By Emma Morley

Last updated 01:38, Thursday, 03 April 2008

Nursery of the Week. The dedicated staff at First Steps Day Nursery in Carlisle believe that children should be given the best possible start in life and they have been working hard over the four years since the nursery opened to build up a reputation for offering quality care and support.

Youngsters play and learn with other children of their own age group at First Steps Day Nursery in Carlisle, led by staff including baby room supervisor Hannah Bell, above left with eight month old Jacob Stevens;4 March 2008.PAULA PAISLEY

Indeed, ‘First steps to a brighter future’ is the motto of the nursery and its modern facilities, range of activities and caring staff mean that your child will benefit from both learning and playing in a friendly and safe environment.

When the nursery was set up it received funding as a neighbourhood nursery, where money was provided for areas needing affordable childcare and the nursery has gone from strength to strength as it endeavours to move forward and make sure its children continue to be happy and fulfilled.

The nursery building is purpose built and has modern facilities for children aged three months to four years to enjoy.

There are four rooms which are specially designed for each of the different age groups at the nursery: the ‘Cubs Room’ is actually two rooms, one for children aged three to 18 months, and the other for 18 months to two years.

The ‘Little Monkeys Room’ is for two to three-year-olds and the ‘Lions Room’ is for the three to four-year-olds.

The nursery’s good links with Newtown Primary School, whose site it shares, are essential and the nursery shares its sports hall and equipment.

The nursery is registered to receive the nursery education grant and also offers ‘wrap around’ care. The grant can be used at First Steps Day Nursery, at the pre-school within Newtown Primary School or a mixture of them both, offering flexibility and choice for parents.

Nursery manager Sara Metcalfe said: “We are proud of everything the nursery has achieved over the past four years and are looking forward to a bright future with many exciting opportunities.”

The 11 staff at the nursery feel it is important to form good links with parents and there are social activities arranged for them which help to create a close knit nursery community.