Paradigm gives £7,000 grant to local preschool

Published by Liz Turner for Paradigm Housing Group in Education and also in Housing

More than 40 children from Hyde Heath, Amersham, Chesham and the Missendens are celebrating new facilities at their Pre-School, thanks to grants from Paradigm Housing Group and the Big Lottery Fund.

Hyde Heath Pre-School has been equipped with a colourful outdoor classroom, sheltered from both rain and sun, while indoors it has new computers and an oven.

The school received a £7,000 grant from Paradigm for the outdoor facility and a further £3,000 from the Big Lottery Fund for the indoor resources.

“There is good evidence that learning outside the classroom significantly benefits children’s development,” said one of the Pre-School’s supervisors, Rachel Mistri.

“Thanks to this wonderful new facility, our children can enjoy fresh air, exercise and new experiences about the world around them, even when the weather is unfavourable.”

Another of the Pre-School’s supervisors, Kirsty Harris, explained: “Learning through play with computers and cooking helps children start to develop the wide range of skills that they will need throughout life, in an interesting and engaging way.”

Lyn Ives, a Paradigm tenant and Board member who attended the official launch of the new facilities on 29 June said: “It’s wonderful to see children develop the skills they need to have rewarding lives. These facilities are a real investment in the future.”

“Parents who are booking places for their children in 2011-12 are delighted that Hyde Heath Pre-School is equipped with the very best in early years resources,” explained Trevor Lawson, who chairs the Pre-School.

“Our charity is well-placed to support the development of many more local children in a safe and happy environment.”