Business

Nursery business expands into after-school care following £400,000 investment

Julie Morrison pictured with Martine Hanna, senior relationship manager at Ulster Bank
Julie Morrison pictured with Martine Hanna, senior relationship manager at Ulster Bank Julie Morrison pictured with Martine Hanna, senior relationship manager at Ulster Bank

A BANGOR-based nursery school owner has invested more than £400,000 in the purchase and development of new after-school care facilities.

Former primary school teacher Julie Morrison first opened Red Brick House nursery in the seaside town in 2015 to provide day care services for 10 children.

But this eventually rose to more than 50 children daily, and demand continued to exceed spaces available for both pre-school and after-school care.

And now Julie, with financial backing from Ulster Bank, has launched a new after-school childcare brand 'R Space' following the acquisition of the former Primacy Day Nursery on Primacy Road in the seaside town.

“Our Red Brick House facility was accommodating children for both pre-school and after-school care, which restricted the growth potential for both services,” she said.

“By acquiring another nearby nursery we’re able to transition our after-school service to the new premises and increase our registrations across both sites.”

R Space, which can accommodate 70 children, boasts its own gym facilities to encourage physical activity, a library, homework room and hands-on workspace to engage children in the sciences, arts and crafts.

“Providing an educational setting is important, but so too is allowing children the freedom to pursue their interests and hobbies under the close care and supervision of well-trained and supportive childcare staff,” Julie added.

Martine Hanna, senior relationship manager at Ulster Bank, said: “In 2015 Julie had a clear vision for Red Brick House, and over the past three years we have seen this come to fruition and demand for such quality childcare surpass capacity.

“We’re pleased to support in her latest venture and help her build on the solid reputation Red Brick House has earned. The offering for after-school childcare facilities in the catchment area is limited, so the quality proposition R Space has to offer will drive interest in the service.”