- The governors of a Cheshire primary school have opened a nurseryoffering wraparound care in the school's grounds. Trafford Councilleader Susan Williams officially opened the St Vincent's Catholic InfantSchool's nursery at the beginning of the month.
- An new outdoor play area worth over 25,000 will provide a morechallenging environment to children at Roslea Cross Community Playgroupin Fermanagh, Northern Ireland. The playgroup has created a garden and'soft pour' floor, allowing for a variety of new learning activities.The initiative is funded by Big Lottery Fund's Building QualityChildcare programme.
- The Bishop of London Dr Richard Chartres travelled to Hendon to openSt Mary's and St John's Nursery School at a 300-year-old primary andsecondary school. St Mary's School opened in 1707. Pupils planted a timecapsule in the grounds as part of the celebrations.
- Overland Children's Centre in Bow, east London was opened by TVpersonality Tommy Walsh, of BBC's Ground Force. The centre offersdaycare for under-fives and tries to involve the whole family. There aresupport services for children with special needs, including a newsensory room.
- Ruskin Childcare, a children's centre based in Ruskin Infant Schooland Nursery, has opened in Wellingborough, Northamptonshire. The centrecost 500,000 and offers care for 24 two- to eight-year-olds from8am to 6pm for 50 weeks a year. There are strong links with Job CentrePlus and after-school and holiday care are available.
- A satellite children's centre was opened by the new Home Secretary andlocal MP Jacqui Smith, at St Luke's First School in Redditch earlierthis month. Costing 55,000, the centre will provide a base forworkers from outside agencies to offer services and advice for parents.Out-of-school and holiday childcare will also be offered.
