A PRIMARY school is preparing to expand its work after joining forces with a nursery service.

The development makes Red Hall Primary School the latest in the Darlington area to accommodate the needs of the wider community.

From early next year, Kids and Co Childcare Services will be operating from the school, offering facilities for three to five-year-olds.

The firm will be providing childcare for 51 weeks of the year, from 8am to 6pm, Mondays to Fridays.

It is hoped the extra care will give more Red Hall parents with young children the incentive to get into work. Parents will be able to use child tax credits to help pay for the care.

There will be 20 places provided in the foundation unit at the school, with children learning through play schemes.

They will follow the same syllabus as the foundation stage children in the school.

It is hoped that the new service will start early next year.

Councillor Chris McEwan, Darlington Borough Council's cabinet member for children's services, said: "This new service at Red Hall is part of the council's commitment to providing 'wraparound' care for children and help for working parents.

"Having before and after work care for younger children will hopefully encourage more parents from the Red Hall area to return to work.

"It will help put the school at the very heart of the community, as it will be open longer and will be providing more services."

The service will be provided by staff from Kids and Co, who will work alongside teachers already at the school.

Anyone interested in the new care scheme can contact Sharon Quincey on (01325) 388450.

The development follows Hummersknott School and Language College and Skerne Park Primary School joining the extended schools programme earlier this year.

The national initiative aims to raise standards and behaviour in schools, and work towards improving adult education.

The two schools have already forged strong links, with a series of activities having been staged for both sets of children.

The schools have also opened their doors to others in their local community, to encourage learning.