Whitchurch Under Fives Pre-school celebrate 25th anniversary

The Whitchurch Under Fives Pre-school is celebrating its 25th anniversary.

Children in the group were treated to a party with an entertainer yesterday to mark the day at their base in the caretaker's bungalow next to Wansdyke Primary School in School Close.

Vanessa Cox, 56, founded the pre-school in 1984. She started with three carrier bags of toys and opened the doors of a Scout hut for parents to bring their children, and was overwhelmed with more than 50 children on the first day.

Mrs Cox said: "It all went from there. I think we were one of the first toddler groups to open in the area and there was a big need for it. Then, 15 years ago, we moved to our current location next to Wansdyke Primary School. We started by looking after babies and toddlers up to three years old, but now we have children aged between two and five. A lot has changed over the years. When we started, pre-schooling was much more casual and there weren't so many rules. They were happy times; not so much paperwork! But I understand the need for change, and the system in place now is good.

"Now we have 32 children, and we are so happy to be celebrating our 25th anniversary."