Pictured: Founders and co-owners, Sarah Felkin and Debra Lovell 

A local day care nursery with a difference celebrated its official launch last week, and threw open its doors to its first youngsters.

Little Pixies Nursery, based in Kinton just outside Shrewsbury, offers a tranquil and rural environment for children of all ages from 12 weeks to pre-school, and covers Shrewsbury, Oswestry and surrounding areas.

"We were hugely excited to officially open our doors for the first time this week, and it was great to have such a lovely group of youngsters joining us from the start" explained Sarah Felkin, co-Founder of Little Pixies. "We worked hard throughout the summer to prepare our three individual playrooms, to kit out our fully-equipped kitchen and food preparation areas, and to landscape our large outdoor areas, chicken run and vegetable garden" she added.

The nursery has been founded on the principle of a nutritious home-cooked and balanced diet, fresh air and room to safely play, and the care and attention you'd offer your own child at home. "We're mums ourselves" explained Debra Lovell, co-Founder of Little Pixies. "And while our children are now school age, both Sarah and I had to work while they were little so we understand how difficult it is for parents to find a nursery to care for them as they would themselves."

Before launching Little Pixies, Debra had a successful career as a qualified nurse, and Sarah as a senior manager in the commercial world, but both shared a dream of one day opening their own nursery. "To see that dream come true this week was a wonderful moment" added Sarah. "And to see the happy faces of our first Little Imps, Sprites and Elves at the end of the day was truly magical".

The nursery is fully OFSTED-approved, and has signed up to the Early Years Framework, showcasing its commitment to ensuring the development of all children through creative and educational play, as well and through the promotion of valuable opportunities for exploration and adventure in a safe and friendly environment. "It's hugely important to us that we provide a nurturing setting that encourages children to explore new experiences and to develop as self-confident individuals" added Debra.

"And we want to make our youngsters' nursery experience a truly positive one which will stand them in good stead for their future school life. Whether that's teaching them the provenance of their food and helping them to grow fruit and vegetables in the nursery garden, joining them for every meal and all sitting together around a table, or simply adapting to each individual child's needs and preferred routine, we are proud to go above and beyond the norm, and we always strive for something a little bit special."

Little Pixies Nursery is running a second Open Day, following the success of their first one just a few weeks ago. "It's on Saturday 24th September from 10am until 12midday and any parents or grandparents currently considering nursery placements are welcome to come along, meet the team, and tuck into coffee and homemade cake" concluded Sarah.

Little Pixies Nursery is a new and exciting day nursery offering the highest standard of care to children from 12 weeks to pre-school. Surrounded by open countryside, the nursery is situated in the village of Kinton near Nesscliffe in Shropshire and offers a friendly and fun environment for children to develop and grow.