A childcare business specialising in outdoor learning is aiming to expand and create jobs after receiving funding from a rural growth programme.
My Little Kingdom, in Prudhoe, Northumberland, has been established by friends Emma Nelson and Sarah-Jane Sewell to improve childcare provision in the town.
The business is a day nursery and forest school, which aims to promote children’s health and wellbeing by connecting them with nature. It has been launched following renovation work at the Kingdom Hall in Prudhoe.
Two members of staff have already been employed, including a qualified teacher and a forest-school trained practitioner. The business, which is aiming to create a total of 26 new jobs within three years, has space for up to 80 children and has started welcoming its first pupils.
Ms Nelson said: “Our community open day was a huge success. We were joined by several local franchises who offer cooking, wildlife, dancing, yoga and forest activities for children. We will be partnering with these providers to deliver further enrichment to the children in our care on a rolling basis, one per term.
“As part of the renovations we have also created additional mezzanine space which can be rented by the hour, enabling organisations to deliver classes and activities for families.
“Our approach at My Little Kingdom is centred around the outdoors and creating opportunities to learn, promote health and wellbeing through nature. All of our resources are natural and all of the toys we provide are made of wood rather than plastic.
“We’ve had a great response from local parents who received a taste of what will be on offer at our nursery at our community event. The outdoor fire and marshmallow cooking were a huge hit which was lovely to see.”
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The business has received a grant of £64,000 via the North East Rural Growth Network, which aims to support business growth and job creation in rural communities in Northumberland, County Durham and Gateshead.
Rural Growth Network Manager Katy McIntosh, at Advance Northumberland said: “It has been wonderful to come back and visit the site now that the renovations are complete. The changes that Emma and Sarah Jane have made to the building are of a very high standard.
“The thoughtful planning of the outdoor space will enable the business to accommodate children in a natural learning environment.
“The Rural Growth Network was designed to help SMEs in our region to realise their potential, creating jobs for local people. My Little Kingdom will provide a much-needed local service and we have been proud to work with the business from its inception to seeing it welcoming children into its care.”