BAMBINOS, the day nurseries in Totteridge and Terriers, are among the first nurseries in the country to receive the Investors in People Award.

The two nurseries, plus Bambinos in Halton near Wendover, have been going for four years and were set up by former head teacher Eve O'Sullivan.

About 140 children, from three months to school age, are cared for there from 8am to 6pm all the year round, apart from a week at Christmas.

Nurseries like these enable parents to work and provide some assisted places.

Investors in People recognises primarily not the children but the work the management does for the nurseries' staff.

Inspectors visited the three Bambinos and talked to half the 40 staff during the assessment.

David Cox, until this week chairman of Wycombe District Council, visited Bambinos in Terriers last week and presented the award to Mrs O'Sullivan as one of his final public duties as chairman.

Mrs O'Sullivan said she was delighted. "I believe passionately in my staff and this award is about how we treat our staff."

She said the nursery provided opportunities for staff to train and gain qualifications and pursue a career path. She said they were a fine team who provided a living environment for the children.