The owner of a nursery chain with branches across Bristol, Somerset and Devon says there is still "a long way to go" after the Covid-19 pandemic forced the country into lockdown in March.
Mama Bear’s, which has 24 sites across the South West, reopened on June 1 after the government lifted restrictions for nurseries.
The family-run group had stayed open for key worker and vulnerable children during the crisis.
Tony Driffield, who co-owns the business with wife Bev, said the chain had put safety measures in place and a programme of training for staff.
But he admitted it had been “really tricky” dealing with impact of the pandemic.
He said: “We have done everything possible to ensure the safety of the children on their return to nursery.
“Of course we have been supporting the children of key workers and vulnerable children throughout the crisis so a lot of measures were already in place but we have been working hard to make the changes required to accommodate more children in our settings."
He added: “It’s also been great to see our new procedures in place and working as they should.
“It has been really tricky to manoeuvre through this crisis and there is a long way to go for all of us yet but our staff have been phenomenal and so adaptable which has been fantastic.
“We’d also like to thank our parents for their support and we look forward to welcoming more children back in the months to come.”
Prime Minister Boris Johnson confirmed last month that schools, colleges and nurseries across England would open in June.
Education Secretary Gavin Williamson said at the time: “This has been a difficult time for the entire country.
“Education and childcare staff have stepped up to the challenge, making sure children and young people have continued to be supported throughout the past ten weeks.
“Our priority is the education and welfare of all children and young people across the country.”
