Early Years Education Centre grows in size

Refurbishments are underway allowing space for an extra 44 children - News

Tuesday 20 March 2007
By Naomi Weston

The Imperial College Early Years Education Centre (EYEC) is undergoing major refurbishment work to expand over three floors of 8 Princes Gardens. The new-look EYEC will be able to accommodate 110 children and babies aged between 6 months and five years old, a jump from 66 places.

Teresa Moloney, EYEC Manager, is delighted with the expansion: "The EYEC is a homely place and we pride ourselves on our personal touch and attention to detail. Now we are spread over three floors we can adapt the new found space for our needs and move the older children up to floors one and two freeing up the ground level for the youngest babies."

The EYEC expansion means there are now easily accessible children’s bathrooms on the first and second floors. The windows have been covered with perspex for safety, there are now finger guards on all doors, new flooring and low level sinks. In addition, the old lift is being refurbished for the transportation of food.

The refurbishment comes in response to increasing demand for high quality childcare from working parents. Dr. Sophia Yaliraki, a senior lecturer in the Department of Chemistry and the Institute for Mathematical Sciences, uses the College centre to look after her 11 month old son, Philip, while she is at work five days a week.

"I feel confident that my child is being taken care of here," explains Dr Yaliraki. "In my opinion it is one of the best childcare facilities in London and it is ideally located with open spaces and a secret garden. If Philip is ever sick I can easily pick him up straightaway and take him home." She adds: "It really helps academics with their work knowing that their children are so close."

The EYEC is divided into three age groups: six months to two, two to three and three to five. The centre also runs a vacation play scheme for older children.

The waiting list will be reduced as a result of the refurbishments which will be ready for occupation by 2 April. For more information please visit the website www.imperial.ac.uk/eyec