A NEW nursery has opened its doors at a school in Chandler’s Ford, with the help of a local author.

Sherborne House School welcomed children’s book write Ann Wan earlier this month to cut the ribbon on the nursery.

The school, which previously admitted children from three years, made the decision to expand its nursery provision in September, to greater meet the needs of working parents.

It will now admit babies from six-months-old within the new setting, which will offer all year-round care.

Headmaster Mark Beach said: “We are extremely proud of our award-winning nursery which now provides care for children from six-months-old. It is incredible to think that a pupil could join Sherborne House in Nursery at six-months-old and leave aged 11, fully prepared to start senior school. This allows us to truly get to know each pupil and their family, allowing for smooth transitions at key points in the child’s academic career.”

He continued: “It was a delight to have shared our grand opening celebrations with parents, family members, valued members of the community and children’s author, Anne Wan.”

And Ms Wan added: “It was a pleasure to be asked to open the lovely new nursery facilities at Sherborne House School and to meet the dedicated staff who have worked so hard to create a welcoming, and vibrant learning environment for younger children. It was wonderful to see how well the children had settled and to hear such positive comments from parents. I am sure these new facilities will be a real asset to an already thriving community at Sherborne House School.”

Last year Bellevue Education, which the school is part of, won a national award from leading nursery review site daynurseries.co.uk for the second year in a row as a result of the praises from nursery parents across the group.