Nursery makes awards shortlist

A TRANSFORMED nursery has been shortlisted for a national award, beating thousands of others across the country.

The Fire Station Day Nursery in Mossley reached the final four in the national Nursery Management Today awards newcomers’ category, after judging at the Hilton Hotel in London. New owner Carole Melia had taken early retirement from the nursery world but was approached by staff to re-open their nursery when it was closed by the official receiver.

She kitted out the building, which was an old fire station, with bright fire engine motifs and an eye-catching window. Carole said: “We have the same core group of girls and to see how we have taken off from absolutely nothing is amazing.

“We are just starting a waiting list and have 30 staff and 126 children from babies to school age. We have also won a gold food award from Tameside Council for the quality of our nutrition, and within just five months of the nursery being open, an Ofsted inspector found that the nursery was already achieving “good” in all aspects.

“This latest award means we have been recognised as a quality establishment.”

The winner of the award will be announced on November 27.