A RADCLIFFE nursery has shown its commitment to staff development and training at the double.

Wells House Nursery is celebrating its re-recognition as an Investor in People (IIP) organisation.

Since achieving the national award, the Ringley Road-based nursery "has gone from strength to strength" says principal Tina Knight.

Wells House has a new extension which has increased the number of places from 35 to 54.

This has enabled the nursery to introduce specialist teachers for individual subjects, such as music, and unit specialists for each group.

Training at the nursery, as well as focusing on child care, has been expanded to include information technology and management skills. And each member of staff is aiming to achieve NVQ (National Vocational Qualification) level three in customer care. Another goal is to secure Quality Counts status, the National Day Nursery Association's quality kitemark.

Tina Knight said: "I am delighted that we have been successful again. Investor in People has transformed our policy towards our staff and it has given us the confidence to gain access to the right training."

She added: "Investing in our staff is extremely important, just like the time and care we invest into the children at the nursery."

Becki Wilkinson was part of Bolton and Bury Chamber's workforce development team which helped Wells House.

She commented: "Everyone at Wells House deserves congratulations for this achievement.

"Investors in People has been an effective tool in helping the nursery to expand and at the same time the members of staff have concentrated on their own personal development ."