Today (March 11) marks three decades since The Sandcastle Nursery was officially opened by the Duchess of Gloucester.

Thousands of babies and young children have passed through its the doors since it was founded by Janice Winn in 1991.

Pupils at the nursery, in Lane End Road, have spent the last week marking the milestone with dressing-up days, parties, cake making and decorations.

Many staff members have worked at the nursery for more than 20 years, having cared for multiple generations of families – including Domenico Iaciofano, 29, who attended the nursery along with his brother and sister, with his daughter now also enrolled there.

Mr Iaciofano went to Sandcastle in the first few years of its formation, with his brother and sister also enrolled at the nursery in later years.

The Sandcastle Nursery is celebrating 30 years

Now, his one-year-old daughter Olivia also goes there, with Dom saying it was a “no brainer” when he and his wife were deciding where to send her.

He said: “She’s having a great time there.

“She was a pandemic baby and both me and my wife come from large families.

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“Going from that to not seeing anyone was a big adjustment for us, but for Olivia it wasn’t much different.

“We were hoping she would settle well in there – she adapted beautifully and that is credit to the staff.”

PICTURED: Staff and pupils at the nursery's 20th birthday

Speaking about his own time at the nursery, Mr Laciofano said: “I remember always having a good time. My memories are all fond from there.

“I can’t speak highly enough about the staff.”

Do you or your family have memories of the nursery, or do your children go there/have gone there in the past? Let us know by clicking the button below.

Managing director Francesca Smalley praised the “inspirational” staff, saying the nursery had had “triumphantly” survived the Covid-19 pandemic because of their hard work.

She said: “[It is] due to the outstanding dedicated, committed and inspirational staff that we have and the wonderful support that our families have given us over the past year, it is truly wonderful that the Sandcastle Nursery has reached this colossal milestone.

Celebrating 22 years

“I am so incredibly proud of the outstanding dedication and commitment demonstrated by all of our staff at The Sandcastle Nursery, who have all been working so hard keeping the nursery operational in line with Government guidelines during this difficult time. I thank you all.

“Whilst this past year of the Covid-19 pandemic has been challenging for us all, we are ready to embrace this year and its new beginnings by continuing on our journey of providing outstanding childcare and education for all of our children delivered by our dedicated and inspirational staff.”

Mrs Winn opened the nursery in 1991 in unused classrooms at Millbrook School, where they stayed until 2006.

The nursery then moved to the old Sands First School, before it took over and completely refurbished the semi-derelict building – which it has called home for the past 15 years.

Staff and pupils at the nursery's 25th anniversary

Mrs Winn wrote in a personal statement on the nursery’s website: “In 1991 there were no day nurseries in High Wycombe so when the opportunity arose, I left my job as a health visitor and headed into the uncharted territory of childcare provision.

“I am truly proud of what we have all achieved since then, successfully dealing with ever increasing demands of statutory bodies, while still maintaining the ethos of a caring and loving environment for young children.”

Did you, your siblings or your children attend the nursery, or do you have kids who go there now? Share your memories with us by clicking the button below or email shruti.sheth@newsquest.co.uk.