THERE are exciting times ahead for a popular school after it was granted planning permission to build a new nursery.

St Margaret’s Preparatory School, Gosfield, will continue to welcome pupils from just two years old, but with the addition of a large custom-built nursery.

Two existing buildings will be demolished to create the open plan nursery.

Callum Douglas, headteacher, said: “This wonderful new facility will ensure that our youngest children have the opportunity to learn in a bright and spacious environment in the very heart of our school.”

The new nursery, which has been designed by Charles Tashima Architects in London, will complement the existing school buildings, the main part of which is a listed, 18th-century former coach house and stable block.

Careful planning and design means there will be a larger footprint and the purpose-designed learning space will be flooded with natural light thanks to a cleverly designed partial-glazed ‘gull wing’ roof and large floor-to-ceiling windows opening on to two secure and engaging outside play areas, giving pupils the option of indoor and outdoor play areas in fine weather.

A school spokesman said: “We believe that children learn through play and we provide many opportunities for free-choice play using inspirational educational materials, including Montessori equipment.

“Our activities are planned to provide for, and facilitate, the seven areas of learning and development — communication and language; physical development; personal, social and emotional development; literacy; mathematics; understanding the world and expressive arts and design.”

Contact the school on 01787 472134.