TODDLERS at a Gwent nursery will be forced to miss school for at least a week after a suspected arson attack destroyed their classroom.

The blaze gutted the nursery at Newport's Malpas Court Junior and Infants School causing tens of thousands of pounds worth of damage.

The school's acting head teacher Debra Guy yesterday invited the Argus to see the full extent of the devastation in the hope someone in the community will come forward with information.

It is believed the fire was started after lighted material was deliberately dropped through a window.

Mrs Guy said: "I was really upset when I saw the damage. The room is gutted.

"To see the children's hard work crumpled and destroyed on the floor after the teachers had displayed their pictures ... I was sickened.

"It is children aged three and four-years-old who are the victims of this and it has disrupted them and their parents who will now have to make alternative arrangements."

She said redecorating and refurbishing the nursery area could take two weeks. The children would be unable to return until that work is completed.

Furniture, story books, computers, televisions, soft toys and teddy bears were destroyed in the blaze.

Mrs Guy said: "This has really saddened me because we've had windows smashed in the past and it all points towards arson.

"I think the community is a strong community and one that is supportive of the school."

She said such arson attacks were caused by "a few mindless acts by individuals".

Mrs Guy said: "I would urge the community to come forward with any information which can help piece things together."

The cost of the damage has not yet been calculated but Mrs Guy believes it will be tens of thousands of pounds.

The school's chairman of governors, Graham Dally, described the suspected arson attack as "an act of wanton vandalism".

Mrs Guy said the main school will be open as normal from Monday. Letters were sent to parents informing them the nursery school will be closed next week.

The letters asked them to phone on Thursday to check on it's re-opening.

Gwent Police continue to investigate the cause of the fire and are urging anyone with information to contact DCI John Evans at Bettws police on 01633 838111.