PARENTS are keeping a watchful eye on their nippers at nursery -- thanks to state-of-the-art web cameras.

The nursery at Damson Close, Brockhall, is believed to be the first in East Lancashire to boast the new technology.

The private nursery is equipped to look after 94 children aged between birth and eight. But, unlike other nurseries in the area, parents need never feel too far away thanks to webcam images which are live online.

According to manager Suzanne Shaw, the online view of what goes on in every classroom is a big selling point for mums and dads who feel that nursery care means missing out on spending time with their children.

But it is accessed from a secure website to avoid unwanted visitors.

"One of the down sides of being a working parent is the feeling that you are missing out on bringing up your child," she said.

"But the webcams help them feel a part of it. Parents can log onto the website with a special security code from their desks at work, or computers at home, and look at images from nursery."

The nursery, in Old Langho, was purpose built and has been in operation since registration in 2001 by company owner Charlotte Taylor, who felt there was a lack of appropriate provision in the area.

Now 24 staff work to provide nursery education through specialist play activities, resources and teaching. There are webcams in each of the three classrooms taking pictures every minute. Initial installation was estimated to cost £2,000.

Suzanne, a qualified nursery nurse and manager, said: "I don't know anyone else in the Blackburn area with nursery webcams. We wanted to install them as we are very keen on technology, and it is very good for the parents to see what their children are doing, or how they are interacting with other children.

"It is peace of mind for working parents who suffer the drawback of feeling they are missing out.

"Feedback has been very positive and teachers, although they might feel self-conscious at first, are happy with it as we are very proud of what goes on here."

OFSTED education inspectors have just praised the nursery for creating a settled and happy atmosphere, with well-organised activities including sport, dance and French. "This is the first time we have been inspected and the positive comments are fitting given the hard work that has been put in," added Suzanne.

A spokesperson for Lancashire County Council said: "Full marks to them as it sounds a lovely idea. We are not aware of any other nurseries in the area with the same webcam facilities."