WHITSTONE'S Acorn Playgroup have seen huge progress on their new build project.

Acorns Playgroup was successful in a bid for funding from Cornwall Council to enable them to build their own classroom at Whitstone Primary School. The major element of the bid being that with their own space which will be able to offer 15 hours of funded

sessional care per week for children attending Acorns Playgroup. This will enable Playgroup to run every afternoon during term-time.

Michelle Wickham, chairperson of Acorns Playgroup, said: "The team from Eco-Fab who are working on the new building for Acorns Playgroup have certainly pulled out all the stops to make the most of the two week Easter school holiday and the most of the sunshine!

"They have transformed the site and we now have a wonderful looking structure which will house our playgroup sessions from September 2010."

Michelle explained that once funding had been confirmed, Acorns had to approach a number of

architects to ensure that council money would be spent wisely and that playgroup and school ended up with a building they would be proud of and would adhere to all the recommendations set by Ofsted for the Early Years Foundation Stage.

She continued: "Arco 2 are the architects that met all our criteria and they work with their partners Eco-fab who are putting all the plans into place and making great progress.

"From rather wet and boggy beginnings the building is really taking shape and our timescales are (fingers crossed) for work to be completed by the end of July with playgroup taking possession from the start of the Autumn term, September 2010."

The new building is being constructed to be as environmentally friendly as possible. It will maximise natural daylight and natural ventilation using renewable organic materials. The children will enjoy a great space to play and learn, with access to school's woodland garden, plus a covered decking area for shelter on wet and windy days.

Michelle added: "I offer my continued thanks to everyone involved both at Acorns Playgroup and at Whitstone Primary School. Your patience and

support is really appreciated, one more term to go!

"Thanks also to the team making it happen from Eco-fab and Arco 2, keep up the good work! Exciting, fun times ahead for Acorns Playgroup and all who attend!"