacent primary school.
Currently the preschool is open five days a week from 8.30am until 3.30pm term time only. It is hoped that this will be extended soon and open all year round and increase the daily time until 5.30pm.
Emma added: "Marhamchurch preschool is innovative and always moving forward in line with current thinking, government legislation and responding to the needs of children, parents and families.
"New for 2009 is the implementation of a Forest School into the provision we provide for children. This outdoor learning approach is fully supported and encouraged through the Early Years Foundation Stage Framework."
Thanks have been extended to all of those involved in the project including, those who kindly donated advice and help to the project, previous committee members and the staff "that work so hard and always go the extra mile for the children."
Emma said that: "The children love the new preschool, it's somewhere they feel safe and learn through play."