Numeracy and literacy classes for under 5s to prep for school

A new service which offers support for families with children aged five and under in a bid to prepare them for school.

Babyzone has opened in Chorley, Lancashire offering free classes and activities designed to support children's development and give parents practical tools they can use at home.

Sessions will include Everyday Maths, an early numeracy pathway to help make maths part of every day routines, reading and literacy sessions and NEST classes (Name, Empathise, Self-regulate, Team-up) which will enhance children's social and emotional development.

Its aim is "promoting school readiness", with a particular focus on communities who may need it most, a Chorley Council spokesperson said.

Councillor Beverley Murray said: "We know there is a real need to strengthen early years support and improve school readiness in Chorley, and Babyzone will help us do just that.

"It provides an inclusive, welcoming space where parents, carers and children can access support, build confidence and prepare for the transition to school."

She thanked councillor Margaret Franace for being "a strong advocate for this project" and playing an important role in helping to bring it forward.

Babyzone CEO George Looker thanked the council "for everything they have done to make Babyzone a reality".

"When we first discussed this project, we didn't know if we would be able to bring it to life, so to see it open and already supporting so many families is incredibly rewarding," he added.

Looker said 70 families and more than 160 people came along on their opening day, which "reflects both the clear need in the community and the trust the council has helped build".

He said the council's £25,000 contribution marked "an important milestone as our first hub to be part-funded by a local authority, and we're proud to be working in partnership with the council".

Running out of the Inspire Youth Zone on Chapel Street, sessions will run every Tuesday during term time until 14 July, before pausing over the summer and reopening on Tuesday 1 September.

A council spokesperson said it did not replace existing early years services funded by the authority, such as Homestart on Market Street in Chorley, but built on the support already available.

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