Stephen Timms, MP for East Ham and Financial Secretary to the Treasury opened the innovative Children’s Garden early years centre at the University of East London (UEL) Docklands campus today.
Mr Timms was joined by Cllr Revd. Quintin Peppiatt, Executive member for Children and Young People for Newham Council, other local councillors, UEL Acting Vice-Chancellor Professor Susan Price and nursery staff as he formally opened the centre and helped by the children, planted a cherry tree in the landscaped garden.
The Children’s Garden at UEL has one of the best Ofsted ratings of any nursery in London and last year was rated as outstanding for its nursery education, teaching and learning, enjoyment and achievement, and protection and promotion of health for children. It is also first Steiner nursery in a university anywhere in the world.
Cutting the ribbon at the entrance gate, Mr Timms said: “I am delighted to open the Children’s Garden at UEL today. The Garden is a fantastic example of childcare and provides the best possible start for children.
“There is also so much positive change going on in East London right now. Of course, there are the Olympic Games in four years time. They will create job opportunities that will greatly affect our local community and at the heart of that is the need for excellent childcare facilities.”
The building and landscaped garden, created with the help of postgraduate students from UEL’s Architecture programmes, have been featured in early childhood education and design magazines. The building is made from recycled portacabins and sustainable larch-wood and highlight UEL’s commitment to sustainability.
Brian Hipkin, Director of Student Services at UEL said: “This Children’s Garden is the result of a real commitment to quality and innovation, not only by UEL, but our partners in Newham, the architects, designers and childcare experts, including our dedicated staff. We are really proud to have a wonderful nurturing environment for the children of our students and local people.”
Located on the waterfront of the Royal Albert Dock, the Garden has places for over 50 children with priority for UEL students. Facilities include well equipped classrooms and a large playground, and the children take part in activities including art, music, gardening and cooking.
UEL is one of the UK’s leading centres for Early Childhood Studies, and Professor Helen Penn of the Cass School of Education and Communities is an international authority on Early Childhood Development.
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