A POPULAR playgroup that has been at the heart of Kinson for almost four decades is preparing to move to a new home.

Kinson Playgroup has been based in the grounds of Kinson Primary School since October 1977, although it has always operated completely independently of the school.

But, with the building nearing the end of its life, and the school having its own plans for the site, the playgroup's committee started looking for a new home.

This proved no easy task but eventually a great site at Heathlands Primary School in West Howe was found just before the playgroup was served with a notice to quit and the playgroup will move out of Kinson on July 2.

Sue Wareham, the manager of Kinson Playgroup, said although they were disappointed to be moving out of Kinson, the new site offered great space and facilities and would enable them to be more flexible in the sessions they could offer parents.

"Everyone at Heathlands School has been very welcoming and accommodating and the new space will be brilliant for us," she said.

"Unfortunately it was just impossible to find anything in the middle of Kinson and so it will leave a hole in the middle of Kinson for provision.

"But if it wasn't for the committee being proactive and looking for a new site, we could have ended up with a situation where the playgroup would have closed for good this summer. This way, it is the start of a whole new era for the playgroup."

Jackie Haskell, chair of the playgroup committee, said: "The new site is really lovely, with a great outside space. We've been an outstanding-rated setting and we're looking forward to the move."

The playgroup will keep its name and will officially open at Heathlands School on Monday, July 6. There will be an open afternoon for parents, prospective parents and members of the community to visit the new site between 1.30pm and 4.30pm on Friday, July 3.