A SCHOOL in Preston is celebrating after becoming the first in the city to boast a new status that sees it open its doors to all the community, and not just children.

Moor Nook Primary School, Mitton Drive, will officially launch Extended School Status, which has been operating since the beginning of the school year, on Monday.

The new scheme sees the school welcoming parents and grandparents to participate in school life.

Parent forum groups are being offered, as are literacy lessons, and after-school dance lessons for both children and adults.

"Extended school status is far more than just opening for evening lessons, it is about the school becoming more involved in the life of the community," said extended schools manager Skye Istikhar.

"Under the scheme we will be providing services to the local community, not as a community centre but as an educational establishment.

"Parents will be able to take family planning lessons, parenting lessons and computer lessons as well, and we are getting a gardening group together for elderly members of the community." A drop-in centre will be offered once a week, and an optician will visit the school every term to carry out eye tests on the children, as part of the school's new role.

"There are four schools across Lancashire with extended school status, but we are the only place in Preston to have it, so it's very exciting," added headteacher Heather Horne.

"We are officially launching the new status on Monday because it is parents' evening. Everyone is very enthusiastic about it."

New services will be offered in conjunction with the City of Preston High School, which is just across the road, so services are not multiplied unnecessarily.