CHILDREN at Camblesforth Community Primary Academy are enjoying smart new play facilities – and are looking forward to showing them off to parents tomorrow, Tuesday November 13.

The upgrading of the play area is the first phase of a programme to enhance the outside environment at the school.

National Lottery funding and a contribution from Drax power station helped pay for the work.

The school, part of Ebor Academy Trust, which also operates Staynor Hall Community Primary Academy in Selby, has big plans for the future.

The school now has a wrap around care provision, from 7.30am through to 6pm to help busy parents and carers.

Head teacher Bev Fletcher, said: “We’re thrilled with the new play area.

“I’d particularly like to thank Drax, our fundraisers, and the team at Playscheme for their help in turning phase one of our plans into reality – they’ve done a fantastic job.”

The school is holding an open afternoon today from 1pm for parents and members of the community to come along and see what's new.

Meanwhile parents with young children are also invited to take a look around the new nursery for three- and four-year-olds at the school next month.

Christmas-themed activities are planned for 10am-12noon on Monday, December 3 to celebrate the opening of the nursery, and everyone is welcome to attend.

Mrs Fletcher, said: “Our new, flexible provision to support working parents is now up and running, we’re very proud of it and we’d very much like all parents to come and take a look for themselves.”

Parents of three- and four-year-old children are entitled to 15 hours of free nursery provision, which increases up to 30 hours for eligible parents.

“Being part of Camblesforth Primary Academy’s nursery, which is teacher-led, is a great start to your child’s education.

“Not only does it help children make friends, but it means that when the time comes, they will settle in school more easily.”

Camblesforth is part of Ebor Academy Trust, with 22 schools across York, Selby, the Yorkshire Coast and in the East Riding and the Humber.

Ebor was established in 2013 when Robert Wilkinson Primary School was asked to help Haxby Road Primary.

Both schools becoming academies was the best way to make that happen.

Since then, small village schools, large urban schools, schools in challenging circumstances and those which have capacity to support others have all joined Ebor.