St Philips Nursery 1: introductions

Written by artist Kirsty Claxton 



Tuesday 02 April first session in St Philips
Spent a great day in the nursery with Simon the head teacher. We talked and walked St
Philips, exploring the whole neighbourhood. The nursery sits within the Marsh as a safe
haven amidst thundering lorries, grid locked traffic, industrial estate, warehouses,
dereliction and a strong suggestion of redevelopment. It is also adjacent to the river, the
canal, it has a beauty and a history. Prime real estate. There is a distinct feeling that the
ground underneath St Philips Marsh is moving. In the atmosphere more than just issues of
quality of air loom large, politics are pervasive. The discussion centres on the nursery’s
commitment to offering a nurturing environment to families who exist in otherwise
challenging circumstances whether socially, environmentally or economically. As soon as
you cross the threshold of St Philips Nursery you are embraced into the children’s
community, curious, engaged and vibrant. A lot of talking, a lot of walking.
I met the children and staff, stayed for lunch and visited the Sister Nursery, Cashmore Early
Years Centre. I was invited into the thinking and workings of the nursery and how that sits
within the area of St Philips. I was able to get a sense of the children’s journey, their
landscape and environment linking home to school.


 Headteacher Simon (Credit: Bristol Cable)

Thursday 25 April follow up meeting with Simon and Penny
Following our initial encounter, we are interrupted by the Easter Holiday. After such a rich
first session this provides useful pause for reflection. On returning, Penny, Simon and I meet
to consider the questions:

  • What are the aims of the project we need to use to orientate/focus us?
  • What experiences/ outlook/ understandings do the children and families currently have that we can build on?
  • What are our aspirations for the project, for the children and families? Could we explore in some way with the families what their aspirations would be?
  • What then (after considering the above) are the possibilities for sparking interest in exploring ‘place’ (My place, our place)?
  • How can the rest of the nursery (children and staff) be involved in the project?



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