IT was the end of an era for nursery children who will be starting primary school in September.

Wivenhoe Park Day Nursery at Essex University held its own graduation ceremony for the nursery leavers.

About 50 children were handed certificates and water bottles as gifts in front of their families.

The children are now looking forward to starting at their new schools after the holidays.

Lucy Rose, early years practice manager, said it was a memorable day.

She said: “It was graduation week at Essex University and being a part of the university it is important we are involved.

“A lot of the parents work on campus or are students themselves, so it’s a huge part of our community.

“Throughout the week the children visited the campus for photo opportunities and got to see the celebrations for themselves.”

The week ended with the nursery graduation celebration.

Lucy added: “It was emotional for both the staff and parents as a lot of the leavers have been with us since they were babies.

“There was also entertainment on the day.

“One of our parents is part of an opera group and they kindly performed for us.

“It was the first time some of the children had heard opera and they loved it, they were mesmerised.”