A NURSERY school that has been introducing children to the world of learning for four years has been hit by a pupil shortage.

More than 20 places are available at the 52-place Moredon Nursery, which is housed in Moredon Infants' School in Akers Way.

Places are free, with funding coming from the Swindon education authority.

But nursery teacher Hilary Poole who set up the nursery four years ago, said: "It's a mystery why we haven't got the numbers of previous years but I think it might be because health visitors, who we rely on to tell parents about our existence, are having less contact with older children and so parents don't know we exist.

"Going to nursery is good for children's education. As the children get older we integrate more with the infant school so when they move up it isn't intimidating for them."

One of the highlights of the week is Wednesday's welly day, when the children take their wellies and discover the outside world through play.

Anna Humphries, 24, from Moredon sent her daughter Emillie, four, to the nursery and says she cannot praise it highly enough. "She has really enjoyed it and progressed smoothly up to the reception class," she said.

To find out more about sending your child to the nursery call Hilary Poole on Swindon 535992.