Nursery enjoys a revival
ASOUTHPORT nursery that closed unexpectedly last year has reopened under new ownership. Sunflowers Child Care, on Dover Road, suddenly shut on November 10, 2017, shocking parents and staff.
Heather Menzies, 39, who was nursery manager at the time, called the closure ‘‘horrendous for everyone involved’.’
Soon afterwards, a private Facebook group was set up for all parents and staff members to discuss what should happen next.
Heather was urged to reopen the nursery herself, and the very next day found herself starting the Ofsted registration process.
She said: “The support we received was absolutely amazing, it all happened so quickly.
“I’m glad it did, though, as if I stopped to think about it, I might not have had the confidence to do it.”
Heather, who has worked at Sunflowers since it opened in 2001, has now reopened the nursery as Sunflowers Southport and is the new owner.
The nursery opened its doors again officially on Monday, January 22, after nine weeks of closure, and the response has been ‘‘overwhelming’’.
Heather added: “Before the nursery closed, it had 47 children, and just three weeks after reopening we now have 22 children.
“There is a mix of new and returning children, and I just want to say thank you to everyone who has joined.
“There has been such a lovely response, it is overwhelming, and some parents have even waited for us to reopen without finding another nursery.”
A total of four staff members are currently employed but Heather is currently looking to recruit two more to cope with demand.
The nursery was also repainted and redecorated before it reopened.
Heather said: “We would really like to get an outstanding recommendation from Ofsted and focus on doing our best for children.
“Our main aim is to be family-friendly and flexible, to give customers a positive experience.”
The nursery is open from 7.45am until 6pm Monday to Friday; see more details at www.sunflowerssouthport.co.uk.