24th Mar 2010 - Papillon nursery to collaborate with Coatbridge College

State of the art nursery Papillon has confirmed its status as one of Scotland's most innovative childcare facilities by teaming up with Coatbridge College to deliver a series of thought-provoking workshops for parents.

Papillon, which has just opened its doors at Maxim Office Park, has been invited to partner Coatbridge College in an initiative to promote innovation by local businesses.

The Lanarkshire College has selected from a range of local businesses to participate in the College Innovation Voucher Scheme. This offers funding from the Scottish Funding Council of up to £3500 towards the costs of a collaborative project, which will produce new products and processes.

Papillon is the sole representative from the child care sector to be involved in the scheme with Coatbridge College. The nursery's innovative proposal will see it host a number of workshops for parents on the themes of health and wellbeing, IT for children and the transition from nursery into school.

Papillon co-owner Fiona Leggat said: "Parents don't traditionally play much of a part in the nursery school day - they often just drop their children off in the morning and pick them up again in the afternoon. We thought it important they felt more involved and we therefore devised a series of workshops which can help them feel more invested in the whole nursery experience.

"People also think nursery is just a playroom for children. We want to change that perception and highlight that children come here to learn. We've therefore organised an evening on Information Technology and how children can start to understand computers before they start school.

"This transition to school can be a traumatic one and we thought our third evening should be around how to make this process as smooth as possible.

"It's very exciting that we were chosen by the College to participate in this programme and demonstrates we are being recognised for doing the right things."

Papillon has recently received a glowing report from the Care Commission, which recently graded the facility as one of the very best in central Scotland.

The nursery has doubled in size since moving to its new purpose-built facility at Maxim this month. It is now capable of offering childcare services to around 130 youngsters - up from 60 in its former premises.

With Papillon opening its doors, Maxim presents an even stronger draw for prospective tenants. The £330 million Park is the UK's largest speculative office park development.

Papillon was established in 2006 by joint owners Fiona Leggat and Joyce McAdam. It is in partnership with North Lanarkshire Council and offers childcare facilities for youngsters up to the age of five.

Papillon has leased the 7000 sq ft unit at Maxim for 10 years.