A RAMSBOTTOM nursery has proved that winning a top staff development award is just child's play.

Lodge Day Nursery has won the coveted Investors in People (IIP) award for its excellent employee development.

The nursery in Kay Brow, which opened in 1994 with just three children, currently cares for 60 youngsters up to the age of five.

But it is hoping to use its proven expertise in business development to expand further.

training is a high priority at the nursery where staff are working towards, or have achieved, nationally-recognised qualifications such as National Vocational Qualifications (NVQs) in childcare and education.

Members of staff have also received additional training in first-aid for children and child protection awareness.

Nursery manager Deborah Turner says: "We aim to provide a caring and nurturing environment which allows each child to reach its full potential so it is important that staff are able to fulfil their potential too.

"Training has always been ongoing for us but Investors in People has opened up extra opportunities."

Lodge Day Nursery was assisted through the Investors process by Bolton and Bury Chamber.

To find out how organisations can prosper through Investors in People, speak to the Chamber's workforce development team on 0845 6016010.