A new Orthodox day care nursery at South Hampstead Synagogue is looking after 10 children aged from three months to two-and-a-half years.

Operating in conjunction with the United Synagogue youth arm, Tribe, BabyiSH is open from 8am until 6.15pm, reflecting the needs of working parents. There is a different theme each week and festivals play a big part in the programme.

The project is managed by Lauren and Rabbi Eli Levin, who said its establishment means the shul now has services catering for the entire community.

For its part, Tribe sees the South Hampstead venture as "just the beginning". Senior manager Yael Peleg said: "We are looking to replicate the model in more US communities where there is demand and it is financially viable."