Rockets Preschool, opens at Rockwell Green Primary School, Wellington

Rockets Preschool, previously held at Rockwell Green Primary School, has moved into a new space, increasing its maximum intake of children by 66.6 per cent.

The new building is one of six other projects by the council to boost the number of childcare places in the county. 

The six projects around the county will create nearly 200 extra early years spaces in total. The other schemes are taking place in Norton Fitzwarren, Wiveliscombe, Taunton, Bridgwater and Neroche.

The council says its aim is to ensure that working families take up their 30 hours funded childcare for their 3 and 4-year-old children that is available from this September.

The building – which was craned into place in March - can now cater for up to 40 children, in more spacious surroundings which includes a kitchen and a large wooden verandah.

The children have just started using the new building and, according to headteacher Morwenna Dunstan, they haven’t looked back.

“They are absolutely loving it and really enjoying the extra space,” she said. “It’s a really massive building and a much nicer environment.

“We’ve had an early years grant too which means we’ve been able to get new furniture, a play kitchen, play tent and new construction toys.”

Frances Nicholson, cabinet member for children and families, said: “It’s great to see the first of these projects completed.

"The cost of childcare is a real issue and the increase in funded hours will make a massive difference to many families.

“Our task is to make sure the spaces are there when people want them, and that’s what we’re doing through this really positive partnership with nurseries and pre-schools across the county."