PRE-SCHOOL children have been described as "little superstars" for the way they have responded to the Covid-19 pandemic.

Youngsters at Little Peeps Nursery, which has settings in Tiptree and Feering, have been busy working on a variety of topics, even producing a touching VE Day video.

The children of key workers have continued to attend throughout lockdown, with smiles on their faces.

And they have taken the situation in their stride, according to proud Tiptree setting manager Gemma Hibbard.

“We've been working tirelessly to ensure safety measures are met, allowing the children to continue to attend," she said.

"Social distancing can’t be fully carried out within an early years setting, as acknowledged by the government.

"However, we've strongly established this between staff, as well as at drop-off and pick-up times.

"The children have taken everything in their stride and been little superstars.

"We've had lots of fun and kept them busy.

"We've also strived to stay in as much contact as possible with our home learners by personally delivering monthly activity packs, giving the children a chance to wave to their favourite teachers from their windows, as well as enjoy fun activities and a few treats.

"One of these activities included a handwritten postcard from the child’s key person with a blank one attached to send back to their friends and teachers.

"The nursery has also been providing constant virtual interaction via our Facebook page, reading stories and posting pictures, videos and personal birthday wishes from the staff."

The nursery was forced to close its doors to non-key worker children on March 23.

However, the youngsters of key workers have been working on a variety of different topics and celebrations.

These include the importance of hand-washing, clapping for the NHS, creating bright, colourful rainbows, Easter egg hunts and a VE Day tea party, which included bunting and flags created by the children.

In addition, youngsters from both the Tiptree and Feering settings came together to create a touching VE Day video, with family photographs in red, white and blue.

Nursery owner Jenny Baron, who provided staff with full personal protective equipment and training on Covid-19, said: "I'm proud of the team, for their professionalism and dedication to the children and providing them with a safe and happy environment.

"They come to work each morning with a smile on their face, ready to engage with the day ahead.

"When we closed our doors to the children of non-key workers on March 23, we didn't know what the weeks ahead would bring.

"But one thing the team were certain of was ensuring a safe, happy environment for the key worker’s children, who have continued to attend throughout these times of uncertainty.

"We're so excited to be slowly welcoming back more children, as well as meeting new faces."

Little Peeps Nursery is based in Townsend Road, Tiptree, and at Feering Community Centre, in Coggeshall Road.