To help the school make connections with local families and give under-fives a place to have fun, Holy Cross CofE Primary School is now holding stay and play sessions.

The sessions take place on a Monday morning, with school staff in place to help run them and children invited to come along and play in a safe, structured environment.

The school says the idea behind the sessions, which cost £1 per child, is to help build connections with families who will soon be thinking about school choices and to give people in the local area a place for their pre-schoolers to learn and grow.

Staff at the school say they feel it is vital to provide Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) activities to children within the local village area or further remote rural locations. 

The sessions, held at 9.45am until 11.15, will give young children the chance to enjoy a range of activities and to socialise with others, as well as give parents and guardians the opportunity to meet new people too.

Holy Cross headteacher Emma Zeil said: “I think our stay and play sessions are such a good idea and we hope lots of local parents and care givers will come along. We feel passionate about offering a space for pre-schoolers to get together, learn and have fun and it makes sense for us to make connections with families when their children are at pre-school stage.

“We are in the heart of a community and want to be part of that, offering families the chance to find out about our school a good while before they think about education settings. We’re really looking forward to welcoming everyone in.”

The sessions will offer the children lots to do, from crafting and painting to building and messy play, with refreshments also available.



The school will also be holding an open morning on Thursday, November 17, from 9.30-11.30am, for any prospective parents and pupils to look around. For an appointment, email office@holycross.norfolk.sch.uk or call 01553 810394.