A NEW college is to open in Kearsley Children's Centre, when it shuts and services are transferred to Farnworth.

Woodbridge College, a specialist training organisation for young people with learning difficulties, will take over the lease of the centre.

And as part of the lease agreement the college will work with Bolton Council’s Start Well team to continue early years services as well as delivering parent and child activities and community workshops.

The college also has plans to open a community café to allow learners to gain supported work experience in catering, hospitality and business administration.

Services currently run by Bolton Council ­— including play sessions, parenting classes and health support ­— will transfer to a new Start Well hub at King Street in Farnworth following a £478,000 renovation.

Start Well hubs covering each area of Bolton were created as part of controversial shake-up of children's centre.

Schools across the borough came forward to take over the running of a number of the children centre buildings and became linked to the new Start Well Service.

Sally McFarlane, executive headteacher at Woodbridge Academy Trust ­— which governs Ladywood School in Little Lever and Firwood School in Harwood, said: "Woodbridge College is a new venture for our academy trust.

“We want to ensure that when our young people leave school, they can attend a community-based college setting that enables them to develop the skills they will need in adulthood.

“Basing our college at this site provides a fantastic opportunity to offer a wide range of college experiences for the students including the chance to support some of the existing community-based activities which are already offered by the centre.

"We look forward to working in partnership with the council to ensure that the use of this building brings mutual benefit for both our students and the community it serves.”

Executive cabinet member for education, schools, safeguarding and looked after children, Cllr Ann Cunliffe, said: "Woodbridge College is an ideal choice to be the custodians of Kearsley Children’s Centre.

"I am delighted that early years services will continue at the site as well as other activities that I’m sure will add real value to the local community.

"Together with the newly refurbished Sure Start hub in Farnworth, families in this part of the borough will be well supported to ensure their children get the best possible start in life."