Trawling through my email, I came across this… Believe me, it’s not all grumbles and bad news here!

I’ve pinned this on the map at Moorgate Nursery since that’s the local Children’s Centre, but hopefully it will get out to Asmall Nursery and others.

Lancashire’s youngest citizens are set to benefit from a £13.5 million cash boost.

Government money is being distributed by the county council over three years to help nurseries, playgroups, pre-school groups and out-of-school clubs to meet new legal requirements.

Early years and childcare settings are getting up to £20,000 each so they can install new outdoor play areas, many with soft surfacing, and canopies to protect children from the elements – rain or shine. There will also be disabled facilities and new toilets.

The money comes from the Department for Children, Schools and Families and covers the period 2008-2011, working out at £4.5 million a year. It will help settings for young children meet the requirements of the Childcare Act 2006.

Lancashire County Council has been working with schools and other partners to plan and lead change, develop the childcare market and make sure that there is sufficient care, education and support to meet the needs of parents and children.

The cash is allocated under the Sure Start programme by a panel including senior representatives from Lancashire County Council, Jobcentre Plus and the health service.

Over two hundred projects all over Lancashire benefited from the previous handout of £6 million which ran from 2006-2008.

County Councillor Jennifer Mein, cabinet member for children and young people, said: “Outdoor play is vital for young children’s learning and enjoyment and the new funding means that many more early years and childcare settings will be able to offer high-quality play facilities, often with direct access from their indoor play areas.

“We’ve concentrated the grants in areas where they will have most impact, so we can help as many children as possible have a good start in life.”