CHURCHER’S Junior College opened the doors to its new ‘Owl and Pussycat’ Nursery with a party for dignitaries, families and friends, supported by BBC Bake Off finalist Miranda Gore Browne, who judged the cake competition.

An array of home-baked cakes were on display, and pupils were hoping to win a prize from Star Baker Miranda, for their efforts.

The nursery opening was attended by the newly elected chair of East Hampshire District Council, Lynn Evans, and her consort David Evans, the Deputy Town Mayor of Petersfield, Hilary Ayer and her consort Bob Ayer, as well as the chairman of Churcher’s College governors Michael Gallagher, the college headmaster Simon Williams and Ffion Robinson, head of the junior school.

Nursery head Annabel Knowles told The Herald: “The nursery is themed around the nursery rhyme The Owl and The Pussycat who went to sea in a pea green boat – connecting nicely with Churcher’s College’s nautical history.

“The older children are the Owls and our very youngest are the Pussycats.

“The focus is on learning through play and we follow the early years foundation stage curriculum to ensure that activities engage and challenge youngsters in a setting where children feel safe, happy, secure and confident.  

“The children love exploring the school grounds and great emphasis is placed on the ‘outdoor classroom’.

“The sandpit, garden, mud kitchen, playhouse and water and role-play areas provide an invigorating environment in which to learn.

“There is also a hard surface for riding bikes and covered space to play, whatever the weather and we have a bespoke kitchen with low benches, where children can help to prepare healthy snacks and learn about nutrition through play.”

Also attending the event was Kim Boog-Penman from Hampshire-based Barn Owl Project and Bird Of Prey Hospital with barn owl ‘Wisdom,’ – all proceeds from the day went to the charity.

The building has been newly-designed and purpose-built to offer a dedicated story and role-play corner, literacy and numeracy zones, areas for investigative and imaginative challenges, outdoor spaces and access to the Junior School facilities including the halls, library and ICT suite.

The nursery is open in term-time from 8am to 4.30pm (4pm on Fridays), for kids aged three and upwards.