example to Bermuda.

They heaped praise on the teachers, labelling them "caring, loving, and concerned''.

And they told how happy their youngsters were at the Paget nursery.

"When I see my child go through the doors I know I don't have to worry,'' said Mrs. Lynn Lalone.

And Mrs. Vivienne Power exclaimed: "It's a fantastic school. One of the best in the Country.'' Some parents said their children cried if unable to go to the nursery.

And they supported the way teachers carried out discipline, pointing out parents had signed a waiver form.

Under this, it was understood teachers could give a naughty child a smack on the leg.

Parents sprang to the defence of the nursery following a flurry of complaints.

Several allegations revolve on how youngsters are physically disciplined.

Some parents removed their children and a probe was launched by Police and the Ministry of Health.

Police helped social workers question children and parents.

It is understood Police dropped their probe, believing the complaints could not be substantiated.

Social workers and the Ministry of Health, however, are continuing their investigation.

And some social workers have been keeping an eye on activities at the nursery.

Bermuda's chief medical officer Dr. John Cann said: "We are continuing to work with the operators to review procedures and the method of operation.'' The Royal Gazette has obtained a copy of a letter sent to parents by the nursery following a March 2 story in the paper.

It read: "We write in connection with today's unfortunate story about the nursery in The Royal Gazette . We say unfortunate because any such negative publicity may well impact adversely on the reputation of Nambour Nursery.

"However, we would like to reassure all parents that even before the publication of today's story, we welcomed the investigation and understood the need of the Ministry of Health and Social Services to exercise supervision over all of Bermuda's nurseries (private nurseries included).

"We also want to reassure you that over the years our commitment to provide quality child care in this community has not changed; that we want only the best interests of the children at heart. We want to point out, too, that we have enjoyed an unblemished reputation.

"Please know that you and your child are important to us and we want you to feel free to make an appointment to visit with us to discuss any concerns you may have.

"We are happy to report that we are overwhelmed by the expressions of concern and offers of support from present and former parents, and we would like to take this opportunity to say `God bless you and we thank you from the bottom of our hearts'.'' The letter is signed by David and Lydia Oliveira.

Mrs. Power, from Southamtpon, who sends her 29-month-old daughter, Bianca, to the nursery had nothing but praise for the teachers.

She said the nursery offered children a fabulous activities programme "prepping them for junior school''.

"Bianca can say her ABCs, count up to 30, and does a lot of colouring,'' said Mrs. Power.

"Before I sent her to Nambour I talked to a lot of people who said it was a wonderful place. I also liked the fact the owners were Christian.

"They teach in a firm and positive way which gives direction to the children.'' Mrs. Power said one punishment was "time out'', in which a naughty child would be told to stand in a corner or by the door.

She added: "The teachers are all very concerned, very loving, and very caring.'' Mrs. Lalone, from Paget, has two children at the nursery -- five-year-old Thomas, and three-year-old Catherine.

"My son loves it. If I pick him up before 4 p.m. I'm in trouble,'' she laughed.

Mrs. Patty Hill, from Southampton, said her youngsters, Hayley and Blake, were very happy at Nambour.

The teachers, the surroundings, and the location, made Nambour special.

Mrs. Hill believed firm discipline was sometimes necessary with children.

Mr. Gareath Adderley and his wife, Maxine, from Paget, praise nursery staff for picking out their son's speech problem.

This enabled them to seek the help of a speech therapist for four-year-old Gethin.

Mr. Adderley also applauded the concern of teachers, who would ring when Gethin was ill.

"He cries if he can't go to school. I have got nothing but good to say about Nambour.'' Mr. Adderley said he chose Nambour for his child because of good reports about the school.

And he believed firm discipline was crucial to raising children.

Mrs. Donna Richards, of Smith's, said she was sick of the rumour-mongering over Nambour.

Her four-year-old daughter, Danielle, was very happy at the nursery, and teachers very attentive to her needs.

"She has an ear infection and they always ring to tell us if she has a fever.'' Mrs. Richards said parents who signed the waiver form are aware naughty children would get a smack, or be given "sit out''.