Prison-based kindergarten a daycare with a difference

Kids of inmates, guards mingle

Milan – With its warm colours and toy-filled rooms, the Biobab Nursery looks just like any other, but this is a daycare with a difference.

Located in the grounds of Milan’s Bollate Prison, the kindergarten welcomes the children of detainees, guards and local residents to what staff describe as an innovative and successful social experiment.

Opened as part of new facilities to improve the wellbeing of staff, the creche was initially little used, with prison employees seemingly reluctant to switch from their established childcare arrangements, prison governor Massimo Parisi said.

As a result, he decided to open it up to the public to an unexpectedly enthusiastic response from the prison’s neighbours. “It was a big surprise for us, the families round about reacted in a very positive manner and started to bring their children here.

“It was a real breakthrough in terms of overcoming prejudices because obviously there is something quite novel about the idea of bringing your children to a prison,” Parisi said.

The arrival of the local kids created a positive effect, their presence making the nursery more attractive for staff.

And since December, the prison has opened a new section to accommodate female inmates and their very young children.

“This mix, with no distinction made between the children, seemed like an original idea that sends a wonderful message about integration and breaking down walls.”

The nursery brings in experts to organise nature and animal-based activities, making use of its large play areas.

Local mother Federica Ridolfi admitted she was hesitant about enrolling her son at first. But her doubts “soon disappeared when I saw the building and the garden and I came to understand the project”.

“Even if it is a prison creche, you don’t need to actually go into the prison or through any controls,” she added.

Simona Gallo, a prison educator, has opted to put her twins into the creche for the “peace of mind” that comes with having them close to her.

“Bringing children with different backgrounds and life experiences together is enriching,” she said. “And I also think it’s important that the children of prisoners, who have not committed any crime, can spend time in a ‘normal’ environment.” –

/ MARCO BERTORELLO/ AFP A child looks at horses at Biobab Nursery, which is located at Bollate Prison in Milan, Italy. The prison hosts a nursery for children of female inmates, employees and children from families living in the neighbourhood.