TWO new facilities are helping a West Devon school to grow, strengthen and improve. With the support of parents, governors and staff, North Tawton Primary School has opened a new Out of School Club (OOSC) ? and relocated the pre-school group to the ?old hall? at the school. North Tawton headteacher, Nick D?Agorne, said: ?The school is now in the fortunate position of being able to support parents who wish to work, enabling their children to be educated and cared for between the times 8.50am and 5.30pm. ?North Tawton can now effectively state that wrap-around care is already a reality and we are currently looking at the final element of support ? a breakfast club.? The OOSC offers a safe and reliable form of childcare in a familiar environment. The club has a range of activities, for four to 12 year olds, with the emphasis set firmly on play. Mr D?Agorne said: ?Many of the children attend because their parents are working and need a reliable form of childcare but a vast number attend for social aspects, enjoying the relaxed atmosphere. ?It is really rewarding watching the children?s confidence grow as they interact with each other in a play environment, particularly with the mixed age-range.? The pre-school moved to the ?old hall? at the school in the summer and opened in September. The group previously used the Youth and Community Centre in North Tawton but, after being asked to leave, made a proposal to the primary school governors and subsequently the pre-school application was granted. It provides full-time care for children aged from three. Between Monday and Thursday they run morning, lunch and afternoon sessions. On Friday they have a ?Busy Bees? session between 9am and 12pm for children approaching school age. Mr D?Agorne paid tribute to Jackie Perrior for establishing the OOSC and Bridget Kamel for leading the pre-school?s move into the school. He said: ?The club and pre-school have taken the uncertainty out of child care provision for the community and stabilised the intake for the school. ?There were limited childcare facilities in the town before the OOSC meaning parents wishing to work had to finish early to collect their children. This has changed for the better as a result of these initiatives.? A spokesman for the pre-school said: ?Everyone concerned with pre-school is delighted with the move, we have a wonderful, big, bright sunny room with access to the playground and the field. ? The pre-school is holding an open afternoon on Friday December 7 between 3pm and 7pm. Further information on the OOSC is available from Jackie Perrior at the school on 01837 82284.
