A NURSERY owner stepped in to save an after-school club from closure and launched a price freeze to support parents in the cost-of-living crisis.

Tony Gibbons made the decision not to increase childcare rates at Kiddies Corner sites in Bryniau Road and Llewelyn Avenue, Llandudno, and Parc Menai in Bangor for existing children and those joining this summer, until they leave to join full-time education.

It comes as Tony, who employs up to 45 staff, added the after-school club at Ysgol San Sior in Llandudno to their portfolio following the news it was to shut down.

With more than 200 youngsters now on its books, Kiddies Corner has gone from strength to strength in the last 12 months, and that looks set to continue.

“The big freeze on prices is for anyone whose child joins us before the next academic year and children already with us, until that child moves on to school,” said Tony, who lives with partner Rachael and son Oscar in the town.

“Life is challenging for everyone right now, with rising fuel bills, mortgage rates, the cost-of-living crisis and more, and we don’t want to add to that.

“They’ve shown us so much loyalty and we want to repay that by helping out in any way we can.”

He added: “We won’t be able to continue that forever as a sustainable business, but for those with us now or joining ahead of the next academic school year, we will commit to that, which for those parents with children under the age of one will be three years or more paying the same price.

“Some may regard it as a strange move, but we see the business as a family, we support each other and if it means we will all be better off long-term then that’s all that matters.”

Tony is keen to increase and improve after-school provision at Ysgol San Sior – which will be known as KC Clubs from September – by working in partnership with local organisations to introduce gardening sessions, gym classes, football training and more.

“We have the infrastructure to take it on and move it forward, so the children and parents won’t have to miss out. I know a lot of them are relieved we stepped in and on a personal note I’m delighted we could help,” he said.

For Tony the developments and investment in Kiddies Corner have never been about profit, but reputation and legacy as he builds on the foundations laid by mum Janette, a former childminder who founded the company in 1999 before sadly passing away last year.

“We have just had our best ever month for revenue at all of our nurseries, since opening nearly 25 years ago, and that money will be put back into our facilities and our incredible team who work so hard to keep standards high,” he said.

“As one of the sector’s few Real Living Wage employers, we are proud of each and every one of our staff, and we are always looking to develop, personally and professionally, including the apprentices we bring in and encourage.

“With the new app and website launched, and the price freeze in place we are looking to do all we can to make our operation as smooth and seamless as possible for the parents and carers who trust us with their most prized possessions… their children.

“Our strategy is to keep growing, keep getting better and keep the wellbeing of our staff, the children and their families our top priority, that’s something that will never change.”

For more information on Kiddies Corner, visit the website www.kcnursery.com or call 03335 677 716. Alternatively, email hello@kcnursery.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.

A POPULAR nursery has taken its first steps toward significant growth following a post-pandemic surge in numbers.

With more than 30 staff on site at its three North Wales premises and plans to recruit up to 20 more this year, Kiddies Corner is recognised as one of the top childcare providers in the region.

The business currently has up to 150 children registered, aged three months to five years old, and director Tony Gibbons says that figure will increase in 2023 due to a rise in demand.

Launched by his mum Janette in 1999, Kiddies Corner has a strong reputation and Tony is focused on building on the standards she set from the company’s Bryniau Road site in Llandudno for over two decades.

Janette sadly passed away recently, but he is determined to make her proud and has added two new nurseries to the Kiddies Corner portfolio since taking the helm himself – Llewelyn Avenue, Llandudno, and Parc Menai, Bangor.

“Mum was a childminder and later started the business from West Shore with eight children, before growing that number to over 30 children per day” he said.

“She navigated the recession and other obstacles for more than 20 years and worked so hard, she will always be an inspiration to me and all the team here.

“The bar was set very high, and we aim to reach and surpass that benchmark every day – that’s her legacy.”

Tony was working in Australia and living with partner Rachel and their son Oscar when they made the decision to return to Llandudno and support Janette and her business.

He is proud of how far they’ve come and privileged to be a leading light in the childcare sector thanks to their innovative methods.

A user-friendly new app and website, paying staff the Real Living Wage and providing children with meals, nappies and wipes inclusive of the daily cost are uncommon in the industry.

They also have a reduced price on Saturdays, offering parents with flexible working hours the opportunity to lower costs at a challenging time for families across the country.

“All of these factors have led to more and more people getting in touch, which is heartening,” said Tony.

“Our attitude to training is another USP and more than a fifth of the team are apprentices as we are always looking to attract and encourage the next generation of childcare workers.

“It would also be positive to see more men entering the sector and considering this as a career as it’s so rewarding, and perceptions have changed over the years – we are all about taking a fresh approach.”

He added: “We have a strategy in place and are aiming to increase the team to more than 50 over the next 12 months, in tandem with expansion of our overall provision.

“We will do that without losing the quality and integrity we are known for, enabling us to support more and more families across the area.

“Our values are so important, to us and the parents and our community; it’s a special feeling to have that togetherness and we will never take it for granted as we continue to help children learn, develop and grow in the safe, secure and welcoming environment we nurture at Kiddies Corner”

For more information on Kiddies Corner, visit the website www.kcnursery.com or call 03335 677 716. Alternatively, email hello@kcnursery.com or find them on Facebook and Instagram.