Twyford

Some 12 months in the planning, Little Acorns (Colleton) Pre-School, Twyford finally moved into their new home last month and it will be officially opened by Wokingham Borough Council’s Mayor Cllr Barrie Patman on Friday October 23.

Little Acorns (Colleton) Pre-School, Twyford was started over 30 years ago by local mothers and it operated from a second-hand terrapin hut, with a small portacabin added 10 years ago. It became apparent some five years ago that the building was too small and outdated.

This year, with the help of Wokingham Borough Council, Twyford Little Acorns was successfully awarded a £180,000 Sure Start grant, which covered most of the costs of the building works. The pre-school contributed £32,000 initially towards the building costs. The committee, with the help of the pre-school parents and the local community, have raised another £14,000 over the past 12 months to supplement the building costs and provide new resources. Parents and staff also contributed their services and labour and the council helped Little Acorns complete its new lease for the land.

The Twyford project committee plan to complete the garden for the spring and will add a large sandpit and adventure play area for the children once more funds have been raised. Fundraising is on going and includes the proceeds from selling cup cakes, which are baked by mothers, known as the baking team. So far by selling cakes at the local Hare Hatch monthly farmer’s market, they have raised more than £3,600 in nine months towards the project.

The building was constructed during the summer holidays taking nine weeks from start to finish to complete. The demolition of the old building happened in July before foundations were laid and the log cabin, which was made in Estonia, was assembled.

The Twyford staff have a bespoke, modern building to work in that is fit for purpose, and provides the quality of environment needed to match the already high standard of pre-school provision that Ofsted have assessed to be ‘outstanding‘ in their last two reviews.

Cllr Patman said: “I am delighted to be officially opening this brand new building at Little Acorns and I wish them every success for the future. This is a fine example of partnership working between the pre-school, the Colleton Primary School, the borough council and the local community. The project committee, which is made up of volunteers, has shown real determination and commitment to drive this forward. Children, parents and staff are delighted with their new building and I look forward to seeing for myself their fantastic new facilities.”

Ann Brigden, building project co-ordinator at Little Acorns (Colleton) Pre-School, Twyford said: “The staff, parents and committee are all delighted with the new building. It has exceeded our expectations, and we thank everyone who has been involved for their assistance to make this such a success. The children have a large, clean play area indoors, a south-facing deck where they can play outdoors under cover, as well as several garden rooms which will provide a variety of activities outside.”

Richard Stanley, WBC’s head of learning and achievement, said: “We are delighted with the development of this excellent provision that has been driven by members of the local community for the needs of children and families in the local community. A key priority for children’s services is to work together to support the sustainability of the early years and childcare sector whilst ensuring all families and children have access to good quality integrated care and learning. There is no doubt that this project greatly strengthens this and highlights the success and benefits of past, present and future partnership working.”

Wokingham Borough Council ~ Twyford