Work has started on extending the Oaktree Centre in Rhyl

A £1million investment will extend and refurbish the Oaktree Centre in Rhyl by creating three new childcare rooms.

The new facilities for the Little Acorns childcare provision will increase the overall capacity of the centre and will support both English and Welsh language provision.

The project is funded by the Welsh Government’s Childcare Offer Capital Grant Programme and forms part of an overall investment of more than £3million in improving childcare facilities in Denbighshire.

The Oaktree Integrated Children’s Centre, situated on the grounds of Christchurch Primary School, Rhyl, is a Care Inspectorate Wales Centre of Excellence and Flagship Centre for Early Years Education and Childcare, managed by Denbighshire County Council.

It is also a training centre for childcare workforce across Denbighshire to improve delivery of foundation phase and childcare across the sector.

Colwyn Bay based R L Davies Construction is the main contractor appointed to carry out the works, due to be completed by the autumn of 2022.

Councillor Huw Hilditch-Roberts, Denbighshire County Council’s Lead Member for Education, Children’s Services and Public Engagement, said: “This extension will provide more families within the locality access to high-quality affordable childcare and enable parents to seek employment and support the well-being of children reducing the risk of poverty in families.

“Ensuring young people get the best start in life is a priority for the Council and this project forms part of that work.

“We are pleased to be working with R L Davies Construction on this project.”