Mahila Samarbakhsh is sure that the 55-year gap which divides her youngest and oldest staff members is one of her nursery's greatest strengths.
She employs a range of age groups at Lexden Lodge Kindergarten, Colchester, and says that their different contributions are equally valuable.
'The children benefit from the wisdom of older people. They have their own children and grandchildren and their own life experiences they can draw on.
The younger ones are full of energy.'
For Mrs Samarbakhsh, the anti-age discrimination legislation coming into force on 1 October holds no fears. But for other employers across the UK, it will mean an overhaul of policies and practices in order to avoid potentially expensive employment tribunal claims.
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