Bexhill MP, Dr Kieran Mullan, visited Dragonflies Community Nursery in Sidley and the Sidley Community Garden to talk to Heather Winchester, CEO of the Bexhill Family Collective CIC which runs both organisations along with a community pantry at Bexhill Family Hub.
Dragonflies Community Nursery was set up in March 2021 by Bexhill Family Collective CIC when it took over the early years provision in Sidley following the county council’s decision to close Bexhill’s children’s centre nurseries. Heather explained to Kieran how she and her team were fully committed to a child and family-centred approach to nursery care and this has resulted in an ‘outstanding’ rating by Ofsted.
Kieran has a particular interest in early years provision and support for families of children under 5 being a member of the Parliamentary Advisory Group to the 1001 Critical Days Foundation – an organisation which champions the importance of the first 1001 days of a baby’s life through grants and research, he is also the vice-Chair of the All Party Parliamentary Group for Babies.
Following the nursery visit, Kieran visited the Sidley Community Garden on Watermill Lane, a former abandoned allotment site which the Bexhill Family Collective has been turning into a community garden with the help of a team of local volunteers. Following two years of hard work to clear brambles and weeds, the garden has become a place for learning as well as physical and mental wellbeing for anyone in the Sidley community. Kieran met dedicated garden manager and volunteer coordinator, Richard, and volunteer Nicky, who explained their ambitions for the garden which include developing sensory garden with disabled access and a small amphitheatre for community events.
Speaking after the visit Kieran said “I was so impressed with what the Bexhill Family Collective CIC has achieved for families and residents of Sidley. It was great to talk to Heather about local nursery provision and support for young families. I know from my work supporting the 1001 Critical Days Foundation just how important the early years are in a child’s development and how vital it is that families are fully supported during this critical time.
It was also great to see that the Bexhill Family Collective is supporting all generations of the local community through development of the Sidley Community Garden. Research continually demonstrates how important being out in nature is good for our physical and mental wellbeing. This garden really does belong to the community, and I hope that local residents will get involved in volunteering, using the garden, taking part in activities and making the most of this great community asset.”
Heather Winchester said “It's been a pleasure to show Kieran around our projects. The garden has been developed to be accessed by the whole community, and we really hope that people feel inspired to come and along and see what is on offer. If you would like to visit us, please email [email protected].”
