Wivelsfield's Conservative county councillor, Matthew Milligan, has welcomed plans to introduce nursery classes at the village primary school.
At his regular meeting, the county's portfolio holder for education, Cllr Bob Standley, recommended that the age range at the school be extended to include early-years provision from January next year.
"This is great news for Wivelsfield", said Cllr Milligan. "Residents have been asking for this and I know that they will be delighted when it comes to fruition, as now seems more likely after today's meeting an endorsement from Cllr Standley."
Wivelsfield lost its only early-years provision when the voluntary-run pre-school in the village closed during the pandemic. The school's governing board wish to extend their age range to include a funded early-years facility locally.
The idea is to offer a fully-integrated nursery provision into early years foundation stage at the popular school.
During public consultation last year over the proposal, every response was in favour of the move. Comments such as: "great benefit to the community"; "would love this to go ahead"; "will ease the transition from nursery to school"; "village crying out for this"; and "provides a hub for parents and families."
The next stage is the publication of an obligatory Public Notice followed by a further statutory period of representation.
"I would like to thank Headteacher Helen Smith and her staff for pursuing this and working hard to create this extra provision", adds Cllr Milligan. "Initially, temporary accommodation will be provided although the school has already identified a potential area to create a long-term permanent solution."
