Investment pays off

08 Aug Investment pays off

A mum who took the leap from childminding in her home to opening her own day nursery has seen her investment and hard work pay off in just five years.

In 2017, Victoria Pollitt set up her first nursery from a village hall in Rainton, which is close to her home in Maunby, near Thirsk.

Having ran her own child-minding business for 15 years and having spent time as a Deputy Manager at a day nursery, she decided the time was right to take the plunge and open her own nursery.

As a teacher experienced in the Montessori method of education, mum-of-two Victoria soon reached capacity at her first nursery and in September 2019 moved to larger premises in the grounds of Queen Mary’s, a popular independent boarding school in Baldersby Park, Topcliffe.

Just over two years later and Baldersby Park Montessori Nursery School is thriving with over 30 children attending on busier days.

And with capacity for 35 children, Victoria is already looking forward to possibly being able to expand further in the years to come. And with husband Ian coming on board as Business Manager in 2021, after giving up his job working for a local housing association, the future looks bright for the business.

Victoria, who leads a team of 11 at the nursery. said: “The first nursery proved extremely popular which consequently meant we grew out of it very quickly.

“We were then approached by Queen Mary’s to take up the building we currently use, and it was clear from an early stage that there was a big demand for a quality nursery in this area.

“Even with all the trials and tribulations brought on by the pandemic, we’re very busy and if there is an opportunity to expand in the future it is definitely something we would consider.

“The last five years since first opening a nursery have been like a whirlwind but I am very proud of what we have been able to achieve during this time, with the support of a fantastic staff team.

The Montessori method of education is a system of education for children that seeks to develop natural interests and activities rather than use formal teaching methods. It was the brainchild of Maria Montessori, who began developing her educational philosophy and methods in 1897, and it is now followed and highly regarded across the world.

Victoria added: “Alongside this we follow the early years foundation stage and other new methods of learning, such as using real life materials and trying to teach children in a holistic way so they are prepared for the wider world both academically and socially.

“So, we are offering an all-round approach which benefits the children as they progress in their learning journey.”