Plenty to celebrate as Furness nursery marked its first birthday back in 1999

Happy Tots had Barrow expansion plans to tackle waiting list for popular after-school club places and introduce road safety training

THERE was a waiting list of youngsters ready to try out he Happy Tots experience as a Furness nursery celebrated the end of a successful first year.

The Mail, on Thursday, December 2 in 1999, noted: "A Barrow nursery which recently celebrated its first anniversary has received a glowing report following its first social services inspection.

"The Happy Tots Day Nursery, at Arndene Park, Abbey Road, Barrow, opened its doors to the public in October last year.

"The nursery is a member of the National Day Association and was visited by inspectors last month.

"Observations took place on all parts of the nursery, administrative documents were inspected and staff interviews and parent surveys were conducted.

"The nursery was commended for its child-orientated attention to detail.

"The group's first report commended security at the nursery and praised the use of a highly-qualified nursery nurse in each room, responsible for planning, providing and evaluating the group's activities.

"Monthly reports are created for each child and a carefully planned curriculum is taught in the pre-school room.

"The nursery also received a pat on the back for providing healthy diets, and a happy, structured and stimulating environment."

Happy Tots registered leader Sheila Stephenson said: "Everyone has worked really hard to get a good name and we are all really pleased with the inspection.

"The most important thing is there is nothing more special than the children.

"The government is realising that parents have to go back to work and is supporting that, which is a good thing - and it is necessary."

An article on Tuesday, December 7 in 1999, said Happy Tots was refurbishing outbuildings to cope with a growing demand for places - at both the nursery and at its breakfast and after-school clubs for slightly older children.

Sheila Stevenson, who set up the nursery, said: "The after-school club is full at the moment and we have a waiting list."

There were 17 members of nursery staff - all qualified to NNEB standard or NVQ equivalent, with two training as apprentices.

The article noted: "Road education is soon to be adopted in the grounds of the nursery when an imitation road is constructed, complete with a zebra crossing."