A PLAYGROUP in Hanmer has been able to enhance their outdoor area after successfully receiving a grant from the Welsh Government.

Hanmer Playgroup Plus – set within St Chad`s Primary School – applied for the grant through the childcare offer capital grants funding.

The childcare funding also supports families in Wales by providing help towards childcare costs of up to 30 hours a week for three and four year olds.

Gemma Butler, manager at Hanmer Playgroup, admitted she and her staff were thrilled to secure the funding and have received fantastic feedback from both children and parents.

“Hanmer Playgroup have such an amazing outdoor area set in the beautiful grounds at St Chads and have now been able to purchase exciting new equipment for all the children to enjoy”, she said.

“We have been able to create different areas for the children to explore and enhance learning opportunities.

"We chose local businesses wherever possible to supply the new equipment: Eastwick Nurseries for their handmade planters and Glandwr Woodworks made the tractor climbing frame.

"A firm favourite has been the tractor climbing frame which encourages children’s physical development, imagination and encourages ways of interacting with each other."

St Chad's headteacher, Gaynor Purcell, is delighted with the transformation.

She said: "St Chad's is benefitting so much with all the extra children that are enjoying the new resources, it is a delight to see them outside playing – whatever the weather!"