A NEW school nursery facility means that Prudhoe toddlers can take their first steps into school earlier than before.

From September, children can join Prudhoe Castle First School from the age of two.

The school has renovated a pair of previously unused classrooms to create a new nursery and early years unit.

The new facility means that Prudhoe Castle First School will be the first in Prudhoe to admit children into nursery from two.

Aided by a grant from Gentoo Homes, the school has restructured two empty classrooms to create a new unit which will incorporate nursery pupils and the school’s reception class.

The creation of this new facility follows the closure of the much-loved Jack and Jill’s Nursery in the town.

And Dan Gowens, of Jack and Jill Nursery, is set to move to Prudhoe Castle First School to work in the new nursery.

Tammy Allen, headteacher of Prudhoe Castle First School, said: “We are delighted with the generous donation from Gentoo Homes to help us create an outstanding early years environment for children in Prudhoe. The new unit will incorporate our new nursery pupils and our existing reception class and will help provide a seamless transition for children throughout the school.

“To complete our learning we are also working to provide an exciting and safe outdoor classroom.

“We have approached members of our community to help us with any funds which can be contributed towards fencing, landscaping and outdoor facilities and are thankful for any help that has been received.”

Gentoo Homes, which is currently building the 404-home Cottier Grange development in Prudhoe, has donated £1,000 to the new facility.

Anthony Lowther, assistant director of Gentoo Homes, said: “We are proud to contribute to the restructuring costs of the school so that the much needed new nursery facilities can be created. ”