Bucks parents opening ‘micro nurseries’ in their own homes

Residents in the county are retaining as childminders and opening nurseries in their own homes as statistics show there has been a 35 per cent increase in the number of nurseries closing down, due to the pandemic.

Aylesbury mum-of-two and former teacher Rebecca Olaleye has launched her own nursery to gain 'more flexibility for her family, while continuing to pursue her passions in drama and education'.

She completed this change using Tiney, an education company which aims to recruit and train over hundreds of new childminders in the area over the coming months to relieve the current strain on families and childcare services in Bucks.

She said: "Earlier this year, I made a career transition to become a childminder after working in secondary school education.

"Ever since opening my tiney home in September, there has been demand from local parents and I even have a waiting list for next year.

"My professional background lies in theatre education, and most recently, I was the acting Head of Drama at a nearby secondary school.

"I love bringing elements of theatre and performance into my tiney home to foster imagination in young minds.

"My approach revolves around providing a creative, discovery-driven, and play-based learning environment.

"I take great joy in witnessing children develop a passion for learning, fostering personal growth, independence, confidence, and creativity." 

According to the National Day Nurseries Association, nurseries are still shutting their doors at an alarming rate, with closures increasing by 50 per cent in the last year alone. 

One in five nursery staff are thinking of leaving their roles and a recent survey found 83 per cent of nurseries either make a loss or break even.

Purnima Tanuku OBE, chief executive of NDNA said: “The current state of our nurseries is extremely worrying, given the promises the Chancellor made to parents in the Spring Budget.

“Our research shows that the rate of closures has increased by 50% compared with last year. The main reason for this has been chronic underfunding of early years places. An average increase of 3.4% to hourly rates does not cover the rocketing costs providers have seen.

“We need urgent action now for our nurseries to remain sustainable. Every nursery closure is devastating to children, their families, staff and communities.

"It is unfair that nurseries are having to close their doors for good because the early years funding has been woefully inadequate to be sustainable.”