A NURSERY has teamed up with a celebrity chef to create a five-star menu for tots.

Jean-Christophe Novelli will be working closely with catering staff at Dizzy Ducks, based in Billericay, to make sure youngsters are fed nutritionally balanced meals.

The team will visit the Novelli Academy, based in Hertfordshire, next month to learn first-hand the best way to cook the chosen food.

Sian Nisbett, founder and director of Dizzy Ducks, said: “We are thrilled to be partnering with such an acclaimed chef.

“Our children are our priority, and we believe exceptional nutrition puts them in the best possible position to learn, develop and grow.

“Wewanted to take our existing nutritious menus to the next level.

“Jean-Christophe is the perfect partner to help us make healthy meals super delicious, fun and tempting to the fussiest of eaters.”

The nursery chain has six branches across Essex, including one in the grounds of Mayflower High School, in Stock Road, Billericay, and another in Buttsbury Infant School, in Perry Street, Billericay.

Mrs Nisbett was recently named winner of the National Entrepreneur Awards 2014, and will soon be launching a new babysitting service.

Jean-Christophe Novelli, who became a household name when he starred in ITV series Hell’s Kitchen, opened his first restaurant in London in 1996.

He left school at 14 and, aged just 20, became personal chef to the Rothschild family.

He now has a mini-empire, with a handful of businesses across the capital, France and South Africa.

The french chef, who has four Michelin stars, opened the doors of his renowned cookery school, the Novelli Academy, nine years ago.

For more information, visit www.dizzyducks.co.uk