STEPHANIE Ballard loved attending the Jackie Bebbington School of Dance at Rose Hill Community Centre when she was growing up.

Now a mum herself, she wants her three-year-old daughter to experience her passion for dancing.

But the school closed about nine years ago with the retirement of Ms Bebbington so the Rose Hill 26-year-old has decided to set up a new tap dancing school in the estate, called ‘Lil Tapz,’ which will start in September.

She will not make any money from the enterprise.

Full time mum-of-three Mrs Ballard told the Oxford Mail: “Jackie Bebbington’s school was huge.

“She opened the school when she was 17 and retired at about 76.

“It was like one big happy family.

“My daughter is three and I have always wanted her to learn to tap dance and there wasn’t anywhere around.

“I think about what the school did for the estate and the money it raised for the school. There is nothing up here for the girls.”

About 18 girls have signed up to join the new school so far.

Mrs Ballard is a member of the United Teachers of Dance.

Rose Hill mum-of-two Stacey Gregory, 23, has enrolled her daughter Aimee Roper, four.

Miss Gregory said: “There is nothing for the young ages. My daughter is four and she is really excited – a lot of activities in Oxford are for ages five and over.

“I think this is fabulous for the estate.”

Rose Hill mum-of-one Lisa Kiel, 29, has signed up her three-year-old daughter Elana Simmons.

Ms Kiel said: “I think it is absolutely fantastic.

“I think we need something up here for the kids this age. There is nothing for my daughter. She has to be a lot older.”

The school, for three to 10-year-old children, will run on Saturdays at Rose Hill Community Centre in The Oval.

Each session costs £2, which will contribute towards the hall hire.

An open day is being held on Saturday, September 7 from 9am to 11am at the community centre.