GOWNS and mortar boards are usually reserved for Oxford’s academics, but children at a nursery in Blackbird Leys got the chance to graduate early.

Children at the Co-operative Childcare nursery, in Cuddesdon Way, including four-year-old Ellie Jackson, pictured, had a graduation ceremony to mark their moving on to primary school in September.

Nursery manager Jane Long said the ceremony was a “highlight in the nursery’s year”.

She said: “The move to big school can be quite daunting. We want to make sure they leave us on a high, with a fun and memorable event.

“We like to do something special to recognise the children’s achievements and wish them well as they leave us to go on to school.

“Some of the children have been with us since they were three months old, so it’s a big occasion for them and their parents.”

More than 30 children aged three and four received their certificates of achievement.

They also enjoyed a show from Magic Martin and had a celebratory tea party in the garden with their parents.