A Derbyshire mother and daughter team have invested more than £2 million to create one of the region's most ambitious children's day nurseries, transforming a former office building into a state-of-the-art nursery.
Little Woodlands Children's Day Nursery is set to open in Castle Donington later this month after Louise Toombs, 53 and her daughter Ellie McNicol, 27, purchased the former Redrow head office.
The state-of-the-art nursery could eventually create up to 50 new jobs. It has capacity for 210 children and has already welcomed registrations from more than 50 families. The new nursery marks the latest milestone for Louise in a journey that began more than a decade ago after struggling to find the type of rural childcare she wanted for her own children.
Louise started her career in the motor trade, where she was the only female MOT tester in the region. She then followed her passion for early years education by transforming a derelict building at Shardlow Hall into a nursery in 2012.
That venture has grown into a thriving business caring for around 130 children each day, with more than 200 enrolled and a team of 50 staff.
The idea for the latest nursery came from Ellie, who joined the family business as an apprentice after leaving school. Recognising they had reached capacity at Shardlow Hall, the pair set out to create a purpose-built setting designed around the needs of modern families.
Every room at Little Woodlands has its own toilets, nappy changing facilities and kitchenette, while babies have their own dedicated outdoor garden. There’s a forestry school, tiny town area and specialist SEND facilities costing more than £80,000.
Parents will also benefit from a service designed to make busy mornings easier, with the nursery providing everyday essentials. Fresh meals will be prepared on site each day by an in-house chef using locally sourced produce wherever possible.
Louise said: "When I opened Shardlow Hall, I had no funding and very little money. It was built on a shoestring because I believed children deserved somewhere special to learn and grow as individuals.”
"Opening Little Woodlands is something we've dreamed about for years. We're incredibly proud to have created a nursery that offers wonderful opportunities for children while also making life a little easier for parents."
Ellie added: "My son and niece will be attending the nursery and every decision on creating it has been based on what we would want for our own children. We can’t wait to welcome families to see for themselves how wonderful this nursery is.”
Little Woodlands Children's Day Nursery will officially open in September.