A MAJOR project to create more nursery places at a community primary school has been completed.

Construction of a new £500,000 extension building at Tanfield Lea Community Primary School, near Stanley, has been carried out.

There is also a dedicated outdoor play area for youngsters aged three and four.

The pre-school has also just received 40 waterproof suits for children using a £1,000 donation from Durham County Councillors Olga Milburn and Joyce Charlton, to allow them enjoy messy play in the outdoor area.

Teacher Joanne Dunham said: “We have had a super reaction and parents have been really pleased with the new setting.

“We really are the first stepping stone for the children to help them get used to school life.”

Funding for the new building came from Durham County Council and the Department for Education.

It means the pre-school, which opened three years ago, has doubled its provision from 24 places of 15 hours a week to 52 places.

The primary school has also introduced a new offer of ‘wraparound care’ with an evening club to add to its existing breakfast club for working parents.

Between 3.15pm and 5.30pm pupils from reception to year six can go to sessions which includes sports, as well as arts and crafts, ICT and a variety of other activities.

Headteacher Kay Hemmings said: “When we asked people in April it was clear that there was a need and this is something we wanted to set up.”

The school is now looking at developing a multi-use games area on its land so pupils can play sport whatever the weather.

Miss Hemmings said: “We are always looking to develop and change. We have got fabulous grounds and want to make the most of them.”