Official Opening Of The Nursery @ Suffolk College - 23 February 2004

The Nursery @ Suffolk College is celebrating its official opening on Friday 27 February 2004.

The opening will be performed by actress Ruthie Henshall at 11.00am with a range of guests representing Suffolk College, Suffolk County Council, Neighbourhood Nurseries and key individuals involved in the new nursery development.

Suffolk College has provided 14 years of successful childcare provision. This new purpose designed and well equipped facility was developed thanks to funding support from New Opportunities Fund, Suffolk County Council and Learning Skills Council.

The Nursery, which opened in October, is the second Neighbourhood Nursery in Suffolk, and offers 84 spaces for children from birth to five years providing high quality affordable childcare and exciting holiday playschemes for school aged children.

In partnership with Suffolk County Council, the Nursery will not only offer spaces for the staff and students of the college but is able to meet some of the wider need for childcare in Ipswich through our participation in the Neighbourhood Nursery Initiative.

The nursery is working towards the Suffolk Quality Kitemark, a nationally recognised quality assurance scheme, which will allow everybody to recognise the high quality service that they offer.

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Councillor Tony Lewis, Suffolk County Council’s portfolio holder for children and young people, said: “I’m very pleased to see this new nursery opening - it will provide much needed affordable quality childcare for local people, including college staff and students. We are aiming to open 12 Neighbourhood Nurseries by September this year to provide these kind of facilities across the county.”

Quotes from users of the Nursery:

Angela Janes & Antonio Gonzalez (external), whose child Mia, 4 months, attends the Nursery, said:

" As a working parent and part-time student, it is reassuring to be able to leave my 4month old daughter in the safe and capable hands of the baby room at the Nursery @ Suffolk College, with the knowledge that their objectives go beyond simply meeting OFSTED's minimum standards."

Rachel Pennick (College staff), whose child George, 2 years, attends the Nursery, said:

"The Nursery @ Suffolk College provides a cheerful, friendly, caring and stimulating atmosphere for my son while I'm at work. I need never worry about his care as I know that he is in safe, trustworthy hands."

Sarah Rose (student), whose child James, 2 years, attends the Nursery, said:

"Every child is made to feel special."

ENDS

NOTES FOR EDITORS

Please note – Reporters and photographers are welcome to the opening at 11.00am on Friday 27 February. For security reasons, all reporters and photographers who wish to attend must confirm attendance prior to the event to:

Tracey Bailey, Promotions and Information Centre Manager

Tel 01473 296520 Email tracey.bailey@suffolk.ac.uk

Neighbourhood Nurseries

Neighbourhood Nurseries are part of the government’s Neighbourhood Childcare Initiative, which aims:

• to reduce unemployment in the most disadvantaged areas by providing affordable childcare services

• to offer childcare and early education in quality buildings and environments

• to be located in the 20% most deprived wards

The Nursery @ Suffolk College

The Nursery @ Suffolk College provides:

• five playrooms

• self-contained sleeping and kitchen areas

• a multi-purpose room

• a secure outside play area including covered veranda

• secure entry and exit system

For further information please contact:

Suzanne George or Lynn Moore

Tel: 01473 296457

Email: suzanne.george@suffolk.ac.uk or lynn.moore@suffolk.ac.uk

New Opportunities Fund contacts:

Press Office: 0207 2111888

Public Enquries: 0845 0000121

Web site: www.nof.org.uk

Issued by Promotions, 23 February 2004.