A CRÊCHE course with a difference has just been completed by students in the north Cotswolds.

The five week course, which was run by Gloucestershire Playgroup and Toddler Association (PATA) at Cotswold District Council's offices in Moreton, is unusual in that it offers those taking part crêche facilities for their own babies and toddlers.

In turn, the crêche is used as part of the training, allowing students to conduct observation and practical elements of their training on and with their own and fellow students' infants.

PATA course tutor Sarah Mann said the course, which has been fully funded by the Children's Workforce Development Council, is for people who want to work or already work in a crêche or playgroup.

"It's quite innovative. It is unusual to get training in crêche work with crêche provision," said Sarah.

"The qualified crêche workers have also been mentors for people on the course," she added.

Eight students who completed the Moreton course received their course completion certificates on Tuesday.