There have been a number of recent horror stories about nannies.
Those detailed for us in the press and on television relating to poor quality and unqualified 'nannies' are possibly doing the general public a favour.
They are highlighting and bringing to our attention the dire need that has increasingly been apparent, particularly to those within the professional field of childcare and child education.
Last year, Nursery World printed details of a five-year national survey undertaken by Rosemary Murphy, chief executive of the National Private Day Nurseries Association. To quote but two very alarming findings: 'We are astounded at the lack of basic knowledge being shown by newly qualified students . . .' 'Many have relevant qualifications but little understanding of what is required in a nursery . . .'
Christian concern
As a Christian, there has been a very real concern about what I have also witnessed. Initially, as a junior lecturer involved with the tutoring of student nursery nurses, I was very limited in the influence I was able to have. This led me in time to apply for more senior managerial positions, which enabled me to have considerably more opportunities of raising the professional and academic standards to a very much higher level. However, deep within me, I longed for the opportunity of perhaps seeing the Lord open up the way to establish a Christian residential nursery training college - a college where God could freely work; where his life and his love could, in a natural and spontaneous way, be a very real testimony to those who came to us, and not least, where the top professional standards would be demonstrated. The Christian faith is synonymous with the very highest standards. Compromise, cutting corners and low standards are not.
This heartfelt desire and 'vision' has remained with me for nearly 15 years.
What was God saying?
Despite the urgency of the need, however, I needed to know what God was saying and what he wanted. The Scripture that first came to me as I was praying about this was from Judges 18.9-10: 'Arise - for we have seen the land, and behold it is very good, and are ye still? Be not slothful to go, and enter to possess the land . . . for God hath given it into your hands; a place where there is no want of anything that is in the earth . . .' This was followed shortly afterwards by 1 Chronicles 28.10: 'Take heed now, for the Lord hath chosen thee to build a house for the sanctuary; be strong and do it . . .'
On the strength of this, and talking it through with my pastor and his wife, I decided I would pull out all the stops and really give myself to this. A team of highly qualified professional friends have been meeting with me for about 18 months. Currently we are being registered with the Charities Commission and with Companies House, enabling us to function officially as a charity as well as a company limited by guarantee. The maximum student intake will be approximately 100, with a similar number of children. It is hoped that opportunity will be given at some point for the college to enrol those who will be unable to cover the full cost of fees as a 'domicilliary student'. These girls will spend one year being primarily responsible for domestic duties within the college and then, if proven suitable for training, be accepted for their DNN/NNEB training at reduced rates. In addition to the domicilliary scheme, Shawndene will operate a bursary scheme when possible to support others who may need financial assistance.
High quality
An increasing number of parents with young children are now choosing such an environment in which to leave their children if they need to work away from home or travel abroad. They recognise the high quality of individual care that is given in such places. Shawndene will provide both residential and day nurseries for children of 0 - 4/5 years.
The highest professional standards within a warm, caring Christian environment, will be two of the most valued hallmarks.
Among the many who are in real support of the venture is Baroness Cox, who has provided the college with a letter of commendation. Equally encouraging, the Bishop of Guildford has agreed to liaise with Buckingham Palace, once the college has been established, concerning royal patronage. This is not least, because along with meeting the demand for improved professional nursery care as a whole, Shawndene nurses will be totally equipped and prepared to hold adept and relevant positions within royal households and similar establishments.
We are now looking to the Lord to provide initial funding and premises.
Gill Silver
For further information contact the secretary on 01372 721670 or write to 13 Malvern Court, Ashley Road, Epsom, Surrey KT18 5BA.
