Maxilla Nursery Centre was part of a tapestry of community action in North Kensington in the 1970s. For nearly forty years Maxilla navigated through changes in funding and local and national government policy, always keeping its holistic ethos and community roots.
“Maxilla was built by the community, for the community” – Jenny Williams, Maxilla Nursery Centre founder.
“Maxilla is my home, my mother, my family, my village…it is a place of love and social justice” – Karolina Hardy, former parent.
Unfortunately all this came to an end last year when our local council (RBKC) closed Maxilla down, with little or no regard for the unique history or character of the centre, the vital contribution it has made over many years to the local community, its cherished place in the hearts of local residents, and no regard for the needs of the children enrolled there, many of whom were hurriedly crammed into unsuitable and inadequate temporary alternative accommodation in a former caretakers office at Lancaster West Estate – cramped and with minimal toiletting and catering facilities and no outdoor space.
Now this excellent Heritage Lottery funded exhibition and website archives the story of this pioneering provision for children under five, their parents, and its place within the community of North West Kensington.
