HEADTEACHER Jean Betts has issued an appeal to local mums not to miss out on free nursery places for their children.

Mrs Betts is the head of Squirrel Hayes First School in Biddulph, one of two first schools in the town which has nursery units.

The nursery at Kingsfield First is full for the January 2000 intake, although a number of places for the same intake at Squirrel Hayes are still available.

Both schools offer 26 places at morning and afternoon sessions every weekday, each lasting two and a half hours.

The places are free, being funded by the local education authority, and Mrs Betts is eager for local people to take advantage of what she sees as a valuable part of pre-schooling for children.

''The nurseries offer a wide range of activities, including learning to socialise, learning through play and language enrichment,'' said Mrs Betts.

''Our nursery is part of the early years unit within the complex at Squirrel Hayes, and we still have a number of places available for next January's intake.

''I am concerned that parents may not be aware that these free places are available, and it would be such a shame for those who do not know about them to miss out.

''The acceptance of a nursery place at Kingsfield or Squirrel Hayes does not alter a parent's free choice of school when their child reaches the statutory age.''

Anyone interested in a place for their child please call at Squirrel Hayes.

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