A new nursery has opened North Crescent Primary School in Wickford as its first children are welcomed for the start of the academic year.

The nursery is available for children aged two to four years old and is based in the school’s existing grounds in the centre of Wickford town.

It opened at the start of the academic year to address a growing demand for nursery places in Essex.

Headteacher Sharon Walker expressed her excitement, and said: “We are delighted to have opened our nursery and welcomed the first children and their families to our school.

“We understand that starting nursery can be both an exciting and nervous time for families which is why we have invested in providing a passionate team to join our existing amazing team of staff.

“For us, the wellbeing and happiness of children comes first and foremost so we have created two beautifully calm and welcoming classroom environments with fantastic facilities and access to our extensive outdoor grounds so that the children feel safe to explore and learn.”

The nursery, which received a £20,000 investment for renovations and new equipment, has already reached full capacity in its morning sessions.