A BELOVED nursery celebrating 25 years in business has enjoyed a growth spurt with new staff and children joining its ranks.
Kiddies Corner has also redeveloped its facilities and carried out renovations at its sites in Bryniau Road and Llewelyn Avenue, Llandudno, and Parc Menai in Bangor.
Owner Tony Gibbons was praised last summer for freezing prices and stepping in to save the after-school club at Ysgol San Sior, Llandudno.
Now employing more than 45 staff – including partner Rachael, the company’s Area Manager who is helping drive long-term plans – there is plenty in the pipeline for 2024.
They include further improving the three settings for the 200+ young people they care for, while building on the legacy of his late mum Janette, who launched the nursery in 1999.
“We have experienced a rise in numbers since the turn of the year and have made significant improvements to cater for that demand,” said Tony.
“As well as upgrades to our gardens we have created an open plan nursery and pre-school room at Bryniau Road and further developments inside and outside are underway.
“We are also looking to make the whole second floor a ‘baby suite’ with a sensory room and more, as we look after children from three months onwards and want to make the environment as safe and comfortable for them as possible – that’s a priority for us.”
He added: “Discussions are ongoing with Flying Start and Early Years Wales to offer 30 hours of top-quality early education to match the high level of nursery care we provide.
“We have raised the bar in this sector in past years and will continue to do that for many more to come.”
A new app and database streamlined booking processes, saving parents money as they can pay for designated sessions. That in turn allows Tony, Rachael, and the team to staff each session accordingly and make best use of their resources.
They are also focused on doing even more to support their customers given economic challenges facing all families, including up to five one-hour free child taster sessions.
“That ensures both the parent, or carer, and child is happy we are the right place for them, that they enjoy it here and feel it’s a warm, welcoming environment,” said Tony.
“As we have a waiting list it’s important that we provide the right level of care in the best setting, at Kiddies Corner there is no one size fits all ethos, each child has different needs and requirements.”
He added: “I’m pleased with how we have grown while maintaining the high standards my mum set all those years ago.
“We will keep striving to make her proud, now and for the next 25 years.”
