A LARGE extension has been built at a Newton Aycliffe nursery.

An additional 26 places have been created at the Playday Nursery, in Simpasture Gate, as part of the New Opportunities Fund Building Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative.

Building work is complete and plans are being made for an open day in the New Year for families with babies and young children in Newton Aycliffe.

Additional staff have been appointed in anticipation of the increase in numbers of children attending.

The nursery was the first in County Durham to receive the Quality Counts standard, designed specially for day nurseries, from the National Day Nurseries Association, which helped the Playday Nursery's application for grant funding to win Neighbourhood Nursery status.

Management and staff have also recently completed a course to help achieve the Chartermark, an Investors in People award.

Playday has a baby suite for children aged under two, a separate section designed for children aged two to three, and a purpose-built play and learning area for children aged three to five.

The building has disabled access and facilities, a secure outdoor play area, security television cameras and electronically-controlled doors.

Playday is open Monday to Friday, from 8am to 6pm, and on Saturday mornings from 8am to 1pm.

The nursery offers flexible hours to parents who are shiftworkers, in addition to half-time or full-time places. Free places are available for children aged over three.

Enquiries concerning enrolment, entering a baby's name on the waiting list or the Saturday creche can be made to manager Linda Watts on (01325) 312050.