Toddlers get a taste of school

A MESSY play scheme to get babies and toddlers used to a village school has been launched.

Gainford Primary School saw a dozen youngsters and parents get their hands dirty with help from Jemma Ransom at “Little Learners” last week.

By playing with foam, paint, sponges and cereal the toddlers can enhance their early motor skills ready for holding pens and pencils in a few years’ time.

Ms Ransom, the owner of Little Learners, said: “We are interested in their early writing skills and they can practice their motor skills.

“It’s useful for writing when they get to school.”

The primary school and pre school host a well-attended group on Friday mornings but there are few other opportunities for young families in the village since St Osmund’s pre school closed in 2016.

Headteacher Chris Riley said: “I have been amazed by babies as young as six months interacting with all of the resources and can see how the activities encourage their motor skill development.

“Our own pre-school children go along to the sessions and they’re very motivated to make marks and try to write.”

The sessions are held at the school from 1pm to 2pm on Wednesdays and clothes parents don’t mind getting dirty are encouraged.

For more information, ring the school on 01325 730274 or email jemma@littlelearners.com