MORE than 100 additional nursery places are set to be available in Hull from this September.
Hull City Council has agreed to add nursery units to both Alderman Cogan Primary School and St James' Primary School, which will be available from September.
The addition of the nurseries means early years education for three and four-year-olds will be delivered at the same sites as primary school provision, ensuring a seamless transition between nursery and primary education.
The move has been welcomed by Jeanette Sutherland, head teacher of Alderman Cogan Primary School in east Hull.
She said: "We are extremely pleased by this news.
"It will help us build links with the children and their families at an early age.
"It will also mean we can let them be part of the school from an early age, too."
The council has been forced to act after the introduction of the statutory education entitlement for eligible two-year-olds put pressure on existing early education provision in east Hull and Bransholme.
A total of 26 full-time places – equivalent to 52 part-time places – will be available at both primary schools.
Mrs Sutherland said: "These places will help us make sure children move through school more smoothly and make them feel more comfortable as they come to the foundation stage.
"When children feel more comfortable, they are far better at learning and can focus on that rather than getting used to somewhere new."
St James' Primary School in Bransholme is being refurbished under the School Capital Programme during August.
This will include the expansion of the current foundation stage, enabling the school to offer nursery provision from September.
Councillor Rosie Nicola, portfolio holder for learning and skills, said: "I am delighted the council is able to support the delivery of nursery education at St James' and Alderman Cogan primary schools.
"These additions to nursery capacity will assist the council in delivering the statutory duty on local authorities to secure early education places for eligible two-year-olds from September."
The decision on providing nursery places has been subject to extensive consultation with parents, staff, governors, local ward councillors, MPs and other early years providers.
Parents and carers who are interested in these new places should contact the schools directly.
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