ALTON Convent School’s new Garden House Day Nursery at St Lucy’s Convent in Medstead has been opened officially by sisters from the two orders.

St Lucy’s Convent is home to the Order of St Lucy Filippini and Alton Convent School is home to the Sisters of Our Lady Of Providence, and representatives of both institutions came together for the opening.

Sister Frances Lauretti, who had flown in from Rome as a representative of Sister Nicolina Bandura, General Superior of the Religious Teachers Filippini, said: “Central to both our missions is a calling to go out into the world and educate young minds, so we are delighted to be working together on this venture.”

Graham Maher, headteacher of Alton Convent School, said: “This lovely convent has a long association with nursery provision, and we are delighted to take on the responsibility to take it forward and build on our Garden House Day Nursery Alton’s reputation as an (Ofsted inspected) ‘outstanding’ early years provider by offering the highest quality nursery care in this wonderful setting.”

Garden House Day Nursery Medstead offers an entirely refurbished nursery for children aged six months to four years, added Mr Maher.

One parent said: “I’m so thrilled that my daughter has the opportunity to be at the Garden House Day Nursery Medstead. The grounds are wonderful and the care from the staff is amazing.”