The Sutherland Shire’s newest childcare centre - an architect-designed, purpose built facility at the Lucas Heights campus of ANSTO is now open for business.
 |
| ANSTO CEO Dr Adi Paterson, ANSTO Board Member Dr Susan Pond and KU CEO Christine Legg unveiling the plaque at the official opening of the KU ANSTO Children's Centre. |
KU ANSTO Children’s Centre was officially opened today by ANSTO Board Member Dr Susan Pond, ANSTO CEO Dr Adi Paterson and KU Children’s Services CEO Christine Legg.
“The centre represents the realisation of a vision championed by the ANSTO Board, delivered by a dedicated team of ANSTO executives and brought to life under the direction of KU Children’s Services,” said Dr Paterson.
“This is an example of ANSTO taking a leadership position, and supporting more local jobs and delivering more services and benefits to the local community.
“As one of the Shire’s largest employers and with more than two thirds of our staff living in the local area, we’re delighted to be able to offer places for children from the wider community,” he said.
ANSTO Board member, Dr Susan Pond welcomed the new centre. “This new childcare service is an important step for ANSTO in supporting gender equality in the workforce,” she said.
“It will support our young female researchers who want to continue their careers whilst having a young family.”
Christine Legg is the CEO of KU Children’s services, which operates around 150 childcare centres throughout Australia, including locally in Heathcote and Sutherland.
“KU ANSTO Children’s Centre is a stunning new addition to our range of high quality early childhood services,” said Ms Legg.
“The design and focus on sustainable, natural play environments aligns well with KU’s commitment to sustainable learning programs and practices.
“The centre will be staffed by a team of qualified, experienced early childhood professionals, and will provide a high quality, play-based learning program for all children.”
In total the centre will provide places for 48 children aged from 6 weeks – 6 years old, and will be operated Monday – Friday from 7:30am to 6:00pm.The Centre will support 12 places for 6 week-2 year olds; 16 places for 2-3 year olds, and 20 places for 3-6 year olds.