Graduation week is always an emotional time, especially so at the University of Liverpool Children’s Centre (ULCC).
Prior to starting ‘big’ school in September 14 youngsters came to the end of their time at nursery.
The occasion is a calendar highlight for the ULCC, based in Grove Street, with a special day had by children and parents alike. The event began with a graduation ceremony where the young pupils-complete with mini cap and gown – each received medals, a memory book and t-shirts featuring their personal drawings.
The preschool class shared with proud parents which occupation they plan to enter into once fully grown. The clear winner was ‘princess’ followed closely by ‘footballer’! The momentous day was rounded off with a party for children from all classes and commemorative photographs taken.
ULCC is run by social enterprise Local Solutions and offers full or part-time childcare for the children of staff and students at the University – it also offers educational play schemes during school holidays.
Centre Manager, Jean Graham, was particularly moved knowing it is the last graduation she will oversee as she plans to retire at the end of the year following 44 years in Early Years.
She commented: “This is always a day of mixed emotions for staff; we don’t want the children to leave but we are also proud to be sending them off to begin their school lives in September, knowing we have successfully prepared them for this new era.
“It has been a privilege to care for each and every one of them and we all wish them a happy and healthy future and look forward to seeing them return for play scheme during school holidays.”