Around 90 under fives from disadvantaged backgrounds or who have developmental challenges will receive assistance and support thanks to a grant from Somerset Freemasons to Bath City Farm’s ‘Little Farmers’ programme.

The £34,000 grant will support the programme for three years, with applications welcomed from families with children who have additional needs, those who may have concerns about their children’s development or people who have social, health, financial or other barriers to attending playgroups and nurseries. Children in the group learn through play, creativity, communication, positive socialising, and fun physical exercise.

The funding will make a significant difference to the lives of local children and their families by providing assistance through an experienced co-ordinator. Families will benefit from the co-ordinator’s support, knowledge and help, as well as being able to socialise with other families in a supportive and fun learning environment.

The money from the grant will be spent on enabling Bath City Farm Little Farmers to support more children and their families from the local area, who may have additional needs and who are facing day to day challenges. The money will also enable Little Farmers to provide materials and equipment for use by the children.