Nursery World - Breaking new ground

A nursery that has been a beacon for a deprived community is set to expand further. Nicole Curnow paid a visit A flutter of excitement sweeps through the village of Twerton in Bath this festive season. Ever since a local businessman announced that he wanted to donate Pounds 500,000 to build First Steps Nursery a new home in 2001, staff have been eagerly awaiting the day when they could move into the new 60-place development and start working their magic on an extra 150 families each week. The new development is now in its final stages and the community will move in at the beginning of January.

A flutter of excitement sweeps through the village of Twerton in Bath this festive season. Ever since a local businessman announced that he wanted to donate 500,000 to build First Steps Nursery a new home in 2001, staff have been eagerly awaiting the day when they could move into the new 60-place development and start working their magic on an extra 150 families each week. The new development is now in its final stages and the community will move in at the beginning of January.

A notice attached to the door of the current First Steps Nursery signals the divide between the affluent City of Bath and the village of Twerton: 'Does anyone have any old boys/girls pants, socks and trousers?' Although only a ten-minute drive from the city centre, this is an area of extreme disadvantage. Most of the children who attend the nursery live in one of the three surrounding low-rise housing estates.

Register now to continue reading

Thank you for visiting Nursery World and making use of our archive of more than 35,000 expert features, subject guides, case studies and policy updates. Why not register today and enjoy the following great benefits:

What's included