Nurseries involved in the scheme will work with health visitors who refer children for a variety of reasons, such as marital breakdown and bereavement, and agree a care package, which can extend for up to ten weeks.
Marg Randles, director of operations at Busy Bees, said, 'We wanted to help children and families who require short-term support. Busy Bees are committed to help the most vulnerable children and this is one of many ways that we can demonstrate our support.'
Currently, 16 nurseries are offering the free places to babies and children under five, with 13 nurseries waiting to hear back from health visitors. The remaining nurseries are to roll out the scheme later this year.
The launch follows a successful trial at the Busy Bees St Matthews nursery in Burntwood, Staffordshire.
Ms Randles said, 'The feedback from health visitors who have been involved in the scheme has been really positive and it is our intention to roll it out to all 129 Busy Bees nurseries.'
A statement from the Preston West Health Visitors, who are involved in the scheme, said, 'We have found this community initiative a great help to families that have been unable to access nursery provision through other means.
'We have had positive feedback from the families who have been helped on a short term basis, who have very much appreciated this opportunity, and the children are greatly benefiting from the experience.'
Mrs Halston, a grandparent whose granddaughter was offered a place through the scheme for one day a week at the St Matthews Nursery, said, 'Since my granddaughter started the nursery she has gained so much confidence and I have had more time to myself which was greatly needed.'
