Proud parents watch three-year-olds at Willow Children’s Centre

Proud parents gathered to watch their tiny tots graduate from a children’s centre in Wembley.

There was no champagne on ice at the ceremony at Willow Children’s Centre in Barnhill Road, as the graduates were only three but there were carrot fingers and nursery rhymes to keep everyone entertained.

Barbara Powell, the centre’s special educational needs co-ordinator, who organise the event yesterday, said: “The deputy mayor came in and the children sang ‘wind the bobbin up’ and ‘Twinkle, twinkle little star’ then he handed out the certificates and they sang again.”

The children were presented with certificates, gift cards, pencil cases and games by Cllr Kana Naheerathan, deputy mayor for Brent.

Ms Powell said it was a moving experience to watch the children mark the beginning of a new phase in their lives.

“The highlight was to see their little faces, and to see the parents so happy. The children were all saying ‘we’re going to big school now’”

“It’s a multicultural setting and there are a lot of children with special needs moving on from nursery to reception,” she added.

About 40 of the 60-strong graduation group were present for the special day, which was blessed with scorching sunshine.

“It was a lovely day,” said Ms Powell, “we had the ceremony indoors but then went outside for refreshments.”

There wasn’t a cake in sight at this party though, as the school prides itself on being a healthy eating centre.

Children tucked in to fruit, sandwiches and celebratory carrot sticks to mark the new phase in their lives.