Twice as many Heckmondwike kids to benefit from tailored preschool education

published on 3 Jul 2017

Noah’s Ark Preschool is boosting its free Government-funded spaces and is extending opening times to better support Heckmondwike families, with parents being encouraged to apply quickly to ensure their child is included for September 2017 intake.

The Salvation Army preschool on Barracks Street provides a safe welcoming setting that empowers children aged two to four years old to explore, discover and adventure through education. The Early Years accredited teaching is innovative and individually tailored to the children, and parents also benefit through access to workshops and ongoing support to help them in their children’s growth and development.

The preschool had previously operated only in a morning and its later start often proved tricky for parents with older children, who would then have to have pre-schoolers up and ready and out on the school run before dropping them to nursery before their parents could go to work – no mean feat for even the most organised parents in a morning! The team have also introduced a lunch period crossover that allows easier changeovers between morning and afternoon attenders.

Noah’s Ark’s Early Years Setting Manager Jessica Harrison said: “Childhood is an exciting time of discovery and pre-schoolers are at an important stage in their learning and development that will make an impact on the rest of their lives – from setting routines and discovering boundaries to developing in their education and how to interact with other people.

“At Noah’s Ark, it’s really important for us that we work hard to create a happy, stimulating and positive environment where each child can reach their full potential, which is why we’re pleased to be able to offer additional spaces for children in our setting as well as growing the support we provide for local families.”

The preschool sits within The Salvation Army church, which offers holistic support through a weekly community programme to all ages in Heckmondwike. People can expect a warm welcome at the church as well as a full range of community-focused projects that help break isolation by bringing people together into a safe space where they can find practical assistance and a listening ear.

On 23 August 2017 The Salvation Army and Noah’s Ark team will be uniting for the church’s community fun day. Featuring a bouncy castle, face-painting, food and games, the fun day is open to the whole community, but will also provide an opportunity for parents and children already signed up to the new school term to meet the leaders and make a first visit to the preschool to ensure that first day in September is a little less daunting.

Noah’s Ark has availability for children aged two to four years old from 5 September 2017 (the preschool operates a morning and afternoon session between 8.30 am and 11.30 am and 12 pm and 3 pm, Monday to Friday during term time). To arrange a visit or for further information, please telephone 01924 408714 or email heckmondwikepreschool@salvationarmy.org.uk

The family fun day will take place on 23 August 2017 from 11 am to 3 pm. For more information, contact Lieutenant Hannah Lee at The Salvation Army at Barracks Street or by telephone on 01924 408 714.