THE primary school at West Buckland is opening a nursery unit in September which will offer 30 hours of care a week and safeguard the future of early years education in the village.

Two generations of children started their education at the pre-school, based in the village hall for more than 30 years, and committees worked hard over the years to raise funds to keep it running.

But like many committee-led pre-schools, and especially those offering limited hours, it was difficult to remain sustainable.

Over the summer holiday a new double classroom is being installed at school. Moving a class out of the main building means the school will gain a good-sized hall and allow the delivery of indoor PE in poor weather to all age groups rather than just the youngest children.

Breakfast and after-school clubs will be moved into the hall, giving lots more space for the children to play and to offer places to youngsters who have been waiting for some time.

The two new classrooms will be used for the two Key Stage 2 classes, making it easier for them to work together.

And the nursery will move into the classroom next to the Key Stage 1 class, giving the school a dedicated Early Years unit, offering places to children aged from two-and-a-half.

School headteacher Helen MacGregor said: “We will have the scope to continue to deliver an exceptional education for children from two to 11 years while retaining our very special family feel.

“We are very excited about the future and are positive that West Buckland Primary School can only go from strength to strength.”