A COMMUNITY interest venture is preparing to open its doors on West Street in Crewe.

Little Steps, which launches on September 7, will offer free nursery care to the children of local families.

Parents are invited to bring along their children to see behind the scenes during an open day, taking place from 10am to 2pm, on August 19.

Youngsters can enjoy the new facilities including a secure garden with play kitchen, dressing up area and ‘messy’ art and craft learning zone.

The nursery is based opposite Bombardier in a new building called Metasi House which also provides modern office space for a recruitment company, engineering business and finance firm. Maria Bradbury, the founder of the Stepping Stones nursery chain, hopes it will become a community hub for families.

She said: “Little Steps aims to give back to the community by offering much-needed free nursery care which is so often the obstacle preventing parents from working or studying.

“That’s quality childcare giving parents the chance to earn an income or gain training to enhance job prospects. Support when they need it without pressure on stretched family budgets.

“It will also be a place where mums can forge new friendships and offer support to each other.”

Learning will follow Early Years Foundation guidelines and focus on literacy, art and mathematics as well as physical and emotional wellbeing with lots of opportunity to play in fresh air.

Free childcare sessions for children aged two to five will be provided as part of the Government's early years free entitlement scheme.

For more information on Little Steps and its funded nursery places call 01270 617695 or visit www.steppingstonesgroup.co.uk