THERE'S currently a hive of activity within the grounds of a much-loved Herefordshire school as building work rapidly progresses on an exciting new learning facility for nursery-aged children.

The pre-school will also be the latest addition to the healthy growth of classrooms and pupil places at the popular Stretton Sugwas Church of England Academy.

TG Escapes is the firm in charge of carrying out the build and, although only beginning the work in May, are set to complete everything before the summer holidays - when there will be an Open Day at Stretton Sugwas for prospective new parents and children.

Stretton pre-school will offer 30 spaces per day for children aged between two and four.

In readiness for September, names are already being taken for future places.

"The reason for this development is to provide the best possible start to a child's education, giving them continuity from as early as possible to when they leave us at Year 6," commented headteacher, Mr Alex Davies.

"It's also a chance for us to build relationships with children and families sooner, leading to a quicker settling-in process."

Stretton Sugwas Academy currently has five classes of pupils from Reception to Year 6, with each class having a bee-themed name.

The name of the pre-school class will be The New-Bees, a pun on the modern term "newbies".

For anyone interested in booking their child a space in the pre-school, please contact Stretton Sugwas Church of England Academy on 01432 760282 for further details.