A STATE-of-the-art 'eco-classroom' has been officially launched at a Wythall nursery by Bromsgrove District Council leader Geoff Denaro.

The Wendy House Day Nursery, which provides childcare to 300 families across the region, has opened the new environmentally-friendly suite to cater for more than 30 pre-school pupils.

The facility is air-tight with a high-tech ventilation system, meaning it has minimal need for conventional heating and is also cost-effective.

Victoria Vann, managing director of The Wendy House in Chapel Lane, said: "We are very excited about the launch of the eco-classroom. It brings together so many different strands to cement The Wendy House’s position as a leader in setting the standard for early years education. We can support the government’s drive to provide more funded places for working families; we can create something completely unprecedented in the area, and we can continue our expansion.

Nursery staff and Cllr Denaro marked the opening of the eco-classroom, funded by Worcestershire County Council, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony last week.

Cllr Denaro said: "I’m delighted to see a Bromsgrove district nursery taking the lead and building for a brighter, more sustainable future.

"We’ve seen all levels of government work together to remove obstacles and help make this happen. From the national government’s funding, related to its expansion of provision of nursery hours, to the county’s educational support, and then our flexibility at the planning stages given this small extension was within the green belt.

"It has all added up to an excellent outcome for local families.”