House music musician Steve Edwards and the chief executive of the City of London Corporation Ian Thomas have been named as the first-ever patrons of Ellesmere Children’s Centre as the Burngreave nursery celebrates its 30th year.
Both patrons are Sheffield-born and will support the non-profit community nursery as it looks to expand its name both within Sheffield and beyond.
Mr Edwards, who has been nominated for multiple Grammy Awards and is known for his work with some of the biggest names in house music, said he was inspired to become patron after meeting Professor Sharon Curtis at the MOBOs in Sheffield.
She invited him to an Ellesmere Children’s Centre open day, where he said he was “immediately blown away” by the work being carried out.
“I didn’t know but I knew I wanted to support them in some capacity,” Edwards said.
For Mr Edwards, the centre’s work is especially meaningful because of the support it provides to children and families in a diverse part of the city.
“To me personally, it’s gratifying to know that there is a fantastic resource in what, some may describe as a challenging part of the city,” he said.
He highlighted the centre’s early years provision to a diverse, cultural cross section of children and its work supporting children with specific behavioural or emotional needs, adding that it gives parents reassurance that their children are “in safe hands”.
As a patron, Mr Edwards hopes to raise awareness to the wider public about “the important work they do”.
The Sheffield-born musician, who describes himself as a child of the Windrush Generation, also said he wanted to give something back to the city that had supported him throughout his career.
“I’ve had an interesting career journey and Sheffield has been good to me. It’s important I give something back and try to help new generations negotiate life in today’s society,” he said.
Established in 1996, Ellesmere Children’s Centre was created to provide affordable childcare within walking distance for families in Burngreave and surrounding communities.
The Ofsted-rated oustanding centre operates from the former Ellesmere Road School and provides a multicultural, multilingual and nurturing environment focused on play and learning.
Its 30th anniversary marks three decades of providing childcare and education while supporting children to reach their individual potential.
For more information, visit their website: Ellesmere Children’s Centre | Nursery | Sheffield