Top marks for new home

Little learners cut the ribbon to celebrate the opening of Pippin Pre-School's new building

They were joined by North West Bedfordshire MP Alistair Burt, Central Beds Council chairman Cllr David Bowater and ward member Cllr Brian Saunders.

Pippin staff included manager Rose Sharp, assistant manager Sharon Goddon, senior session leader Tracey Grant, chairperson Angela Mackenzie and committee secretary Jo Lamb.

The pre-school was previously housed in Roecroft Lower School but was relocated within the same site to allow Roecorft to expand.

Pippin is home to 150 two- and three-year-olds. It offers wraparound care for children attending the nursery for funded childcare hours, breakfast and after school clubs.

Ms Sharp said: “We’ve been part of the Stotfold community for more than 50 years. We have grown from a small play group catering for 24 children each morning to 60 children per session from 7.30am to 6pm.”

Cllr Bowater, attending the opening as one of his first appointments as the council’s new chairman, said: “Speaking with both staff and children, it’s evident that they love their new home.”

Mr Burt added: “With the government’s expansion of early years funding for pre-schoolers, I’m pleased that Central Bedfordshire is able to provide excellent facilities of this kind to ensure everyone has the same opportunity for early education.”