City of London town clerk and CEO plus a Grammy-nominated musician named patrons of children's centre
As it celebrates its 30th year, the outstanding-rated Ellesmere Children’s Centre recently announced its first ever patrons of the non-profit community nursery
Two highly accomplished Sheffield-born professionals have been announced as the first two patrons of Ellesmere Children’s Centre and Emosi, which is based in Burngreave.
The town clerk and CEO of the City of London, Ian Thomas CBE and multi-Grammy nominated and house music legend Steve Edwards, are set to play a big role in the future of Ellesmere CC and Emosi and will help to raise the profile of the centre both within and outside the city.
Ian Thomas CBE may be a name familiar to many, he not only hails from the city - he also went to Newfield Secondary School - but he was also a promising footballer in his youth, until an unfortunate injury put a stop to that.
He has earned considerable recognition for his diligent work in many authorities. He previously led the turnaround of Rotherham council’s children’s services, after it was rated ‘inadequate’ by Ofsted, following the 2014 Jay Report that exposed the child sexual exploitation of children in the area.
He was appointed a CBE in the 2019 New Year Honours, for ‘services to local government and children's services’ in the wake of the scandal.
Since 2023, Ian served as the 51st town clerk and chief executive of the City of London Corporation. In 2025, Thomas was also named as one of Britain’s most influential black figures in the 2026 Powerlist.
Speaking on becoming a patron, Ian said:“I’m delighted to have taken up this position, it is a privilege and a real honour. I am blown away by the quality of the educational provision here.
“When people ask me ‘why?’ It's pretty simple.
“Having been born in Sheffield, but never having worked in my own city. It’s a great opportunity to give back something for an area that I am passionate about, which is early years and early intervention. Maybe I will be able to contribute in a very small way to the amazing work that is happening right now and in the future.”
Undoubtedly one of Sheffield’s music icons and a prolific talent within his field, Steve Edwards, a three times Grammy-nominated singer, songwriter and music producer, spoke of his pride at becoming a patron of Ellesmere Children’s Centre and Emosi.
He said:“Emosi provides a real resource for children of all backgrounds, all cultures and denominations.
“From the challenging areas to deprived areas, both socially and economically, where people can come and bring their children who may struggle in mainstream education to a place where their needs are met – and their issues are understood.
“The staff and team here are so in tune with what challenges and needs that there are, while being understanding of both the children and their parents. It’s just amazing, so powerfully uplifting to see a resource like this here in Sheffield.
“It should definitely be recognised and fully supported”
Welcoming both Ian and Steve as patrons, Ellesmere CC and Emosi CEO and manager, Dr. Sharon Curtis OBE, spoke of her pride at the appointments.
She said: “We are thrilled that both Ian and Steve expressed such passion at taking up the post of being a patron. I’m excited at the prospect.
“In terms of raising the profile of the work we do, I think both Ian and Steve come from different vocational angles but they both have a deep-seated understanding of what we are trying to do here.
“It’s an absolute honour to be able to work alongside them, we are collectively looking forward to enhancing the future together.
“It’s been an exciting year so far, I can’t believe that this is happening in our 30th year at Ellesmere and they will both play a huge role in the future of Ellesmere Children’s Centre and Emosi.”
Established in 1996, Ellesmere Children’s Centre is a multi-cultural, multi-faith and diverse formative learning institution that has been committed to providing an environment focussed on play and nurture.
It was originally set up to provide affordable childcare within ‘pram pushing’ distance for families living both within Burngreave and the surrounding area.