A PRE-SCHOOL has announced plans to merge with a village primary school in a move which it is hoped will help to secure both their futures and meet the needs of local parents.

Eppleby Pre-School will leave its current base in the village hall in September and move into Eppleby Forcett Church of England Primary School.

The move comes after Eppleby Forcett and Middleton Tyas schools joined together in a federation.

As part of the changes, Eppleby Forcett will become an early years unit and older children will be taught at Middleton Tyas.

Building work will take place over the summer to adapt and improve the Eppleby Forcett School ready for the arrival of the pre-school.

This work is being paid for both by the primary school and the pre-school.

The pre-school, which takes children aged from two to five, will continue operating as an independent charity for 12 months.

After a consultation process, it is proposed that the pre-school would then become part of the primary school federation in September 2016.

Maxine Price, executive head of the Federation of Eppleby Forcett and Middleton Tyas Church of England Primary Schools, said the aim was to provide an outstanding education for all children from both communities.

"We believe that moving the pre-school into the primary school building is an opportunity not to be missed.

"The building is ideal for young people. It's walled, secure environment which is small enough for young children and it's got a lovely ambience about it."

Mick Griffiths, pre-school committee member, said the pre-school was grateful to the village hall which he said had provided an excellent home for the charity.

However, he said the primary school building was much more suitable for young children.

Mr Griffiths, who thanked North Yorkshire County Council for their support for the changes, said the pre-school had been losing money for several years, but the move into the primary school building would secure its future.

The pre-school is currently open from 9am to noon, but will open from 8am to 3.30pm when based in the school.

There are also plans to extend closing time until 5.30pm.

As part of the merger of Eppleby Forcett and Middleton Tyas schools, all key stage two children from both schools will be taught on the Middleton Tyas School site from September this year.

Key stage one children will remain at the site where they are presently being taught.

From September 2016, all reception age children joining the schools from both Middleton Tyas and Eppleby Forcett schools will be taught on the Eppleby Forcett School site.