University nursery is the best place to be

By Thom Kennedy

Last updated 05:35, Friday, 03 October 2008

A CUMBRIAN nursery’s homely feel and good communications have seen it named Britain’s best.

At a black-tie awards ceremony at the University of Roehampton in Greater London, the University of Cumbria’s Early Years Centre, at its Newton Rigg campus, was named the UK Daycare Setting of the Year – the industry’s top accolade.

Nursery manager Charlotte Bowe described the award as “a stunning achievement” after attending the ceremony with colleague Donna Waugh.

Charlotte, 29, said: “The results were announced in reverse order and it was all quite tense. When the second place was read out and it wasn’t us we just looked at each other in total shock.

“It was a wonderful evening and so many people came up to us and congratulated us.”

Judges in the Early Years Educator Awards, which gives the prize, pointed to the homely atmosphere, communications with parents, and access to campus facilities.

Its good reputation, outdoor play area, parents’ newsletter and children’s diaries were also cited.

Charlotte added: “I have always known that we are able to offer so much more for children.

“Our forest school is really popular and being able to use the campus grounds and its facilities, such as the stables, is a real advantage.”

The centre looks after more than 50 children of staff, students and the public from its centre in the grounds of the campus near Penrith.