A Nottingham children’s author and illustrator has officially launched a new £120,000 nursery unit for two-year-olds at Djanogly Strelley Academy.

Twenty places for two-year-olds have been created at the school, on Helston Drive, as part of government plans to extend the number of free school-based nursery places nationally.

The author and illustrator James Brown opened the new unit on 6th November 2025 which has been named after him.

Guests included Lilian Greenwood, Labour MP for Nottingham South, and staff from Nottingham City Council, YMD Boons architects and 360 Commercial Projects.

Djanogly Strelley Academy leaders, governors and staff, Djanogly Learning Trust trustees, and parents also attended.

The new unit, which opened to children this September 2025, features a bespoke learning environment and a specially designed outdoor area.

Funded by a Department for Education School-based Nursery Capital Grant, the new facility marks an expansion of nursery provision at the school which already had places for three-year-olds.

Sarah O’Connell, Headteacher, Djanogly Strelley Academy, said: "We are proud to expand our nursery provision to include two-year-olds providing some of the youngest children in our community with the best possible start to their education. We would like to thank James Brown and everyone involved in this project for their support.”

She added: “Play-based learning helps to boost language, social skills and confidence in children from a young age. Our experienced staff will work closely with families to ensure every child feels safe, supported and ready to thrive.”

James Brown said: “It was a real honour to be invited and see the amazing provision first hand. In dedication to the school, I wrote and illustrated a brand new picture book, Brown Bear Dares, for the children to enjoy.”

Djanogly Strelley Academy, which is Ofsted graded ‘good’, has around 400 pupils on roll aged two to 11.

Its expertise includes providing high quality provision for vulnerable pupils and those who have special educational needs and disabilities.

The school has previously been praised by Ofsted for enabling disadvantaged children and those who have special educational needs and disabilities to make good progress.

Mark Mallender, Chief Executive Officer, Djanogly Learning Trust, added: “This new facility isn’t just about preparing children for school but building strong foundations for life.

“We are committed to investing in and supporting our community so that every child, no matter their background, has the chance to thrive.”