Village pre-school to move to new building

Children and staff dig for the new Thakeham Pre-school building. Pic Steve Robards SR1704731 SUS-170803-153924001

A pre-school is getting ready to move into a new purpose-built building in September.

Thakeham Pre-school, currently located at the Village Hall in Storrington Road, will be moving 100 metres down the same road next to Abingworth Hall.

The building will be located down a newly-built road just off Storrington Road, where a new housing development is currently underway.

Pre-school manager Sharon Rance said: “Our fundamental aim is to ensure that we continue to create the best possible learning environment in which children can flourish and naturally love learning forever.

Eryn Varkala and Sharon Rance dig for the new Thakeham Pre-school building. Pic Steve Robards SR1704746 SUS-170803-153950001

“We aim to provide a Reggio Emilia inspired learning environment which is awash with natural light and a space that is cosy where children can relax and enjoy learning knowing that staff are always at hand to follow their lead and provide resources that will both stimulate and challenge their young minds.”

The outisde environment of the pre-school will feature many natural elements, flower and vegetable gardens, areas to explore nature, areas to climb and a fairy garden designed to stimulate imaginative play.

There will also be shaded areas around the garden as well as a wooden play house.

Sharon added: “The wooden play house can be anything the children want it to be. From an ice cream shop to a garage, it can be anything.

Children and staff dig for the new Thakeham Pre-school building, Eryn Varkala and Sharon Rance in the foreground. Pic Steve Robards SR1704735 SUS-170803-153938001

“Our latest Ofsted onspection highlights the importance we place on developing children’s natural curiosity when it said ‘staff provide excellent imaginative play experiences for children’. We are highly effective in increasing children’s sense of curiosity in the activities they provide.”

The opening hours for the pre school will be from 9am to 3.30pm each day with an optional breakfast club between 8am and 9am.

There is also an opportunity to learn more about the pre school and meet the staff at the Easter Fayre on Saturday, April 8, at the Thakeham Village Hall from 10am to 12pm.