Partnership sees charity expand into childcare provision

YMCA Derbyshire has announced a new partnership with a local nursery and childcare provider.

The charity’s lifelong learning team has partnered with Derwent Stepping Stones to support families in the local community to gain access to affordable childcare at both the St Marks Road and St James Centre.

As a result, Derwent Stepping Stones has now become a wholly owned subsidiary of YMCA Derbyshire.

It will see the lifelong learning team support the current childcare team and offer extra expertise and guidance where required.

Gillian Sewell, chief executive at YMCA Derbyshire, said: “We have worked with Derwent Stepping Stones for over 20 years and seen first-hand the incredible work they do for their community.

“When the opportunity arose to partner with them as an established quality early years provider with a Derbyshire footprint and exceptional reputation, we were very excited.

“YMCA Derbyshire is working to grow its early year provision in Derbyshire to both complement our lifelong learning services provision and add to the 6,000 YMCA childcare places across England.”

Janet Holland, chief executive of Derwent Stepping Stones, said: “After 32 years, Derwent Stepping Stones is about to embark on the next stage of its incredible journey supporting families.

“I am absolutely delighted that this next stage is being undertaken together with our long-standing voluntary sector partner, YMCA Derbyshire.

“The new partnership will support long term sustainability and offer both organisations the opportunity to enhance, strengthen and further our primary objectives.”

Elizabeth Fothergill, HM Lord-Lieutenant of Derbyshire, said: “I have been privileged to be involved in the incredible work of Derwent Stepping Stones for over 15 years after being inspired at a Business in the Community Seeing is Believing tour in 2005.

“It has been such a joy to work with so many committed passionate staff over the years and see numerous cohorts of children gain skills, confidence and make progress through their early years before embarking on their journey to school.

“I am also a keen supporter of YMCA Derbyshire, taking every opportunity to shine a light on the significant impact achieved by both organisations.

“The partnership between Derwent Stepping Stones and YMCA Derbyshire will create an environment that embraces innovation, enthusiasm and expertise, enabling even more to be achieved for families in Derby.”