YOUNGSTERS at two nurseries marked a milestone as they “graduated” last week.

A group of 12 children from Ridgeway nursery in Wroughton celebrated in style as they bid an emotional farewell to the staff who have looked after them, some since they were babies while 19 three and four-year-olds at The Co-operative Childcare Nursery, in Shrewsbury Road, Walcot, took part in a graduation ceremony complete with gowns and mortar boards.

Both sets of children are making the leap from nursery to primary school. Ridgeway manager Becky Webster said the event was an emotional one.

“It went really well, everyone really enjoyed themselves,” she said.

“It can be emotional for the staff and for the parents because some of them have been here with us since they were babies.”

And Co-operative Childcare Nursery manager Bev Badminton said that their ceremony had been the highlight of the year.

“It’s a fantastic opportunity for parents to come to the nursery and celebrate their children’s achievements with us.

“Some of the children have been with us since they were three-months-old so it is a big occasion and we want to wish them well in the next stage of their lives.

“The move to big school can be quite daunting.

“We want to make sure they leave us on a high, with a fun and memorable event.”