A Kirton pre-school has celebrated its first birthday with a party complete with cake, juice and even a disco. 

Surrounded by rolling fields and idyllic countryside, Kirton Kites has been welcoming little ones into the Kirton and Falkenham Village Hall since April 17 last year. 

“When you go into the building, it’s very airy and light,” explained Kirton Kites owner Sarah Turner, who grew up in Kirton herself. “It has a lovely, village-like feel to it.” 

East Anglian Daily Times: Kirton Kites welcomes children aged from six months to four years old. Image: Charlotte BondKirton Kites welcomes children aged from six months to four years old. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

East Anglian Daily Times: Owner Mrs Turner explained that children at Kirton Kites learn about the world around them. Image: Charlotte BondOwner Mrs Turner explained that children at Kirton Kites learn about the world around them. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

East Anglian Daily Times: Children from Kirton and the surrounding villages, such as Felixstowe and the Trimleys, attend Kirton Kites. Image: Charlotte BondChildren from Kirton and the surrounding villages, such as Felixstowe and the Trimleys, attend Kirton Kites. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

Last year, Mrs Turner asked the community for help in restoring the hundred-year-old village hall, after it stood empty during the pandemic.

The village rose to the challenge, and the hall was given a complete makeover. It is now used by Kirton Kites during the week, and is also available to other community groups. 

Kirton Kites welcomes children from as young as six months old up to age four. During school breaks, a holiday club runs alongside the preschool, which is open to children up to the age of 10. 

Mrs Turner explained that at Kirton Kites, they aim to get children ready for when they start reception, whilst having fun along the way. 

East Anglian Daily Times: Kirton Kites celebrated its first birthday with a party and a cake. Pictured: Left, owner Sarah Turner and right, manager Louise Walker. Image: Charlotte BondKirton Kites celebrated its first birthday with a party and a cake. Pictured: Left, owner Sarah Turner and right, manager Louise Walker. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

East Anglian Daily Times: Children at Kirton Kites learn about the world around them in a fun, engaging way. Image: Charlotte BondChildren at Kirton Kites learn about the world around them in a fun, engaging way. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

East Anglian Daily Times: Children at Kirton Kites play in the village hall, as well as newly renovated outdoor area. Image: Charlotte BondChildren at Kirton Kites play in the village hall, as well as newly renovated outdoor area. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

East Anglian Daily Times: Donna Jacobs, Kirton Kites' SEN Coordinator. Image: Charlotte BondDonna Jacobs, Kirton Kites' SEN Coordinator. Image: Charlotte Bond (Image: Charlotte Bond)

“We have themed weeks, where we think about topics the children might be interested in,” explained Mrs Turner. 

“Next term, we will have a space-themed week. Another week, the theme will be ‘our family.’” 

Overall, she said that she and her team support the children with “understanding the world.” 

“We teach the children their numbers and letters, and then vocabulary, talking, relationships, communication skills, personal social skills and independence.” 

She said it is hard to believe that Kirton Kites is now a year old. 

“It’s flown by – it feels as though we only started six months ago!” she said.