A BELOVED nursery in Colchester has achieved "Centre of Excellence" status in recognition of its exceptional care of children.

Busy Bees, of London Road, Stanway, was handpicked as a Centre of Excellence by the UK's leading childcare provider after continually demonstrating dedication to providing children with the best start in life.

The centre joins more than 50 Busy Bees settings across the UK that have achieved the status.

Busy Bees introduced the Centre of Excellence programme to encourage a proactive approach to best practice, inspire creativity and push for improved quality of care, service and health and safety throughout its 361 settings.

The nursery’s team, led by nursery manager Gina Curry, has delivered care and support to children and families in the Colchester community since September 2000.

To achieve the accreditation, the nursery had to score highly in partnerships with parents and the community, its approach to inspiring the childrens creativity and supporting and nurturing its team of practitioners.

Gina Curry said: “It’s amazing that the care, nurturing and teaching our team provides day-by-day has been recognised. It feels great to say we deliver care in a Centre of Excellence nursery and I can’t thank the whole team enough for how much hard work they put in each day”.

“Holding Centre of Excellence status will only inspire us to continue delivering exceptional care to our children and ensuring all aspects of what we do is matched with the same passion and dedication.”