An innovative partnership approach will ensure the very best start in life for youngsters at a new nursery.

Jotmans Hall County Primary School, in High Road, Benfleet, has teamed up with Tender Years to open the new facility in its grounds.

The pair will be working closely together to ensure children are introduced to learning in a fun way and the transition to school is less stressful.

The nursery looks set to be popular with its 20 places already half-full before it even opens next month.

The school's old caretaker's house has been redecorated and modernised to transform it into a bright and comfortable place for youngsters to take their first steps into the world of education.

Nicky Lepley, Jotmans' finance manager, said everyone was very excited about the project.

She added: "It was the school's idea to have a nursery so we can filter children through to us with the right skills already in place rather than take them in from lots of different places.

"It's quite a new partnership approach for us and we're hoping it will work well.

"We will be working closely with the nursery to ensure a learning through play approach.

"The children need to be allowed to develop at their own rate so they are not sick of being force-fed information and are keen to learn by the time they're old enough for school."

The youngsters will also be able to take advantage of the school's facilities, such as its swimming pool, and sit in on assemblies and story-time sessions.

Jaqua Manning, who runs Tender Years with her partner Marilyn Mason, said: "We're very excited about the new nursery and working in partnership with the school to ensure the curriculum we teach at the nursery suits the school."

The nursery - called Tender Years at Jotmans - will cater for children up to school age and opens on May 2 with six staff.

Castle Point MP Christine Butler and representatives from Essex County Council's early years department are set to cut the red ribbon.

Parents can enjoy a sneak preview during open days on Wednesday April 26, from 2pm to 4pm, Thursday April 27, from 5.30pm to 7.30pm, Friday April 28, from 10am to noon, and Saturday April 29, from 1pm to 3pm.

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