Thanks to a £146k grant from the Department for Education, a new building has been created at Monks Abbey Primary School to provide childcare for local two year olds.
The new facility includes a large activity area, toilets, changing room, kitchen and office space. The building has been clad in red cedar to fit the backdrop of the Arboretum and sits alongside the current school nursery.
Little Monks, as it is known, can accommodate 32 families, offering 16 sessions in the morning and afternoon. The new service complements an evolving childcare offer for families in the Monks Abbey community.
Cllr Mrs Patricia Bradwell OBE, executive member for children's services, said: "We want all children to get a great start in life, and this new facility will help us achieve that. Despite the disruption caused by the pandemic, the project has been delivered on time, thanks to the hard work of all involved. I'm sure this will be of real benefit to the local community, providing additional childcare options for families in the area."
Vicky Johnson, headteacher at Monks Abbey Primary School, added: "It is fantastic to see our new two year olds enjoying this new facility and learning through play. We are incredibly grateful to everyone involved the completion of this project that provides even more educational opportunities for our community."
This was a joint project between Monks Abbey Primary School and the county council, with the construction carried out by LCC Corporate Property, Kier Design and Business Services and TG Escapes Eco-Buildings.