A NURSERY in Townhill has been praised by an inspector for the way it has been run.

The Paradise Community Nursery within the Phoenix Centre has only been open since 2006 — but already there is talk of needing to expand because of its success.

The inspector from the Childcare and Social Services Inspectorate of Wales visited the nursery twice, both times unannounced, to find out how it operates.

And her report has already been published on the CSSIW.

Inspector Helen Washer said: "On the day of the inspection, Paradise Community Nursery impressed as a professionally-run facility that provided good standards of care in a safe, stimulating environment.

"There was a wide range of activities on offer and good planning of the curriculum was in evidence.

"Staff were observed relating to children in a warm, caring way and the children responded positively to the adult carers around them.

"The premises was clean, brightly decorated and welcoming to children and parents.

''Because of its size, the nursery generated a warm, homely atmosphere."

The nursery is run by Sandra Williams, with Phoenix Centre chief executive Mike Durke named as the "responsible person" at the helm.

Inspector Washer concluded her report summary with: "I would like to thank all the staff, children and Mr Durke for their co-operation throughout the inspection process."

The Phoenix Centre — and The Hill Community Development Trust — finds the money to subsidise it without any external grant funding.

But Mr Durke has raised the question of more space for the nursery with the CSSIW. Currently, only up to 14 children can be accomm- odated in the nursery because of its small size.

He said: "We've run the facility since late 2006: when the former proprietor decided to explore new opportunities we made the decision to take the nursery on because of the importance of this service for local children and families.

"We would have earned a lot more money from the unit if we let it out as office space, but childcare is most important.

"We'd love a new facility to provide full day care for up to 35 children.

"Not only would this enable local residents to drop their children off before work and pick them up after, but it would also enable us to help lone parents to return to learn and access work opportunities in the knowledge that their children are safe and secure."

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