Nursery World - Research nurseries: How a nursery in Sheffield is using research to inform its practice

Like research schools, some nurseries use evidence to improve practice. In part one of this series focusing on these settings, Gemma Goldenberg visits an early years research centre in Sheffield

Deputy manager Leanna Clarke in action

Set in the deprived Shirecliffe area of Sheffield, Meadows Nursery opened during the pandemic as part of the Early Years Community Research Centre (EYCRC) – an ambitious multi-agency project to improve local early years services and reduce poverty.

The 40-place setting is unusual – it is part-funded by Save the Children, and it is run directly by Sheffield Hallam University alongside Watercliffe Meadow Primary School, with students of all subjects from architecture to linguistics using it as part of their studies. Nursery staff themselves are trained in trauma-informed practice, a research-driven approach that has had a transformational impact on their relationships with children and parents. While about 80 per cent of the families at Meadows had involvement with other agencies before joining, the extra funding from Save the Children has allowed the nursery to offer funded places as soon as a child turns two, a term earlier than usual.

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