A primary school has extended its early years offering to include two-year-olds.

St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School, on Lugsdale Road, Widnes, has opened its doors to the younger age group in a move driven by head teacher Karl Landrum.

The new provision, called 'Little Explorers', is led by early years lead Emma Tickle and is designed to be a world of exploration and creativity for the children.

The provision, called 'Little Explorers', is led by early years lead Emma Tickle (Image: Supplied) This includes a variety of indoor and outdoor activities, as well as use of the school's sensory room.

The school, which has an 'outstanding' rating for its early years provision, now offers places for children aged two and three both part-time and full-time.

As of September, working parents of children aged nine months to three years in England are eligible for up to 15 hours of free childcare per week.

St Gerard’s Catholic Primary School, on Lugsdale Road, Widnes, has opened its doors to a younger age group (Image: Supplied) This is an expansion of the childcare support scheme that began in April 2024.

Eligible working parents of two-year-olds were able to access the same amount of free childcare.

For more information or to register interest in a place, parents can contact the school office on 0151 424 2879.