CHILD'S play has got a whole lot better in Lochgelly with "significant improvements" at Noah's Ark Nursery.
Brothers Amir and Saqib Sadiq bought the business in the summer and outlined their expansion plans for the popular facility on Auchterderran Road.
And they've already made good on those proposals which have allowed them to increase capacity at the private nursery which provides day care for pre-school kids.
Manager Karen Robertson said: "It's all very positive. We've got new flooring throughout the entire nursery, which was really needed, and it's made it so much nicer, warmer and cosier.
"We've also got a new resource outside, it's like a summerhouse, and it's been kitted out and it has electricity and heating.
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"The kids love it, they're always asking 'Are we going to the shed?'.
"It's nice and cosy, there are rugs and cushions, tables and chairs, they can draw pictures, take things from outside in to play or build with, there's handwashing facilities so they can have snack and lunch there too.
"They're just excited to have a new play area, it's very popular.
"We can spread the children out a bit more too, you can have smaller groups and more one-to-one time, it can calm things right down as well if there's somewhere else for a bit of quiet time."
She added: "We were registered for 30 but with the changes made the Care Inspectorate have upped that to 40.
"We had a rather large waiting list so we're trying to work through it as best we can."
As well as the flooring, there's new equipment and toys, a fresh lick of paint, the new outdoor area has heating and lighting, they've updated the IT infrastructure, launched their own website and rebranded the nursery, while there's more supply staff and extra hours for part-time workers if they need it.
Karen said: "We've got a new playhouse for the younger children and we've put down astroturf too.
"When I started in 2014 we used to have a small grass area but that went very quickly and we've not seen any grass there for years!
"The Care Inspectorate always get involved when there's a new owner so the things they asked us to do have been done too.
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"There's a five year plan for upkeep and new additions so there could be further expansion."
Job satisfaction is key to retaining good staff and she said: "I like seeing the children and families grow and I really enjoy providing a secure and homely environment for the kids to thrive at nursery.
"It's always nice to see them a few years later in the town and the shops, they always say hello and it's fun to see how they've developed."
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