Page 18 - link magazine

18 swindonlink.com • November 2008
1 - 21 November 08.indd
Nursery applies to build in Priory Vale
Abingdon Kindergarten Group plans to build a new nursery for up
to 110 children at Redhouse village centre.
A planning application has been having first aid training, a nurse is
submitted for a two storey building, attached to each of the nurseries in
incorporating staff accommodation, the group.
on Isambard Way. The site adjacent Director, Claire French, said that
to the education campus was ear- in researching North Swindon, she
marked for a nursery in the original had not found many other pre-
plans for the village centre and has school facilities offering teaching
outline planning permission. in their curriculum. “There is a
Abingdon Kindergarten Group demand from families in Swindon
has three nurseries in Oxfordshire. for another nursery. We really liked
Originally founded as a family the location in Redhouse and it will
business, the group is now owned be nice for families to be able to walk
by Gateway Educational Services, to the nursery.”
a major education provider in Sri The number of children at the
Lanka and across Asia. nursery will be decided after the
The kindergartens were set up planning approval but is likely to
by Rosemary Buchan who was be between 70 and 110.
qualified as a midwife, nurse and The planning decision is expected
teacher. She placed great emphasis by early November and building
on providing educational opportu- work could start early in the new
nities and each nursery has a quali- year.
fied teacher. In addition to all staff www.abingdonkindergarten.com
Play area revamp at Link Centre
New play equipment and a fresh lick of paint have brightened up play
times for pre-schoolers at Link & Learn Playgroup.
Coun Mick Bray with youngsters learning outdoors at Link Centre
The group was awarded a grass- to see the finished work. “It’s lovely
roots grant of £1,000 by Swindon to see so many happy children en-
Council to revamp the covered joying the equipment,” he said.
area above West Swindon Library There was more good news when
that they use for outdoor play after volunteers from Intel offered to
Ofsted inspectors recommended help paint a jungle mural on the
that open air play opportunties be windows and play patterns on the
improved. floor tiles.
Treasurer, Kirsteen Mosley, said, The community run playgroup
“The Wendy house has been the is so popular that there are already
biggest hit with both boys and names on the waiting list for 2010.
girls. They love the windows, the To accommodate growing num-
door bell and the kitchen; it’s great bers, afternoon sessions will start
for role play and it’s really sparked again in January, a term earlier
their imagination.” than usual.
Councillor for Freshbrook and For information or to register, call
Grange Park, Mick Bray, went along Ann Hicks on 465464.
Time and space for toddlers (& parents)
Little Hands in Westlea welcomes children from the age of two years
until they join a nursery class, with their parents or carers, at their Monday
morning sessions from 10am to 11.30am during term time.
There are organised activities like a craft table, free play, refreshments
and organised nursery rhyme time.
The group meets in the Sunshine Room at Westlea Primary School,
Langstone Way. For details call Sandra Young on 877664.
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