18.06.04
College launches new £1 million Early Years Centre

Maureen Woodhouse, Head of the Early Years Development & Childcare Partnership (EYDCP) in Cornwall officially opened the new £1 million Early Years Centre at Cornwall College Camborne.

The Centre consists of a new 80 place nursery for children of the College's staff and student body as well as the community and is operated by Flying Start Nurseries. The building, which is an extensive refurbishment of the College's old refectory, will also house education and training facilities for those students studying for Early Years qualifications with the College's Department for Community & Health Studies.

The Centre is also home to a unique course in the South West. The Karenza Project encourages young expectant mothers and teenage parents to stay within education, learning alongside their children. Providing a relaxed friendly atmosphere where they can make new friends with others a in a similar situation and either progress into further education within the College or onto employment.

"These facilities demonstrate the College's continuing commitment to providing high quality education, training and support to our students,” said Head of College Barrie Atkinson. "It was made possible through investment support from the Learning and Skills Council, the Objective One Programme, Neighbourhood Nurseries Initiative, SRB 6 Engage Neighbours and LSC Capitol Funding.”

Carleen Kelemen, Director of the Objective One Partnership said: "The Early Years Centre is part of Objective One's promise to invest in education and training for local people. It enables parents to have the choice between continuing education and returning to work, whilst ensuring their children receive quality early learning. Socially the project has huge significance in that it bridges the often isolated gap between teenage parenting and the education and employment sector. Early learning to further education is the basis for a prosperous future and acts as a catalyst for a stable economy for Cornwall in the future.”

Guests present included local MP Candy Atherton and a host of representatives from industry including the Kerrier Healthy Living Centre, Sure Start Pebbles, the EYDCP, Learning & Skills Council, CPR Urban Regeneration Company, Cornwall Youth Service, Health Visitors, Connexions and Job Centres from across Cornwall.

Editor's notes:

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Plant, Marketing Department
Tel: 01209 616100
E-mail: sarah.plant@cornwall.ac.uk

Maureen Woodhouse - Head of Early Years Service

I am Head of the Early Years Service and lead officer of the EYDCP. I am committed to providing a high quality service which will play a part in improving the life chances of children across Cornwall. I firmly believe that children deserve high quality childcare and early education, and that they need to be loved and feel safe.

Sue Wolstenholme
Objective One Communications
Objective One Partnership Office
Castle House
Pydar Street
Truro TR1 2UD
Mob: 07973 813647
Tel: 01579 370991

lmroberts@cornwall.gov.uk

back to top