The future looks bright for new nursery in Wilmer Place
A new nursery is opening in Stoke Newington this summer and staff say community is at the heart of their ethos.
Bright Horizons, who have been looking for a space in N16 for years, are converting the former Health Care Centre Anita House in Wilmer Place, into a nursery with space for 92 children.
StokeyParents met with Senior Nursery Manager Paul Fitzpatrick-Spinks to learn more.
He said: “Wilmer Place seems the perfect location for us – it’s an area that’s changing considerably and there’s a real community feel. New homes at the Cotton Exchange means there’s more footfall here and more homes are planned in the near future. Our nursery is one part of the positive regeneration of this part of Stoke Newington.”
The nursery space will feature a playroom which opens out seamlessly into a garden, a children’s kitchen, mini art studio and six rooms set over two floors and zoned by age for pre-schoolers and under twos. The baby room will open out into a veranda so they can enjoy outside space.
It’ll offer places for children aged three months to five years and will be run by Manager Gemma Allwright, who currently runs a Bright Horizons in Canary Wharf.
Paul added: “Gemma has an infectious passion for childcare and everything she does is centred around keeping the children happy, stimulated and safe.
“Children learn through play and through what fascinates and excites them – we base our activities on a child’s interests.”
Bright Horizons operates over 300 nurseries and they’re determined to get involved with the communities they serve.
Paul said: “We’ll be throwing ourselves into community life – our weekly flowers will be delivered by a local florist and we’ll be taking the children on shopping trips to the local bookshops and greengrocers.”
Other local Bright Horizons nurseries include a branch at Floral Place in Canonbury and one in Crouch End, both of which are rated Outstanding. The menu has been created by a nutritionist and is the only nursery menu in the UK to be accredited by Action for Children.
The new nursery looks set to create up to 60 full and part time jobs and the company offers flexible working arrangements.
Gemma will be at a local coffee shop meeting parents on Friday April 5th. To arrange a meeting, contact their Parent Enquiry Team at parentenquiry@brighthorizons.com or call 02039268399.
To find out more or register for a place visit www.brighthorizons.co.uk