An official opening for the College's new Nursery

The Nursery, which opened to children in November last year, is an important legacy of the College’s 2000 Women Campaign from 2014, which celebrated the matriculation of 2000 women at St John's and focused on enabling and sustaining women in their achievements.

The official opening was performed by SJC alumna Dr Genevieve Davies. Genevieve came to St John’s as a graduate student in 1994, and wrote her thesis on the fiction of Simone de Beauvoir under the supervision of Elizabeth Fallaize, the first female member of St John’s Governing Body. She is a great friend of the College and a key member of its Development Board. 

Speaking at the opening, the President Professor Maggie Snowling said, 'It is so good to see this project come to fruition. The nursery exemplifies the College’s commitment to excellence, education and equality. It is an excellent resource and I am delighted that we are able to offer places not only to the children of our own students and staff, but also to those of our colleagues in the wider collegiate university. We firmly believe that we must do everything we can to ensure that women and men have equal opportunity in the workplace. Providing high-quality childcare is undoubtedly part of ensuring that. I am also a strong believer in the importance of early years and preschool education. The early years set the stage for educational achievement and much more – oral language between children and their caregivers, and in interaction with one another, is the foundation for literacy and numeracy, and also plays a crucial role in behaviour and self-regulation. I know that Marie and her team are determined to provide a rich linguistic environment here and that’s super.'

Nursery Manager Marie Gaughan and her team have created an inspiring environment for up to 26 babies and children, and the Nursery is already a lively, joyful place.

St John’s staff and students have priority for places for their children, but staff and students of the University may also apply for places. Staff and students wishing to apply for a place should email the Nursery Manager, Marie Gaughan.

The Nursery has its own website here.