A NEW nursery based at Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School is throwing its doors open to the public this weekend to give parents the chance to tour its facilities.

The Ofsted-approved Mulberry Bush Private Day Nursery is for children aged six months to four years and offers free-flow between indoor and outdoor space and an all-weather grassed ride-on area.

There are spaces for music, role-play, messy play and art and outside the children have access to a wood chip adventure playground, woodland walks and to an enchanting stone Story Time circle. There is also a dedicated baby room.

Claire Robinson, from Spotted Dog Nursery at Burton-in-Kendal, is manager of The Mulberry Bush.

“When the school approached me for advice on how to extend their existing provision, our discussions led to the creation of an exciting new partnership," she said.

"The nursery benefits from the facilities and grounds that belong to the school but we will prepare children for entry at all primary schools. There is no expectation that children will join the preparatory school after nursery.

"Though we will be open all year, we expect the term-time only contracts to be an attractive provision for many parents. We will also offer a holiday club for school aged children. The first one runs this October half term and I’m sure it will be a great success."

She added: “Our research showed that there is a need in the local area for flexible, affordable childcare. With the increase in parents returning to work after maternity leave, we have seen demand increasing at Spotted Dog, particularly with the 0-3 age group, which tripled over the last few years."

Scott Carnochan, headmaster of Casterton, Sedbergh Preparatory School, whose own son Rufus, two, attends the nursery, added: “The safe rural environment but easy access to the A65 will make this an attractive prospect for parents in the South Lakes and villages nearby. The site has its own car park for easy drop-offs, and all food is homemade from locally sourced ingredients. We are also able to offer free French, music, PE and swimming lessons and are introducing toddler yoga and relaxation.

“With Claire, my wife Kate has created a home-from-home environment, with a dedicated baby room and plenty of wall space for displaying children’s Mulberry Masterpieces.

"We look forward to welcoming people to our first open day this weekend and visitors will be able to chat to nursery staff over refreshments.”

Doors open this Saturday between 9am and 11am.

To keep up to date with developments, visit www.sedberghprep.org/mulberrybushnursery, follow Twitter @mulberrynursery or find updates on Facebook /themulberrybushnursery