New nursery offers free education places to two year olds

The council has invested more than £43,000 of funding to open a daycare centre for children from the age of two to five in Mile End.
The project was completed in partnership with Global Kids, and will create up to 100 new sessional childcare places.
Almost three quarters of the places (72) will be just for two year olds, as part of the work that the council is doing with the Department of Education to extend the offer of free places for two year olds living in the borough.
Eligible two year olds can receive up to 15 hours of early education per week, for up to 38 weeks (term times) from the term after a child’s second birthday.
The funding for this project continues until a child is able to claim their three year old place, which is available for all children in the borough.
Mayor of Tower Hamlets, Lutfur Rahman, said: “In Tower Hamlets, we aim to ensure that children at every age have access to an excellent level of education and care. We will continue to do all we can to support children to achieve and succeed.”
Councillor Oliur Rahman, Cabinet Member for Children said: “Good early years education and care can help boost a child’s learning immensely. Giving children the chance to spend time playing and learning with other children and trained adults can also support all the good work that parents do at
home.”
Nicole Timberlake, Nursery Manager, said: “Global Kids Day Care is a family run business. We provide good quality childcare for local residents, and we have a branch in Limehouse too. We’re currently inviting dads to come to our Saturday dads club, and we’ll soon be opening a new ‘Forest School’ for children to play with natural materials.”
Mum of four, Gasmint Choudhury said: “I feel really blessed to have the opportunity to give my child this first step in her education. The nursery is fantastic – the staff are lovely, there is lots to do and it’s on my doorstep. My youngest child is seven months, and I hope he’ll come here too.”
To find out more about childcare in Tower Hamlets, call the Family Information Service on 020 7364 6495, Monday to Friday, 9am – 5pm or go to www.towerhamlets.gov.uk/FIS.