A primary school is to open a nursery.

Richard de Clare Primary School will open its new nursery in September on the school’s site in Parsonage Street, Halstead.

The nursery, funded thanks to investment from the North Essex Multi-Academy Trust, will offer 15 and 30 hours free provision for 16 children, with parents invited to apply for these funded places.

Deputy headteacher Sam Couttie will manage the nursery, which will be run by a member of the Richard de Clare teaching team and supported by experienced nursery workers.

Mrs Couttie said: “We think this is a very exciting opportunity and look forward to welcoming the nursery children into our Richard de Clare school family.

“We want our children to enjoy a rich and diverse curriculum that reflects and values and the diversity of children’s experiences.

“It is important to us that we provide all the children in our care with the best possible start to school life – no excuses and no exceptions.”

Nursery activities will include regular cooking opportunities, dance and music lessons delivered by specialist teachers, forest schools delivered by a fully trained forest school leader and visits to town, including regular walks along Halstead River Walk.

The school also says it wants to ensure children are happy, safe and confident learners who show clearly they are ready for school when they leave.

Mrs Donnelly said: “We are so excited to be opening our nursery, the benefits for children, families and school are clear to see.

“Our personalised approach to learning, play and fun will ensure children get a terrific start to school life and experience a wide variety of opportunities.”

The nursery building, formerly Halstead Preschool, is in the process of being refurbished.

Call 01787 472153 or e-mail nursery@richard declare.essex.sch.uk.