Educare Nursery celebrates with the class of 2018
Children celebrating at graduation day at Educare Nursery.
GRADUATION day was one of the highlights of an amazing 20th anniversary year at Educare Nursery in Beverley as more than 100 guests turned out to bid farewell to the class of 2018.
A total of 45 children, some of whom arrived at Educare as babies, have now moved on to primary schools around the region, although some are expected to return to join the nursery’s out-of-school club.
New arrivals in September will soon benefit from a bigger and better facility with completion due in October of a first-floor extension which will increase capacity to 110 in the nursery and 40 in the out-of-school club.
David Whincup, owner of the family business, said the extra space is essential as demand increases for free childcare.
The government offers 15 hours of childcare free of charge every week for three and four-year-olds without conditions. Parents who work more than 16 hours each and earn less than £100,000 per annum between them can claim a total of 30 free hours every week for three and four-year-olds. There is also a government offer, with conditions, of 15 hours free childcare for two-year-olds. Our Nursery Director, Kerry Gillett, can answer any questions about eligibility for funding.
David said: “The increased demand which has resulted from offering free places has proved very challenging for some nurseries and there have been closures because of cost and complications.
“We celebrated our 20th birthday in May and throughout that time we have invested heavily, improved services and recruited excellent staff. We’re still doing it now with the first-floor extension. We’ve come a long way since we opened in 1998 with just 24 children!
“It’s been a fantastic anniversary year so far with activities including a sporting dinner with Sir Ian Botham to raise money for research into multiple sclerosis, a garden party with Anna Ingleby of Beverley Puppet Festival and publication of our Educare book of favourite recipes and songs.
“Graduation day is something we introduced four years ago and it is a very special occasion which attracted more than 100 parents and other family members. While it was sad to see so many of the little ones moving on it was rewarding to see the progress they’ve made with us – and the fun they’ve had! It’s also exciting to look head. With the Class of 2018 moving onwards and upwards we’ve got space for new arrivals – but places are filling up fast!”
