AFTER a year of planning a new pre-school has opened at Forest and Sandridge Primary School in Melksham.

Thanks to a £10,000 grant from the Big Lottery Fund, Seedlings, in Cranesbill Road, opened its doors to toddlers. Facilities at the pre-school, which will be run by a full-time qualified early years teacher alongside additional staff, includes indoor and outdoor learning spaces for three to four-year-olds.

Headteacher Anna Willcox, who has been working hard putting together the finishing touches to the pre-school in the past few weeks, said that the pre-school can accommodate for 26 children and there are still spaces left.

"It has been a brilliant start so far, the feedback from parents has been great and the kids have settled in very nicely so we are very pleased," she said.

"It takes quite a lot of adjusting for children that are this young but by the second day everyone seemed to be really enjoying themselves.

"The three staff are doing a superb job in what has been a busy few weeks of preparation but I am just glad to be open now.

"They have also made good use of the rest of the school, using the sensory room, the library and outdoor areas among other things.

"I must say that the mud kitchen, where they have pots and pans and use mud and herbs to have pretend meals, has been a huge hit too."

This venture was made possible after the school moved from its Sandridge Hill premises in September 2015, are 140 years.

"The facility still looks great and professional, although you can tell a fair few three-year-olds have been here after the day," added Mrs Willcox.

"It is a superb set up to play, stimulate their imaginations and start their educations. We had some taster sessions for some of the children before they came which definitely helped but those who did not are also settling in well.

"We did not really know what to expect but overall it has been very controlled and long may it continue.

The pre-school is still able to offer places to children: for more information call 01225 703394.