Sefton Council is celebrating the continued success and expansion of Old Roan Pre School Nursery in Aintree, which has now launched a brand-new space to create 12 new places for 0–2-year-olds which will support more local families with high-quality early years childcare.

Meeting Growing Demand

The nursery, which first opened in 2018 following the transformation of two unused classrooms at the back of Aintree community centre, was created to meet growing demand for early years provision in the area and generate vital income to support the adjoining community space. The pre school currently has spaces for 24 2-4 year olds.

Providing Vital Childcare Support

Seven years on, Old Roan Nursery is thriving because of the passion and commitment from two local women and owners Julie Currie and Vicky Finley and staff at the pre school nursery.  Support from early years funding has helped toward the cost. The new expansion will allow even more babies and young children to benefit from the care and learning opportunities it provides as well as providing local families with vital childcare support.

Owners of the Pre School Julie Currie and Vicky Finley said

“We are thrilled with the expansion, and we are delighted with the support from Sefton Council. As local women from the Aintree area who started off originally as volunteer Mums, we understand the need for hard working parents to feel their children are being given top quality childcare and are safe. That’s what we offer at Old Roan pre school and have over the years seen demand grow for good quality childcare.

We also have a nursey in Melling linked to Melling Primary school which is also going really well.”

Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Marion Atkinson praised the success of the project:

“This is a fantastic example of what can be achieved when we invest in our communities and support early years development. Old Roan Nursery was born out of a clear local need, and not only has it gone from strength to strength, but it’s also helped sustain a much-loved community facility.”

“I’m incredibly proud to see this new space open and to know it will make a real difference to families in Aintree and beyond.”

Investing in Early Years Provision

Supporting work with children and families in the community and building strong relationships in the places families feel most comfortable is a real priority for Sefton Children’s Services and the Council continues to invest in early years provision as part of its commitment to giving every child the best start in life. For further information on available spaces please contact 0151 531 7509.

Cllr Marion Atkinson, Leader of Sefton Council, Cllr Diane Roscoe, Cabinet Member for Children, Schools and Families, Andrea Watts, Executive Director for Operations and Partnerships, Risthardh Hare, Director for Children’s Social Care and Education , Nadine Carroll, Assistant Director for Education and other members of the local community attended the opening of the new space illustrating the Council’s commitment to projects like these that deliver vital childcare and support in the community.