Exmoor pre-school children prepare to move into new home

CHILDREN in Dunkery Pre-School will be making a fresh start later this month when they finally move into their new room.
The pre-school has been operating for more than eight years in Cutcombe First School, Wheddon Cross.
Now, Ofsted has approved the pre-school’s new premises and most of the new furniture has been delivered, including an interactive whiteboard and library.
An outdoor area is shortly due to be fenced off and covered with soft rubber flooring.
The first day in the new location is planned to be Monday, October 13.
It is part of an extension at the rear of the school which will also provide extra space in which pupils can work and where class assistants can spend time with individual children or small groups from either class without being distracted by the other children in the class.
At the moment the pre-school children have the use of the school hall on three mornings a week, which restricts the time the school can use the hall for teaching purposes.
Pre-school children also have to either walk through a classroom or around the outside of the building to use the toilets.
New toilets which are part of the school extension have also been designed for pre-school age children.
The new room provides an opportunity for the pre-school to offer more opening times.
It is also ideal for running breakfast and afterschool clubs, which is a long-term aim of the school.
Groups could also use it during the day or in the evening, such as for parents’ coffee mornings, and adult education.
The pre-school was created in 2000 after Wheddon Cross Under-Fives, which had been running for more than 20 years, amalgamated with Exford Playgroup.
Any families who would like a nursery place should contact Sheralee Matravers on 07980423053.

Start on building Children's Centre for Norton Fitzwarren

WORK has begun on a new Children’s Centre for Norton Fitzwarren and the surrounding area which will provide local support and advice for parents and carers of children under-five years of age.
The centre, due to open next spring, will create a single point of access to services for families.
They will be able to obtain information on matters such as child development, parenting, and advice on how to stay safe and healthy.
The new Children’s Centre will also offer support to parents who are considering training and employment, as well as high-quality childcare and pre-school education from 8 am to 6 pm Monday to Friday.
Somerset County Council has contributed more than £700,000 to create the new centre and has worked closely with a steering group made up of local representatives to ensure the facility will meet local needs and aspirations.
The project has been supported by the Somerset branch of the charity Wooden Spoon, which has given £40,000, including £3,500 raised by sixth form students from Kings of Wessex School in Cheddar.
Steering group chairman Councillor Christopher Wolverson, who is the ward county councillor, said: “I am delighted the hard work and perseverance of Norton Fitzwarren Parish Council, the officers of the county council, and our partners has reached this important milestone in the project.
“I am looking forward to the Children's Centre making a real difference to our community when it opens in mid-2008.”
The development represents the latest step toward the council’s aim of establishing 33 new Children’s Centres in Somerset by March, 2008, which will support parents and families and help ensure children in Somerset are healthy and safe in their early years. Twenty centres have aleady opened and a further13 are in development.
The Mayor of Taunton Deane, Councillor Ken Hayward, who lives in Norton Fitzwarren, said: “It is fantastic that building work has started on this facility, which will be of great benefit to families in our community.
“All three local authorities have worked long and hard in partnership to make this happen, and it is a true credit to all those involved on the team.
“The project has also enabled the parish council to provide a long-awaited children’s playground, which will open next summer alongside the centre.”
The national children’s charity Barnardo’s will manage the Norton Fitzwarren Children’s Centre on behalf of the county council.
Barnardo’s South West children’s services manager Sue Dennis said: “We are delighted to be managing the new Children’s Centre.
“We are really looking forward to working in partnership with the county council and also with the children and families from Norton Fitzwarren and the surrounding communities.”
Childcare and education at the centre will be provided by Sarah Battersby and Deana Hunt.
Sarah said: “We will work together with parents and other professionals to create an exciting learning environment within a nurturing and homely setting, where children can grow and reach their full potential.
“We are excited to be working alongside Barnardos, the county council, and others to offer support for children and young families in and around Norton Fitzwarren.”
Henry W. Pollard and Sons Ltd and Woodcraft Homes Ltd, both local building firms, have been appointed to deliver the construction of the Children’s Centre.
Wooden Spoon is rugby’s charity supporting mentally, physically, and socially disadvantaged children and young people.
It has committed to more than £13 million in spending for projects for children and young people. For more information about the charity, visit www.woodenspoon.com.