INVESTORS in little people have become Investors In People.

Smartypants, the private day nursery and creche in Castlegate, York, today officially gained the Investors in People Standard.

Jane Barker, owner of the only nursery-creche of its kind in the city opened it in January 2000 and now has 13 staff with 76 children on its register to fill 33 places.

She said: "We've been working hard to gain the standard with the help of Business Link ever since we opened and it was helped by the fact that I got together an amazing team of qualified nursery nurses totally dedicated to the job."

Moira Arnott, the IIP co-ordinator for Business Link York and North Yorkshire, presented the plaque to Jane, demonstrating the organisation's commitment to staff involvement as well as training and development.

Jane said: "The kids were all excited. Our delight was infectious."

Updated: 13:13 Tuesday, May 07, 2002