One of the Isle of Wight’s leading nursery’s will be creating new jobs and 40 additional places for children in the local area, after relocating to a larger premises.
Chatterbox Childcare was launched in 2010 by owners Amanda and Simon Bitchenor, and provides care to children aged 0-11 years across two separate sites in Ryde.
Due to increased demand for places it was necessary to relocate the Nelson Street site to larger premises at Melville Street. The owners approached Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking for a funding package to purchase and renovate the premises.
Split over three floors the building contains separate areas for different age groups, allowing children to receive care and teaching tailored to their individual requirements.
Following renovations the new premises now boasts the latest IT equipment including a 70 inch interactive smart board, separate teaching rooms to support children who will be moving to school and a purpose built outside area.
Amanda said:
“Over the past five years we have striven to build a home away from home, creating a comforting and fun environment that allows the children in our care to thrive.
Article continues below this advertisement “The Government’s decision to increase funded childcare to 30 hours per week led to an increase in demand for spaces at the site. We recognised that moving to a new premises would allow us to increase the number of hours we could offer to current parents, as well as creating additional places for children in the local area.
“Moving to the new building has also allowed us to expand our range of learning and play facilities, as well as creating new local jobs to ensure that each child receives a dedicated amount of time and support.
“We’ve banked with Lloyds Bank since our inception, and throughout this time they’ve worked closely with us to understand our business plan and provide a tailored funding package suited to our needs.
“Working with a specialist relationship manager is also a huge benefit as he recognises the challenges that companies in the nursery sector face, providing expert guidance and acting as a sounding board for any new ideas.”
Lee Richardson, healthcare relationship manager at Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking, said:
“Moving to a new premises has allowed Chatterbox to continue to expand their services on offer at the site, not only helping the business to grow but benefiting members of the local community.
“Chatterbox is renowned across the area for providing an outstanding level of care, and we look forward to working with them as they continue to expand over the coming years.
“At Lloyds Bank Commercial Banking we are dedicated to supporting small businesses, like Chatterbox, and we have a team of specialist relationship managers who can provide the tailored funding and support needed to help them achieve their ambitions.”
Photographed L-R: Amanda Bitchenor & Simon Bitchenor with Lee Richardson (Lloyds)
