A NURSERY has returned following months of closure during the coronavirus lockdown, however it is a new world of sanitised toys and restricted parent drop-offs.

Nerys Sandand, co-leader of Cylch Meithrin Abergele, said children did not recognise staff after spending five months away but are getting used to their new environment.

Since reopening its pre-school on September 14, nursery staff have to sanitise learning and play areas throughout the day and keep children in separate groups according to its risk assessment plan.

“It is just a different world to how we were before,” said Mrs Sandand.

“There is constant washing hands and sanitising and we have to wear masks, although we try to only when necessary as it upsets the children.

“In the morning we bring them in on a trolley and put them in a circle to do temperatures.

“It was a nightmare trying to keep them apart but they are getting into a routine."

Despite the challenges, Mrs Sandand says the children are much better in nursery than at home.

“They now have the ability to interact with other children and learn through play, rather than just seeing mum and dad," she said.

“We have a really good team and give each other constant reminders of what we need to do.

“We just hope that we see nothing like the lockdown in recent months again."