A NEW nursery was opened in Walcot this weekend by Mayor Junab Ali.

The Woodlands Day Nursery on Walsingham Road impressed parents who popped in to have a look around over the weekend.

Owner Gemma Farrar and manager Jamie Rima hope that the youngsters they take on will learn independence and important life skills from an early age.

The 65-space nursery uses an adapted version of the Reggio Emilia approach, which gives little ones more control over their learning and more chances to express themselves.

Gemma said: "Ofsted are about getting kids school-ready, and we're about getting them life-ready.

"We help them prepare their own snacks and lunches, and what they choose to play with affects how we teach them.

"Almost every item is wooden because it encourages them to use their imaginations more."

The Farrars already have a nursery in Stratton and have now realised their dream of expanding and opening another one

"This nursery is really community-driven and it's great the Walcot has got behind us.

"We've had incredible feedback so far from parents."

It will be open Monday to Friday and look after babies and toddlers up to the age of five.

The nursery is divided into a pre-school room for toddlers, and a back room for babies, though there are opportunities for everyone to play together.

For more information, call 01793 539 693 or check out the nursery's facebook page.