REDDITCH YMCA has teamed up with a first school to offer improved pre-school nursery services.

The YMCA's Church Hill Centre service will be moved to Ravensbank First School from January after a £29,000 grant from the Worcestershire Early Years Childcare Development Partnership (EYCDP).

The YMCA has wanted to expand its pre-school provision over the past few months but lack of space had scuppered any plans.

And a recent Ofsted inspection had also raised concerns about the physical condition of the YMCA's council-owned building and its suitability for provision in the future.

Alan Fraser, chief executive of Redditch YMCA, said: "This is fantastic news. We've been granted £29,000 over the next three years which will enable us to offer more places and longer hours at an extremely competitive price.

"We are eagerly looking forward to partnering Ravensbank in this venture. They and the education authority are working hard to get the building ready for transfer in January."

The new base at Ravensbank will be able to offer full-day care facilities rather than the present half-day service and to add to this, more places for youngsters will be on offer.

Mr Fraser said: "This work will secure our Ofsted registration, which means we'll still be able to accept nursery vouchers - further reducing the cost of a place for families.

"It will also provide a secure future for the YMCA pre-school, a regular influx of potential new pupils for the school and the minimum disruption for young children making the transition from nursery to first school. All in all, everyone wins."