WORKS to develop a nursery for 32 children in Stanmore have started following months of planning.

The new centre will be made up of a newly-built section, consisting of a new office and staff toilets, and a refurbishment of the existing building adjoining the main hall.

The centre currently takes care of 10 children but demand from local residents has meant the centre has been forced to expand.

Eloisa Broadbent, nursery manager, said: “It's really exciting. It's very important because it gives the local parents the opportunity to go into further education and get some 'me time' and it gives the children the chance to develop skills and socialise with other children and helpers so it's a win-win situation.”

The £180,000 project has been funded by Hampshire County Council and will be geared to help children prepare for primary school education. A planning application is currently being considered by the city council.

Head of staff, Jool Heller-Dixon, said: “It's invaluable. The main thing we're offering is a permanent provision. We've got the option to extend the hours and to help working parents and those who want to go into education for themselves.

“We've been working in partnership with Stanmore Primary School so we can refine the transition for them so the children are school-ready. The staff can run their programme parallel to the school's curriculum. There are key areas that children need to achieve between play groups and nursery so we will be following the foundation that Eloisa has built.

“It's all about helping children improve their learning.”