Stationhouse Nursery in Portishead is due to open in May and will take in 60 children aged between two and five.
Lakehouse Nurseries has secured 100 per cent funding to convert a former police station, which will also create 15 new jobs. The new nursery will have sufficient parking facilities and a large outdoor space, according to Zoe Parsons, director of Lakehouse Nurseries.
‘Stationhouse will have the same values and high standards as Lakehouse, and our motto "It's our nature to nurture", will shine through in the new team that we are starting to recruit and also in our commitment to the outdoor environment,’ said Ms Parsons.
Children will grow fruit and vegetables in the garden, build dens, and be encouraged to recycle. Like the current Lakehouse Nursery, children will also be given pets to look after, which according to Ms Parsons, will give them responsibility and encourage them to be gentle.
Ms Parsons is pleased that their expansion will offer much needed places for children and jobs for local people. She said,‘There is a real shortage of quality provision in this part of the country, especially since the Government announcement to extend funding to two-year-olds. I am glad to have found a banking partner that shares our values, vision and goals.’
Murray Smith, relationship director for Santander Corporate Banking, said, ‘We are thrilled to be able to help with the expansion of Lakehouse Nurseries. They have a passion for providing quality childcare, and as such I am certain Stationhouse Nursery will be a success.’
Zoe Parsons and Trudie Allen opened the first Lakehouse Nursery in Portishead in 2009 when they decided to change careers and set up their own business. The decision was made to open a second nursery after a successful first two years and strong local demand.