30 June 2009
Children and staff from the nurseries at St Helier and Sutton hospitals were left jumping for joy this week, as they were awarded £36,500 from Sutton Borough Council.
The funding, which came from the Early Years Foundation Scheme, will be used to revamp the outside play areas at both nurseries and to purchase state-of-the-art IT equipment and teaching materials. Items on the shopping list include a sandpit and musical instruments.
The Woodlands Nursery at St Helier Hospital, which is solely for the children of hospital staff, was awarded £23,000 in total, while The Willows Nursery at Sutton, which is open to the public too, was given £13,500.
Lesley Davison, manager of The Woodlands Nursery said: "This is fantastic news for the children and we are completely over the moon about it. Our motto is 'learning through play' and with a brilliant new garden on its way - with covers so that children can play outside even when it's raining - we're sure that the children will continue to develop and grow in the nicest possible environment."
Councillor Tony Brett Young, Executive Member for Children's Services said: "I am delighted that this funding will have such a positive effect on the working lives of hospital staff. The nurseries are an incredible asset to the community and one that deserves our support. I am sure the children will really enjoy the newly refurbished garden and the IT equipment that this grant will make possible."
Caroline Thomas, manager of The Willows Nursery, added: "The amount of money we've been given is simply amazing. Putting the bid for funding together was hard work, but it really has paid off.
"Everyone is incredibly excited about the changes ahead, and we are positive the children are going to really benefit from all of the new IT equipment and learning tools. Saying that though, the thing that they're most excited about is the brand new dressing up outfits we'll be getting!"
Other new equipment includes:
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Interactive whiteboards and digital cameras
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A sensory garden, including fragrant plants such as lemon grass
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Soft play area
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Planting area
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Covers and a gazebo so that children can play outside even in the rain.
Both nurseries plan to host open days when the work is complete. Keep an eye out on the Trust's website for further details at www.epsom-sthelier.nhs.uk/nurseries.
For more information, or to enrol a child at The Willows Nursery at Sutton Hospital, call Caroline Thomas on 020 8296 4333.
