Oak View Academy is preparing to open its doors to children as young as two in order to offer them a head start in education.

The Winsford school is taking the step to provide an extended service to very young children, giving them a strong foundation as they progress towards school.

Management says it will ensure that the flourishing school’s impressive improvements are continued.

Initial stay-and-play sessions will start from Monday, September 17, in the Greenfields Children’s Centre building, which is in the school grounds.

Principal Fiona Whittaker says it is another important step forward for the quickly improving school, where pupils are making progress faster than any other primary in Cheshire, according to SATs results.

She said: “Drawing on the experience we already have, we have recognised the need to start working with children even before they come to our pre-school.

“By opening our doors to children as young as two, we are confident we can give them the best possible start in education.

“This will also give us the opportunity to make contact with families in the area, and support them to improve outcomes for children from a very early age."

“With the linked Children’s Centre also in use for services such as midwifery and health checks, it will allow us to work together with our partners to offer a holistic approach for families.”

The nursery within the school building currently accommodates children from age three, but their new additional Little Acorns Nursery - based in the linked Children’s Centre - will welcome two-year-olds and above.

It is believed that this extra time in a learning environment will significantly improve children’s social, language and basic motor function skills to help them take the important next steps.

Three stay and play sessions are planned for Mondays - September 17 and 24, and October 1 (numbers permitting).

They will take place between 1pm and 2pm and are an opportunity for children and parents to get to know the staff and environment.

Further sessions will be Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursdays, beginning on October 8 and continuing until half term.

After then, sessions will run daily between 8.30am and 11.30am.