Youngsters and parents enjoy Bognor nursery opening

The Stepping Stones Nursery, Westloats Lane, showcased their new high- specification outdoor play area made possible by a £50,000 capital grant.

Nursery manager Lorraine Mellers said: “The new outdoor area is fantastic, the children love it, as do the staff and we are so pleased with it.”

She added: “The whole project was really about teamwork. The staff, children and parents all got involved which was fantastic.

“One of the parents built a bridge for the children to enjoy, members of staff did painting, and the children offered their own ideas.”

During the process children watched builders constructing their new play area, drawing pictures and adding their own personal touches.

“The children got involved. They watched what was going on, and they even laid tiles and pebbles,” said Mrs Mellers.

The outdoor area now incorporates several different components all of which are enjoyed on a daily basis by pupils.

Among other things the area now includes a giant sandpit, jungle area, mini climbing wall, water play section and a sensory garden.

To mark the occasion previous attendees of the nursery were invited back to marvel at the play haven created.

Mrs Mellers said: “We invited some of the children back who moved up to school in September.

“They played a big role in generating ideas for the area, and they had seen the work progress, so we wanted them to be able to enjoy it.”

The nursery applied for the grant to improve their outdoor area in summer last year.