A BILLERICAY nursery has been named the best in the East of England.

Staff and children at Burstead Bears Day Nursery, in Southend Road, are celebrating after beating 940 nurseries across the region to the top spot.

The accolade from industry website www.daynurseries.co.uk was handed to the centre, which has 60 children on its books, after it was put forward by impressed parents.

Burstead Bears has been praised for its state-of-the-art facilities, high quality of care and good relationship with parents.

A video entry system has been installed to ensure youngsters are safe, and parents have secure online access to live cameras so they can watch their children at nursery.

Andrew Stern, owner of Burstead Bears, said: “We maintain the very highest standards in every aspect of the nursery and strive to excel in absolutely everything we do, from the quality of childcare to our facilities.

“We are always improving.

This year, for example, we have installed air conditioning and new flooring.

“This is a very happy place and the children and staff all enjoy being here.”

Mr Stern is now planning to throw a party for the children to celebrate.

The privately-run nursery, which opened in 2006, is rated outstanding by Ofsted.

It also holds a Gold Award for Good Food&Healthy Eating and has a five-star Food Hygiene Rating.

Davina Ludlow, director of www.daynurseries.co.uk, said: “We felt the best people to rate a day nursery were the people who really know its ins and outs – the parents, relatives, and guardians of the children who attend. Burstead Bears Day Nursery has proved it is an excellent childcare setting.

“We’d like to congratulate them on being a top recommended nursery in the East of England.

“It’s a great achievement to be recognised for your hard work, but particularly from the people who you work hard for.”