Photo opportunity: 2pm, Thursday 12 July 2007

New Earswick tots celebrate move to new Integrated Children's Centre after more than 70 years at Folk Hall

Little Rowans, the New Earswick pre-school group, will mark the end of over 70 years of Early Years provision at The Folk Hall with a Strawberry Tea on Thursday 12 July. From early October the group will be based at the Integrated Children's Centre (ICC) at New Earswick Primary School.

The nursery class, as it used to be called, was established voluntarily by the Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust (JRHT) and the Village Council in May 1945. The Trust appointed and paid the teacher and each parent contributed 1 shilling a week towards general expenses.

Ofsted registered, Little Rowans now provides pre-school sessions for children aged 2-5 years as well as free ‘play and stay' sessions for children under 2 years of age.

New Earswick Integrated Children's Centre (ICC) is one of eight being established in York. It will provide a range of services including childcare and support for childminders; parenting advice and support; guidance for healthy lifestyles; and links to Jobcentre Plus.

Jacquie Dale, JRHT Director of Housing and Community Services, said: “The creation of an Integrated Children's Centre at New Earswick Primary School will offer modern facilities for the children and local families. It is sad to be ending Early Years provision at The Folk Hall - especially during its centenary year - but we are excited at the prospect of the school becoming a focal point for learning and services for the whole community."

Notes to Editors:

1. Photo opportunity: The celebration Strawberry Tea will be held between 2-4pm on Thursday 12 July at The Folk Hall, Hawthorn Terrace, New Earswick, York. Children, parents and staff - past and present - who have been involved with the Early Years provision at The Folk Hall will be attending. Jacquie Dale will present each of the children currently attending Little Rowans with a book to commemorate the move to the ICC.
2. The Joseph Rowntree Foundation (JRF) is one of the largest social policy research and development charities in the UK. It supports a research and development programme that seeks to understand the causes of social difficulties and explore ways of overcoming them.
3. The Joseph Rowntree Housing Trust is a charity and registered social landlord with housing and care schemes in York, Yorkshire and the North East. These are of a developmental nature, demonstrating new forms of tenure, meeting special needs and exploring new features of design. Both the JRF and JRHT share the same board of trustees and staff.

Issued by Sue Everard, JRF Press Office: 01904 615958 / 01904 615919 / sue.everard@jrf.org.uk