A NURSERY has been given the Autism Bronze Award after staff proved their competence working with autistic children.

The Old Schoolhouse Kindergarten in Stanway have worked towards the accolade for years, awarded by Good Beginnings, a multi-agency Essex programme to support preschool children with different types of autism, their families and the professionals who work with them.

This means they are a certified Autism-friendly early years setting.

Alicia Napthine, the lead for Good Beginnings, said: "Everyone at the nursery is delighted to have received the Bronze Award and aim to continue furthering their skills and knowledge with the silver."

To achieve the award, kindergarten staff had to collate evidence over a period of time to show their expertise when catering for individuals with autism.

This included completing training and working alongside parents.