Work is nearing completion for a new purpose built nursery in Inverness which offers a new concept to childcare in the Highlands. 

Les Enfants Nursery is being developed in Woodside of Culloden, Inverness and is all set for inspection and certification. It will be the first nursery in the Highlands to be fitted with a NurseryCam. The video system allows parents see their children via the internet at any time, giving them the opportunity to be more involved in their children's daily activities.   

Les Enfants Nursery will also be the first nursery in the Highlands to be fitted with a SMARTboard - an interactive whiteboard. The new device brings a whole new level of interactivity to a classroom.  Combined with a computer and a projector it has the power to transform space into a dynamic learning environment. 

Furthermore, the new nursery will provide a breakfast club for children before being delivered safely to their primary school by the nursery minibus. There will also be an after school club where children can be picked up by minibus from local primary schools and taken to the nursery. A primary school teacher will be available to supervise their homework and they will also be invited to join a range of activities and outings.

The nursery will be divided into playrooms to meet the needs of the different ages of the children attending. Extra curricular activities will be offered within the all inclusive fees. These will include introduction to French, dance/yoga, music lessons as well as trips out with the nursery. 

HIE Inverness and East Highland has awarded a development grant funding totalling £9,800 to go towards the cost of plant and equipment for the project.

Denise Barras, director of Les Enfants has been working closely with the Care Commission and the Inverness Childcare and Family Resource Partnership every step of the way, to guarantee a straightforward registration. 

She said:  "Every aspect of a child's needs have been considered. The facility will meet the increasing demand for quality childcare across the city and beyond. Also, if the demand is high enough, we plan to operate a Saturday Club for children up to twelve years old. I'm confident the nursery will provide high quality pre-school education and I'm looking forward to meeting the new nursery pupils and seeing how much they enjoy their new surroundings."

Denise Pirie, business development manager for HIE Inverness and East Highland said:  "The construction of the new nursery is great news for Inverness. Not only will it create jobs but it will also provide a unique childcare facility for children, meeting the demand in the area. Les Enfants will be recruiting up to 29 members of staff to work in the nursery and next month they will undergo a two week induction course and relevant training.  We are delighted to support such an exciting project which is located in a fast expanding part of the city."

An open day for all parents and children is planned for Saturday 5th August to allow parents and children to meet the staff and acquaint themselves with the nursery prior to the official opening on Monday 14th August. 

Applications for registration are available by contacting the nursery on 01463 241117.