Childcare Nursery visits, Co-operation Live & Bowel Cancer Awareness
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Published 22 Jul 2022 in Phil's blog
So, the week began with extremely warm weather for many of us, where Tuesday was the hottest day on record. Many of our stores will have been busy and I really appreciate the efforts of all our colleagues to ensure customers continued to get great service through these exceptional trading conditions. I know that the extreme heat made working conditions difficult for many of you across the Society, so I am grateful for the patience and commitment you showed as we move to the more usual temperatures for July.
Childcare visits at Sutton and Tadworth Nurseries
Last week I had the chance to visit Sutton and Tadworth Childcare nurseries. Joined by Sally Bonnar, Chief Operating Officer for Childcare, it was impressive to see that both nurseries are under great leadership with really engaged teams. The garden at Tadworth is huge including trees which are hundreds of years old and home to many animals. One we met along the way, was a squirrel that the nursery children named Alan!
Alan the Squirral at Tadworth Nursery!
Left to right - Michael Liennard – Colleague Council Representative, Marie Callaghan – Deputy Manager, Sally Bonard – Nursery Manager
Moving onto the Sutton nursery, did you know it is actually housed in a large church building, where one of the rooms still has the original stained-glass window? An incredible sight, Sutton also has one of the leafiest growing areas where children get the chance to grow vegetables and salads as part of their education on where food is sourced. Amazing to hear that our Little Pioneers grow and learn in this environment.
Left to right - Denisa Kolkova – Nursery Manager and Chloe Brain – Deputy Manager
Stain glass windows at Sutton Nursery
Growing areas in Sutton
As we approach September, the Little Pioneers are also gearing up for the grand opening of the Warwick Gates nursery on 5 September. Preparations are going very well with spaces fully booked for the open day where Nursery Manager, Leanne has family visits every day until the open day on 13 August. Colleagues have also been getting ready, with week-long inductions last week with inspirational training on delivering outstanding outcomes for children and their families alongside setting up the environments in the rooms. A big welcome to them and fantastic news as we move towards the big day.
Co-operation Live event – with Helen Hayes MP, Shadow Minister for Children & Early Years
Staying on the subject of Childcare, earlier this week we were invited to attend a Co-operative Party Live discussion all about how good quality childcare should be available for all, not just those who can afford it. Some 45 Co-op Party members joined the online discussion along with our own Philip Sarthou, Head of Childcare Commercial, Pete Westall, Chief Values Officer and Shadow Minister for Children & Early Years and MP for Dulwich and West Norwood, Helen Hayes.
All attendees took part in a really engaging discussion around funding, recruitment, ratios, diversity, and men in childcare. Also showcasing some of the great work and impactful initiatives being led by Midcounties. Phillip S mentioned to me that it was really refreshing to speak to an MP that understood the challenges facing the sector, as well as the fact, that Helen clearly appreciates the importance of Early Years education as part of a wider social mobility agenda.
They had some interesting questions too, with one of the nurseries being mentioned by name by a co-operator from the North East of England. The attendee was so impressed by the provision at Seaham Nursery that she asked if we could help her local school develop a breakfast club. Fantastic to hear. With the upcoming opening of the Warwick Gates nursery, we of course extended a personal invitation to Helen at our ribbon-cutting event!
Get on a roll – Bower Cancer Awareness
Listening to our members is part of us being a co-operative, so when we asked to join the call for raising awareness of the symptoms of bowel cancer, we were delighted that the Co-op group team were on board. From Autumn, I am happy to announce, that our own-brand Co-op toilet roll packaging will feature symptoms of Bowel Cancer for everyone to understand and act upon.
Being the second biggest cancer killer, there are many symptoms that can be noticed before being diagnosed, so please have a look out by clicking here.
Finally, good luck to the Lionesses who reached the Semi-finals of the Women’s Football Euros earlier this week. Let’s hope they can go one further as they approach the final. Plus, next week sees the start of the Commonwealth Games in Birmingham, if you missed it, colleague Richard Simpson from Travel was one of the lucky baton bearers on Tuesday. Well done Rich, I hope you enjoyed it!
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