Jan 2020

Today, the Duchess of Cambridge made another surprise appearance. She visited the London Early Year Foundation’s (LEYF) Stockwell Gardens Nursery & Pre School in South London to spend time with kids and promote her ‘5 Big Questions on the Under Fives‘ Survey -a nationwide Ipsos MORI survey which aims to spark the biggest ever conversation on early childhood.

Last Wednesday when Duchess of Cambridge launched the landmark ‘5 Big Question’ Survey, she was on a whirlwind tour of the country. She visited Birmingham to launch the survey and then visited Cardiff and  Surrey to promote the survey. But due to the bad weather, one engagement was cancelled -That was a visit to Stockwell Gardens Nursery.

The LEYF is a social enterprise that aims to add value to the life of the community and future generations by strengthening local networks, demonstrating the role that everyone has. It operates 39 nurseries in some of London’s most disadvantaged areas and provides high-quality childcare to more than 4,000 children, employing more than 800 staff locally along with 60 apprentices across 11  boroughs of London.

The survey gives people across the UK an opportunity to provide their view on raising the next generation. About the survey, Kensington Palace said,

“For the past 8 years, The Duchess has been hearing from people around the UK about the importance of the early years for future health and happiness. Now she wants to hear from you, so have your say on raising the next generation.

The launch of the survey follows eight years of work by the Duchess of Cambridge in which she has explored how experiences in early childhood often lie at the root of the hardest social challenges the country faces today. What we experience in the earliest years – from in the womb to the age of five – is instrumental in shaping our future lives.”

You can participate in the survey by clicking here.

During today’s visit, Catherine revealed that 1,00,000 people have already responded to the survey and she is looking for more people to be part of this survey.  She said, “I’m so happy that over 100,000 people from all across the UK have already completed it, and I can’t wait to see the results.” The Survey is designed to bring together the thoughts of as many individuals, organisations and businesses as possible – recognising that everyone has a role to play in ensuring that children have the best possible start in life.

The findings will be a vital source of information for the Early Years sector, helping it to better understand public perceptions of the importance of the early years, and the first-hand experiences of parents, families and carers. This public feedback will also help to focus Her Royal Highness’ work through The Royal Foundation as she endeavours to provide children across the UK with the best foundations to lead healthy and fulfilling lives.

At the nursery, the mother of three adorable kids, Catherine served the school kids breakfast having cereal and milk and played with them. From Daily Mail’s report,

When Kate first arrived she met a group of parents who had just dropped off their children, and said to one father: ‘I think that’s changed, there’s a lot more engagement from parents in general and particularly fathers who want to be involved in this early stage of development.’

In the kitchen, Kate chatted to trainee pre-school chefs Luke Nelson-Neil and Rouchelle Scott-Ashby. When they started discussing particular foods, Mr Nelson-Neil joked about beetroot, saying: ‘I still can’t get them to eat it.’

The duchess, mother of Prince George, six, Princess Charlotte, four, and Prince Louis, one, said: ‘Mine absolutely love it – it’s one of those things, until you try it, you don’t know.’

After taking in breakfast for the children, she joined three little girls who sat down at tiny tables to eat, and the Kate took a shine to three-year-old Lucy, stroking her arm and leaning forward as she asked her what she wanted.

Kate poured out cereal for Lucy and her classmates, asking them to say ‘Stop’ when there was enough in their bowls, and later she turned to a plate of orange, banana, grape and papaya segments, asking ‘What do you think of the fruit? What’s your favourite?’

Before leaving, she high-fived the trio and joined a group of three and four-your-year-olds playing with shells in a water play pit, and she also joined another breakfast table of youngsters.

Chefs and apprentices from the LEYF Early Years Chef Academy, which is based at Stockwell Gardens Nursery & Pre School, and offers the first specialist qualification for chefs either working or keen to work with children up to the age of eight,  spoke to The Duchess about the importance of nutritious food for child development. From People’s report,

In the kitchen, Kate chatted about nutrition with the school’s trainee chefs. Nelson-Neil joked about beets, saying: “I still can’t get them to eat it.”

Kate, who previously shared that her kids have an adventurous taste in vegetables, said, “Mine absolutely love it – it’s one of those things until you try it, you don’t know.”

Duchess also held a private meeting with Giovanna Fletcher, who runs the Happy Mum Happy Baby podcast. Mrs Fletcher was also invited to the launch of ‘5 Big Questions Survey in Birmingham last week. Speaking with Giovanna Duchess said,

It’s great to visit places like this where communities come together to support one another. Last week I launched a UK wide survey on early childhood because I want to hear society’s views about raising the next generation.

About the visit LEYF Chief Executive, June O’Sullivan said, “You can’t capture just how important the early years are. There’s a raft of research that shows if you invest in them when they’re little if you give them the right kind of nurture if you give them the time to speak, learn, listen and concentrate – and opportunities of personal development – then they actually grow into really capable, successful human beings.“

A video of the visit.

For the day, Duchess of Cambridge chose a very casual yet a stylish look. She was wearing a new blue long coat that is still unidentified.

Underneath the coat, Catherine wore Sezane Tulio Jumper. The $125 Long-sleeved merino wool pullover features Fancy plastron, lace collars and lace on the front. Currently, it’s available in all sizes and two colours – off-white and black.

Duchess paired the white jumper with her black skinny jeans.

Catherine chose a new pair of shoes today. She was wearing Russell & Bromely Fab Dry Ankle Boots. Thanks to @acesasisi and @Emma4AboutRoyal for the id. The £295 boots are described as “Gaucho styled Fab-Dry by Aquatalia are the perfect addition to your wardrobe. Crafted in weather-resistant black suede, these boots are detailed with a neat stacked heel and elastic inserts. Simply pull on over jeans or opaques for a nonchalant air to your off-duty dressing.” They are currently on sale for £145.

and her UFO Gold Fringe Earrings.

Yesterday, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, Joint Patrons, the Royal Foundation of The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, held a Reception at Kensington Palace.

The Duchess of Cambridge will be joining Prince William at BAFTA on Sunday night. This year’s dress code is re-wear. Have a look at Catherine’s gowns collection and vote which one you think she will re-wear.

Dress like Duchess