The new Greenwich nursery working with foundation to tackle poverty and inequality

The Thames Reach Nursery and Preschool opened on Saturday, May 20, accommodating children from birth to age five.

It is part of London Early Years Foundation (LEYF) which is a charitable and social enterprise with nurseries based across London.

The nursery was opened by June O’Sullivan (LEYF CEO), Terry Adams (Peabody), Councillor Leo Fletcher, Mayor of Greenwich, Alethea Fynn (Nursery Manager) and The Mayor’s Consort Jacqui Power

Tames Reach nursery is based in the Reach Building on Battery Road, opposite Thamesmead health centre.

This new addition to LEYF’s family of 40 nurseries across London is its second nursery in the borough of Greenwich and is being financed with social investment from Trust for London, a foundation working to tackle poverty and inequality.

LEYF is leasing the space from Peabody, and is working in collaboration with Peabody Community Foundation.

As part of the organisation’s commitment to building careers and its workforce, LEYF is offering apprenticeships in Early Years for young people as well as training chefs at LEYF’s Early Years Chef Academy.

Furthermore, staff at the nursery will also be offered the chance to study for an early years degree with LEYF and expand their knowledge and understanding of the development of babies and young children.

London Early Years Foundation’s CEO, June O’Sullivan MBE said: “We’re delighted to be opening our second LEYF nursery in the borough of Greenwich, providing parents with access to high-quality education and childcare and support them to work.

“Our social enterprise model and pedagogy, underpinned by an ethos of inclusion, equality and empathy helps boosts children’s learning, particularly in areas which are underserved by the childcare system.”

Trust for London’s Social Investment Manager, Luke Kavanagh added: “Investing in a social enterprise with the potential to transform children’s lives, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds very much aligns with our aims and values.

“We’re delighted to be investing in LEYF and look forward to seeing the positive impact that higher quality provision will have on those families that are currently furthest away from this.”