THE HAPPY sounds of laughter, playing and learning fill the air at a popular nursery in the idyllic Delph countryside.
For Swan Meadow Cottage Nursery is filled with close to 70 babies and children who are thriving as they take their first steps into education in a fun and loving setting.
It is a far cry from the ‘ghost children’ portrayed in a recent report by the Association of Teachers and Lecturers, who are often stuck in school for up to ten hours a day while busy parents work.
But at family-run Swan Meadow Cottage, the dedicated and experienced team offers high quality childcare and pre-school education in a close family environment to make sure children are thriving.
And since manager Anouska Fraser took over in February, the nursery has gone from strength to strength while keeping family values and individual needs central to everything it does.
Children can spend their summer days exploring the lofty heights of the brand new tree house in the outside play area, feed the pet chickens or watch the ducks.
Separate areas inside for babies, nursery and pre-school ages promote a relaxed atmosphere where children can learn to the best of their abilities.
And next-door Rivers Retreat – a well-being centre set up and run by Anouska – offers activities to help families unwind together, as well as extra play facilities for the children.
Anouska, who has just completed a BA Hons in Early Learning Education, said: “I have only been here for a few months and things are definitely changing for the better.
“There are things I’ve been able to put in place, such as employee of the month and rewards, and it’s nice to see those working out well already.
“We’re also getting the children involved in what they would like to see changed or added.
“When you come in there’s just a lovely aura for everyone. We are a welcoming team and are proud of what we have to offer.”
She added: “Through sending your child to The Cottage they are embraced with care and empathy to develop at their individual pace with appropriate activities set in a fun and loving way.
“Targets and educational pressures are absorbed through dedicated staff. All the team are so dedicated and hardworking, and often come in at weekends too for events.”
The devoted staff were on hand to host an Easter Fun Day, which saw 80 children enjoy the morning activities with their parents followed by almost 100 in the afternoon.
The nursery also runs a popular Holiday Club outside of term time, which was filled to its capacity of 28 over the Easter break.
And plans to develop further are in the pipeline as the pre-school is set to move from upstairs into a separate downstairs area, with work being carried out this summer.
For more information about Swan Meadow Cottage Nursery, call 01457 877 826 or email swanmeadowcottage@aol.co.uk
You can also visit them on Slackcote Lane in Delph, with no appointment needed. They also have another nursery – Swan Meadow Nursery – located on Church Street in Delph.
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