Local businesses support the Shirecliffe Early Years Research (EYRC) nursery

Sheffield Hallam University and partners established a pioneering research nursery in Shirecliffe to support early childhood development and family well-being, combining education, community engagement, and national policy impact through evidence-based practice, supported, in part, by Aviva, John Lewis, and Henry Boot PLC.

Sheffield Hallam University partnered with Watercliffe Meadow Primary School, Save the Children UK and Sheffield City Council to open a research nursery in Shirecliffe, an area of disadvantage and low social mobility. In recent research into multiple insecurities, participants at Shirecliffe identified they were experiencing an average of five out of the eight domains.

Shirecliffe really is a nursery with a difference. Whilst a working nursery it is also a community based research project, gathering evidence of what works to narrow the early years learning gap, with a particular focus on parental engagement and the home learning environment. This evidence informs practice and policy change nationally.

The nursery provides places for children aged two to three years who were entitled to Free Early Learning as there was no provision in this community. When establishing the nursery, funding covered the basics, but additional resource was needed to provide the best experience for children’s learning and development, and this is where BITC and SBT came in.

Henry Boot PLC provided resources, staff and materials to transform the outdoor play opportunities for young children and through their contacts provided white goods for the kitchen.

John Lewis equipped the nursery kitchen with everything practitioners needed to bake and prepare food with the children and, along with the charity ToyBank, provided additional educational resources for the nursery.

Since the nursery opened, it quickly gained the trust of the family’s and became a valued resource and safe place for parents.  A vibrant and active community has developed who, with support and investment, are able to make change for themselves and for their children.

To facilitate this Aviva have agreed to contribute to the funding of a link worker for 3 years. They will be based in the nursery but will be engaged in community support with whole families. They will be trained in trauma informed practice, housing and benefits advice, financial resilience and debt advice.

Sally Pearse, Director of the Research Nursery said:

“It is fantastic that Aviva are supporting our whole family approach. The role is central to preventative work so that families do not fall further into crisis and will also empower families to improve outcomes for themselves and their children, including moving into training and employment.”