Children at the IKB Bright Sparks Nursery in Wellington have been having fun settling into their new surroundings.

And youngsters at the nursery, which officially opened last month, have been getting outside despite the cold weather, with their own outdoor area and access to the primary school’s playground, playing fields and forest school.

IKB headteacher Richard Healey believes the link between the nursery and school is crucial.

He said: “Strength of transition is hugely important to our IKB learning community and the nursery and reception teams work closely together to ensure that all the children are ready for the next step in their educational journey when the time comes and that the transition is bespoke for every child and their family.”

Nursery manager Gill Holt, who leads a team of five nursery practitioners, is experienced at the Early Years Foundation Stage level having held leadership positions in several settings.

She said: “So far at IKB Bright Sparks we have been extremely busy! The children have been settling in and making bonds and friendships with staff and with each other.

“We have been playing with them, getting to know their likes and dislikes and supporting each of them to begin to learn and develop with us.

“We have all got used to new routines and together we have been exploring our environment, looking at changes in the weather, finding out about the natural world and how things work.”

IKB Bright Sparks is open for breakfast and tea, from 7.45am-6pm, all year round. For more information or to speak with Richard or Gill, email [email protected] or phone 01823 795900.