Save the Children Patron, Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, meets children and families at groundbreaking Sheffield nursery

Her Royal Highness The Princess Royal, celebrated the work of a pioneering nursery which is helping dozens of children each year reach their potential in early years education.  

Press contact: Emma Griffiths |  e.griffiths@shu.ac.uk

Her Royal Highness toured award-winning Meadows Nursery in Shirecliffe, speaking with staff and families about their experiences at the facility which is now in its 6th year. 

The innovative nursery, which is a partnership between Save the Children, Sheffield Hallam University and Sheffield City Council offers free childcare places to children earlier than the typical education system, by accepting children from their second birthday.

The Princess Royal was welcomed to the nursery by the Lord Lieutenant of South Yorkshire, Professor Dame Hilary Chapman DBE, Save the Children Executive Director of UK Impact, Dan Paskins, and Dr. Tsitsi Chawatama-Kwambana, Save the Children UK Chair of the Board of Trustees and Consultant Paediatrician at Sheffield Children’s Hospital. She then met with deputy nursery manager Sadie Broadhead, and dropped in to a messy play session. Afterwards she met with parents who all volunteer to run the community’s parent breakfast club and food pantry. 

Dan Paskins Save the Children UK Executive Director of UK Impact, said: “We were delighted to show Her Royal Highness the incredible work that happens at Meadows Nursery and how it lifts aspirations, not only for the children but their families too. We have fostered a real sense of community in this part of the city, and to have Save the Children’s Patron recognise this work and unveil a plaque meant a lot to all who have been involved in this very special project. 

“There was no nursery in this part of Shirecliffe before, and now we’re getting children learning from the age of two in wonderful surroundings, and it’s making a huge difference.”

The Princess Royal saw the nursery facilities, before viewing children's artwork adorning the walls.  

Professor Sally Pearse, Strategic Lead for Early Years as part of the South Yorkshire Futures Programme and Director of the Early Years Community Research Centre, said: "We are all so proud of the work we do at Meadows Nursery to challenge inequality and empower our community, and it has been a privilege to have this work recognised by Her Royal Highness.
 
"Since opening Meadows in 2021, we have seen children and families flourish and the nursery has become a hub of community activity. Meadows demonstrates what is possible when we collaborate with partners and the community to drive meaningful and lasting change."

After the visit, Her Royal Highness visited Baby Basics UK & Sheffield baby bank on Saville Street to see first-hand the excellent services the facility provides for young families.