The children's nursery based in a historic mansion severely damaged by fire earlier this month plans to fully re-open in January.
The Bambini nursery is based in Ewell Court House, the Grade II-listed building which suffered significant damage when a blaze ripped through its roof in the early hours of December 10.
The nursery, which uses the ground and first floor of the building, is currently operating out of the ground floor only as a new emergency escape route from the first floor must be installed.
But Mark Spencer, the nursery's director, who attended a meeting of stakeholders on Ewell Court House on Friday, said work is starting on the fire escape today, with both floors of the nursery due to re-open on January 6.
He said: "Friday's meeting was very positive. Epsom and Ewell Borough Council have really pulled out all the stops as far as we are concerned.
"Work on constructing an external fire escape on the first floor is starting today.
"We hope to open as normal on January 6, using the two floors not just the one. This is very good for parents and children who have been affected."
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