Foundation in Europe

The Bright Horizons Foundation in Europe launched in August of 2005 and has to date opened 6 Bright Spaces in the UK and Ireland.

Our mission is important and urgent. One million children in the UK alone are affected by repeat homelessness, and they miss out on one quarter of their schooling because of the disruption this causes. Recent research shows that unless positive influences in children's lives take place in their early years, they are unlikely to be effective.

One in 10 children live in overcrowded households and have no access to safe play: the largest group of under-served children are those in hostels and bed and breakfast lodges. These conditions can lead to bullying, low self-esteem, insecurity and extended absences from school. Bright Spaces offer these children and families opportunities  to spend time together in a safe, engaging place, where lasting, supportive friendships can be made.

The Bright Spaces programme provides appropriate play and learning areas for children of all ages living in temporary accommodation creating warm, inviting areas where children can simply be children. The Bright Space can be a room just for children and child care staff, for parents and children, or it can be an outdoor playspace or garden, as it is here in the case of Field Lane.

The Bright Spaces programme is made possible through partnerships between child care centre managers, local agencies, clients and other organisations, and the Foundation.

To learn more, please contact us at foundationeurope@brighthorizons.com

Tracy Wilkes-Green

Foundation Manager

Bright Horizons Foundation for Children

020  8342 1512  phone and fax

www.brighthorizons.co.uk

twilkes-green@brighthorizons.com

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