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talk by Anne Jones

The Rotary Club of Burgess Hill and District was fortunate to have an interesting talk on Childcare in Mid-Sussex, presented by one of our Honorary Club Members, Councillor Anne Jones, M.B.E.

Anne’s talk began with the joy and privilege of teaching under-fives for twenty years by developing playgroups in Heyworth School and St Pauls School in Haywards Heath. She mentioned how, in the early years in the Priory of Our Lady children enjoyed huge trees, streams, horses, pigs and chickens. Those children who had severe behavioural problems soon changed in a safe, secure and creative environment. Working with, and supporting parents was a major part of the child care development.

After a time with sole responsibility for 24 children Anne was joined by amazing women, who shared the high quality of care.

In 1972 we opened a Mother and Toddler Group in the Priory, which was soon replicated across the United Kingdom.

Anne’s concern for children continues with the crisis of pre-school provision in Burgess Hill. A pre-school has closed and Oakmeeds Nursery is threatened with closure.

With the support of Oakmeeds Community College parents are working to develop a new Nursery, ‘Little Meads’ on the present site, to cope with increasing demand due to an increasing birth rate. This involves much hard work and fundraising.

The best investment this country can make is to provide the best possible care for our children.