Monthly Maidstone Spotlight – Ringle Rainbow Day Nursery

 For our first spotlight interview of 2024, we spoke with Penny Reidy, owner of Ringle Rainbow Day Nursery in Maidstone. Her launch was supported by our partners Let’s Do Business Group’s HerBiz programme and their Start-up Loan service

What inspired you to start your children’s Nursery?

 I have over 15 years’ experience in the business and administration field with a focus in Education for the last 7 Years. Being a mum myself I felt passionate about creating a Nursery that gives more opportunities for learning and development that was currently not on offer locally. I care about my community and delivering high quality childcare in the Early Years whilst maintaining an eye on sustainability and how we can all contribute to protecting the environment for future generations to come. 

What makes you different to other nurseries in Maidstone?

We have created a small home from nursery based in a warm friendly locally based community setting, where every child is catered for and with whom we have a real connection and bond with both children and parents. 

We offer outdoor learning which we believe helps children develop holistically. Forest School is an approach to learning that takes children into the great outdoors on a regular basis to explore the natural environment. This type of learning complements the national curriculum and has many benefits which encourages children’s development on many other levels i.e. Physical, Emotional, Social, Spiritual & Intellectual.

We are also based in St Faiths Community Centre which is a brand-new centre based in the Ringlestone/Springfield Parish of the town centre. The centre is the hub of the local community offering lots of different classes, worship, food bank plus a community shop selling items for less plus unique opportunities for us to be involved with to further our children’s learning and development.

What has been the biggest challenge so far in your business?

The rising cost of living is affecting families, communities, and businesses. It is difficult trying to make childcare affordable as possible while keeping our own costs down and still providing our high-quality level of learning and development.

What one piece of advice would you give to an entrepreneur looking to start up?

Make sure you do as much research on your chosen idea or business and access all the free help and information out there from business advisors to free courses. They are there to help you and will try and help out where they can.

Acknowledging the funding you secured via British Business Bank Start Up Loan – how did you hear about this funding for Start –Ups?

I accessed free help and advice from The Business Terrace in Maidstone which I found on Google. I contacted Chris Lyle; the on-site business advisor, and met up with her to discuss my business plan. Chis was a great help and referred me to the start-up loan team at Let’s Do Business Group, where I could find funding support.

How did the funding help with the start of your business?

We were able to make purchases of equipment to start the nursery such as furniture, learning resources and hiring support staff. Without the funding, we’d have really struggled to get the business off the ground.

What one tip could you give for any potential applicants looking at a Start Up Loan right now?

To write up your business plan and just start the process of applying for the loan. The British Business Bank is a great organisation as they are very knowledgeable and helpful. It can take up to 12 weeks to have everything approved so start the process as soon as possible! 

More information on Penny’s Nursery can be found here https://www.ringlerainbow.co.uk/

The Nursery is also on Facebook & Instagram @ringlerainbownursery

If you’d like more information on how to access start-up loans and support please contact getstarted@maidstone.gov.uk to book in an appointment with our Business Advisor