The award-winning, employee owned Childbase Partnership has created a new 89-place learning and play haven for Edgbaston with the opening of a second premium day nursery on the Calthorpe Estate.

Sister to the three times Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’, Highfield Day Nursery, the newly renovated buildings at 21/22 Calthorpe Road offer large light filled age-appropriate rooms and garden areas, which are imaginatively decorated with state of the art equipment and toys.

Alison Beard, Regional Director at Childbase Partnership, which was rated ‘the gold standard for business excellence’ in the prestigious European Business Awards 2018, said that after more than two decades operating on the Calthorpe Estate, everyone involved with the new Crescent Day Nursery was excited about the future and the opportunities available to children.

“Edgbaston is a vibrant residential, commercial and leisure area. From the range of social activities and business networking meetings to the local specialists willing to come into nursery to talk about their roles and expertise, there is a lovely sense of community on the Calthorpe Estate,”

Crescent Day Nursery retains significant architectural details in the revitalised listed buildings, while environmentally-friendly technologies and practice have been harnessed with the renovation and the equipment and toys available to children.

Natasha Walkden, Sales and Marketing Manager at Calthorpe Estates, added:

“We’re delighted to welcome another outstanding educational establishment onto the Calthorpe Estate. The property on Calthorpe Road is perfect for the Childbase Partnership expansion as it provides all of the ingredients to let children to be creative, learn and have fun through the many rooms and spacious gardens, whilst the on-site car park allows for easy drop-offs and pick-ups.

“Furthermore, as part of the Edgbaston Village community, which is home to an eclectic mix of shops, leisure and lifestyle amenities, it makes for a very attractive location for the parents and staff."

As Crescent Manager, Jo Hassan, who has nearly 20 years’ experience in the Early Years sector and previously managed Ofsted-rated ‘Outstanding’ Highfields Day Nursery nearby, explained creating imaginative environments was the first step in achieving the best possible start in life for children aged six weeks to five years.

“We have to engage a child’s natural curiosity and wonder at the earliest opportunity and our stimulating play and learning spaces inside and in the garden do just that; inspiring staff and children alike and providing endless opportunities for fun and learning,”

New technologies available in the indoor spaces include the ‘Mantra Lingua’ systems which makes books, posters, stickers and cards in nursery ‘talk’, with the aid of special stickers and ‘pens’, to more effectively support children with English as a second language, and introduce others to another language.

Outside a custom-built ‘Imagination Station’ fort and grand prix cycle track complete with garage and pumps are just some of the garden attractions which ensure children of all ages are enticed into the fresh air for exercise and large-scale play in all weathers.

“Our approach centres on not only recognising that every child is unique but ensuring that we find ways to actively celebrate that individuality. Confident, secure and happy children make friends easily and are open to new experiences. When you get that right, it is just a case of introducing as many different opportunities as possible to capture their imagination and see where their learning journey takes us,”

“Children of all ages, including babies, are encouraged to explore and investigate and to question and contribute in a process that not only builds self-esteem but helps practitioners identify particular interests and talents,”

Like all 43 Childbase Partnership settings, Crescent Day Nursery will be powered by electricity from renewable sources and all nappy waste will be diverted away from landfill.

The company has also achieved ‘Food for Life Served Here’ accreditation - all settings provide ethically-sourced and environmentally-friendly, home cooked meals - and holds 10 prestigious ‘Green Flags’ (2018) in the international Eco-Schools Programme, recognising exceptional environmental awareness and conservation.