Little Beans Nursery, at Albany Road on the Granby Industrial Estate, provides childcare and early years education and is celebrating its 10th anniversary by announcing its expansion to a neighbouring property.

It is to increase its capacity, extend its care provision for children from 3 months to 10 years – and drive employment growth by creating between 30 and 40 jobs.

This will include nursery apprenticeships to leadership positions, as well as opportunities in catering, media, and administration.

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The expansion will allow the nursery to remain in its current location, having already secured the lease on the neighbouring space, formerly occupied by Sharky’s Fun Factory which closed suddenly in July.

The new 6,000 sq. ft site will welcome up to 100 children per session – a substantial increase from the current capacity of 28.

It will offer a new baby unit, complete with a dedicated play space, sleeping area and its own well-resourced baby room garden.

The refurbishment will take place in three phases, allowing for a gradual expansion, with full completion scheduled for next summer.

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The first phase, set to be completed by January, will accommodate 40 children, including babies.

The news of the expansion comes in the wake of changes to government funding for childcare, which allows parents to access funded support from as early as 9 months.

Sebrina Drew, director at Little Beans added: “With the new government funding expansion, which includes support for all families and an increase of up to 30 hours for working families, we are so delighted to be widening our offering of inclusive provision.

“We can’t wait to see this project come to life.” 

Fellow director Tasmin Ledger added: “We are delighted to expand our services to include baby care.”

Facilities will all be based on the ground floor, with tailored space, including spacious indoor play areas, an activity resource hub featuring a technology suite, library, sensory area, cosy quiet corners, as well as cooking, arts and expressive design areas.

The project has been supported by property developers DJ Property which have been instrumental in making the expansion viable by providing practical assistance and expert advice throughout the process.

Mickey Jones, CEO at DJ Property, said: “We are proud to support Little
Beans in their expansion here on the Granby.”