NEW nursery places are set to be created in order to meet 'increasing demand'.

Hampshire County Council has agreed to create new places for nursery age children in North Baddesley.

At North Baddesley Infant School 270 children are educated from reception year (Year R) through to the end of Year 2 (aged 7).

Approval has been given for the school to lower the age range so that as of January 2022, it will be able to provide 24 nursery places for children aged two to four years, from 8am to 6pm during term time.

Mrs Lashmar, headteacher of North Baddesley Infant School said: "We are delighted to be opening a nursery class at North Baddesley Nursery and Infant School from January 2022. The school have long understood the benefits of having children at our setting for longer, three years just isn't enough! We work hard to build positive relationships with the children and families within our community to make sure that every child gets the best experience in their early years' education and beyond. To start the learning journey with our children from 2 years old, is a wonderful opportunity that is very exciting for the dedicated Early Years Team led by Mrs Thompson, and we cannot wait to get started. We cannot thank the community enough for their overwhelming support and our governing body for their constant belief in the vision for our school.

"We are offering a 39 week a year 8am-6pm provision. We understand that many of our families are working full time and require a wraparound option. We are excited about continuing to work in partnership with the other local settings, so that we can still offer high quality training and the use of the facilities at the school to benefit all children within the community.

As well as this, it has been agreed that new places will be created at Mark Way School in Andover for children of secondary school age with special educational needs.

Hampshire County Council’s Executive Lead Member for Children’s Services, Councillor Roz Chadd, agreed the proposals at her public, decision day meeting on 10 November.

Cllr Chad said: “We have a duty to make sure that children and young people can also access both early years and special needs education as needed.

"There is no doubt that there is increasing demand in both areas, and that this is in line with demand for school places across infant, junior, and secondary phases of education. I am happy to agree approve the recommendations that have been made to help meet the identified need.”

For those who would like to register their interest, contact the school office on 02380 412412 or email adminoffice@northbaddesley-inf.hants.sch.uk