TRELOAR’S new £150,000 purpose-built nursery has been officially opened by author, former journalist and occasional political commentator Frederick Forsyth.

Located on the Holybourne campus, the Treloar’s nursery has had an immediate positive impact for the children who attend both the nursery and BELONG (Treloar’s parent and child service) sessions.

The dedicated learning environment for Treloar’s youngest children allows them to be as independent as possible, be this moving about and trying new equipment or learning new communication skills. The space also ensures the children are more settled.

The new nursery has a sensory room with bubble tubes, a star mat and fibre-optic lights, and a large open-plan play room with under-floor heating throughout. A sunny conservatory area with roof lights creates space for the children to eat together which is then transformed into an arts and crafts area.

Large windows and patio doors lead out onto a rubberised soft play surface with a shade sail and an enclosed garden for the children’s exclusive use. Feedback from parents about both the early years services and the new facilities is said to be “extremely positive”.

A number of parents and children, donors and staff attended the official opening and guests were entertained by Robbie Magic, a balloon modeller, and enjoyed a traditional afternoon cream tea provided by the Treloar’s catering team.

Jo McSherrie, head of the college, said: “Thank you to everyone who kindly donated toward the costs of providing a dedicated nursery and pre-school facility for our youngest learners here at Treloar’s, to include The Lake House Charitable Trust and other very generous donors and, of course, The Society of Stars spearheaded by our kindest, dearest and late friend Carol Hehir.   We could not have done any of this without her drive and determination.

“As a result of the generosity of our supporters, we have now a fabulous new distinct, safe and secure learning environment.”