WIDESPREAD relief has swept over a Thundersley nursery which can now stay open thanks to a £900,000 grant.

The day nursery based within the Deanes School was set to close when the secondary school is flattened to make way for a £60million new school building on the same site.

However, thanks to money secured from the central Government’s Sure Start scheme, the nursery will now move into the new building when it opens in Daws Heath Road in four years time.

It is the nursery’s second reprieve in recent years, as Deanes School took over the running of the nursery in September 2007 after its private owners went bust.

Kerry McGavigan, deputy manager of the nursery, said: “It’s a huge relief for everyone. It’s like we’ve been given another life.

“There’s been a lot of uncertainty over the nursery’s future recently and it’s fantastic news for the staff, parents and, of course, the children.”

Ten full and part time jobs will be safeguarded by the new building scheme, which will see the nursery, which looks after 43 toddlers and pre school children, being renamed Enchanted Wood.

It will also allow for much improved facilities including a messy play area and covered outdoor areas so children can go outside in all weathers.

Mrs McGavigan added: “At the moment a couple of our classrooms don’t have direct access to the outside, which is really important for the toddlers.

“The new building is going to bring the outside in.”

Strong links between Deanes School and the nursery have been created since it was taken over by the secondary in 2007.

Deanes headteacher Jan Atkinson said: “Everyone at the school is delighted by the news. We’ve become very attached to our nursery.

“It’s great to see the children mix with one another at break time, it gives them a wider perspective on life.”

Pupils from Glenwood special needs school in Thundersley will also move into the grounds of Deanes School as part of the Government’s Building Schools for the Future programme.