Blinco Grove overcomes COVID challenges

It may have been an unusual time for many people during the last six months, but despite the global pandemic we opened a brand new nursery – Blinco Grove – in Cambridge.

Situated in the heart of the city near Addenbrookes Hospital, the provision caters for children aged 3 months to 5 years and has the capacity to cater for up to 73 children at once.

Childcare Manager Sam Beldam says; “Opening a nursery can be difficult under normal circumstances but opening during the COVID-19 lockdown certainly provided some new challenges.

We opened as the pandemic hit, supporting key worker families, particularly those who work at Addenbrookes Hospital. It was essential that we stayed open so that those families who needed to work could be confident that their children would be safe and well looked after while they provided key services.”

The nursery has two spacious rooms set up to meet all areas of the Early Years Foundation Stage, in order to encourage and enhance the children’s learning and development. Children also have access to a large outside area where they are encouraged to play in all weathers.

One parent shares their experience of Blinco Grove; “Our daughter joined the nursery as it opened but was only able to attend for two weeks before the March lockdown happened. When she was allowed back in June we were nervous that she wouldn’t settle in having had such a long time off. However, it was clear how hard the staff had worked to make the environment safe and welcoming for the children and she loved it straight away! The friendly and supportive staff have helped her settle in really quickly. Each day she comes home with a big smile on her face and something she has drawn, made or baked!”

Sam adds; “Early Years settings have faced a whole host of other challenges during COVID-19 – such as not being able to social distance due to the age of the children – that are different to those of schools. It is imperative that Early Years settings get the recognition that they deserve during these uncertain times”.

In contrast to the uncertainties that many childcare settings are facing, Blinco Grove has an expanding waiting list. In order to cater for more children, they are looking for qualified and experienced staff to join their talented, hard-working team for the New Year – multiple Early Years Educator vacancies are available now!

View Early Years Educator role

 

For further information, please contact our friendly Childcare Manager Sam on 01223 949090 or email [email protected] or alternatively contact [email protected] for more information.