Greencroft Early Excellence Centre

The first sod will be turned in the construction of the eagerly awaited Greencroft Early Excellence Centre on Monday, September 29, at midday.

The Early Excellence Centre was one of the first 50 centres to be designated by the DfES as an example of best practice when it comes to the integration of services from various agencies for the benefit of children up to age of five.

The new facility, to be built on the site of the new Marlbrook Primary School, is to be completed by April 2004 and will provide for:

· the care of up to six babies
· the care of 20 three to four year olds
· a parents room
· a training room
· a health drop-in facility

Staff based at the centre will offer support for children with special needs, families and provide play equipment and other resources for the South Wye area and beyond.

Cllr Don Rule, Cabinet Member Education, said: “The completion of this building will allow the full range of services to be offered to children in the South Wye Area and further a field.

“This is great news for families and it’s the concrete evidence of the willingness of all to work together for the benefit of those most in need.”

The total capital cost of the project is around £733,000, and is being funded by Herefordshire Council (approximately £619,000 from DfES), and its partners including the South Wye Regeneration Board (£84,000) and the Community Challenge Church (£30,000) based in South Wye.