STRONG Close Nursery School received praise from Keighley MP John Grogan after he visited the facility.

He described it as an excellent example of a community nursery school, supported by the local authority, that provided the highest-quality early education.

He said: “We need to cherish that tradition in our town and in our country.

"Having met the children, carers and highly skilled staff, I have seen the excellent education and services provided by the school for two to five year olds.

“This includes free 15 and 30 hours places, as well as full day care, with healthy meals freshly prepared and cooked on site.

“The places for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities have recently been increased by the local authority and this, along with the new before-and-after school provision, is helping to support our early years community.”

Mr Grogan was shown round Strong Close by governors’ chairman Jill Gilhome and acting head Helen Jones, who said education had been delivered on the same site since 1890.

She said she had invited Mr Grogan to see at first-hand the school’s wonderful work, and so he could help support nursery schools nationally to secure their funding past 2020.

She said: “Strong Close Nursery School would like to thank John for the time he has taken to visit the school and his support in securing the future of nursery school education, which is so important in ensuring positive outcomes for our young children and their families."