First Friends Pre School, new building officially opens.

I was very honoured on Thursday to be asked to cut the red ribbon to mark the Official Opening of the new facility for the First Friends Pre School Nursery which stands alongside Great Waldingfield School.

Founded some 40 years ago by a mother who lived at Hole Farm, the Pre-school has gone from strength to strength. It could be said to have been the victim of its own success when it was asked to vacate the classroom at the school in January. The eviction was due to pressure on space from school age children, a good many of whom had come up from the nursery itself.

In a stupendous joint effort from the pre school's Leader, Ann Stone and staff, the County Council, builders,architects and others, the facility opened for business in early September, only eight or so months since notice to quit the school was received. The speed shown by everyone concerned can be illustrated by the fact that the architect submitted a planning application only two weeks after the first time he visited the site.

I wrote about the new building on the blog some weeks ago, but visiting again last week I was once again really impressed with it. The external grassed area has now also taken shape, and the whole structure is a perfect venue for the 43 children currently making their first friends and starting out on the wonderful journey that is education!