A CHAIN of outstanding nurseries is set to open a new centre for young children.

St Mary's College Blackburn has opened two nurseries in the past 11 years for the full and part-time care of 240 infants and pre-schoolers.

Now the college is set to expand its provision with a third site. Next month the college is to open the third St Mary's Nursery, in the refurbished Pavilion building of Corporation Park in Blackburn.

When St Mary’s Nursery, based at Wensley Fold Children’s Centre in Carnarvon Road, was inspected last year the nursery was rated ‘outstanding’ in every category.

In the report, inspectors said: “Staff have an excellent knowledge and understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage and have excellent awareness of how young children learn.”

Nursery manager, Tracy Ellett said: “The highlight of the past 11 years has definitely been the two outstanding Ofsted reports.

“I would like to acknowledge the staff for their dedication and commitment to providing a safe, caring, stimulating and challenging environment for the children in our care and it is due to this that both nurseries have been a success, they are great."

The on-site St Mary's Nursery opened in 2003 and in January 2008 the nursery provision was expanded to the nursery at Wensley Fold Children's Centre.

The college has also had Lottery funding recently to refurbish their outdoor play areas. St Mary’s College is hosting an information day at the Pavilion building about the new nursery for two to five year olds. The open day is on Saturday May 24 from 10am to noon.