STAFF and children at Heddington Pre-school are just a few clicks away from earning a £5,000 grant but need the help of local people if they are to receive it.

The pre-school, which is run as a charity by a committee of volunteers, has been shortlisted for a community grant by the OneFamily Foundation, the charitable arm of Engage Mutual, but must secure the most votes to receive any money.

The money would be put towards developing an outdoor space and training staff to achieve Forest School status.

Leanne Weston, Heddington Pre-school manager, said: “We want to incorporate more outdoor learning and the grant would help us do some Forest School training and provide more resources.

“Also, where we are taking children from 18 months now, we would be able to buy special outdoor resources for them too.

“We are a very small pre-school and would love the help and support from local people so we can access the funds to encourage the growth of our pre-school.”

The pre-school decided to apply for the grant after a parent, who has a child trust fund with Engage Mutual, heard about the OneFamily Foundation which helps fund community projects that matter to its customers.

The school completed the four-step online application form and were thrilled to be nominated for the online vote.

Lucy Tyler, co-chairman of the pre-school’s committee, said: “We have got an outdoor area where we have just put some artificial grass down so children can play outside all year around but the rest of the area is looking really tired. I think it’s nice for the children to get outside to promote their learning and development through play.

“The other part of the funding would help the pre-school to make ourselves a bit unique. Forest School status would mean training staff to cook and camp outside with our children and neighbouring schools.

“The Forest School would be a very lovely opportunity for the school, it would be a unique experience we would be able to offer.”

Voting for the project closes at the end of June. To find out more about the Heddington Pre-school project, and to vote, click here.