Beverley Thomas, who currently works at Bowlee Park Community Primary School in Manchester, won Aspire Award grant funding from housing association the Guinness Partnership, to cover the cost of starting her own business.
She received a total of £475 in funding from the Partnership.
The twice-yearly awards are open to people renting or leasing the Guinness Partnership’s properties. The partnership manages 65,000 homes across the country for more than 140,000 customers. Residents can apply for grant funding to cover the cost of training to help them gain employment, for an undergraduate degree, or to cover the cost of training and equipment for those talented in art, sports or music.
Thomas, a grandmother of three, who used to work as a Home Economics Teacher in a Jamaica high school before coming to the UK in 2004, has completed two out of three courses required for Ofsted registration.
Once she becomes a registered childminder, she will provide care for a maximum of three children up to the age of five. Later down the line, she hopes to expand her business by offering after-school care for children up to 12 years’ old.
Thomas said, ‘I’m really excited about opening my own childminding business. Working with children is great and it keeps me on my toes.
‘I’m looking forward to providing the service to my community, which I think is important.’
Alistair Smyth, director of external affairs and social investment at The Guinness Partnership,said, ‘Over the last seven years we’ve given more than 300 Aspire Award grants.
‘We’re really pleased that Beverley is well on her way to starting her business and using her experience to provide a valued service to the families in her community.’
- For more information visit: https://www.guinnesspartnership.com/your-community/aspire-awards/