Outdoor-focused Lancashire nursery creates jobs in £500k expansion

A Lancashire nursery business has opened a second site in the North West with six-figure funding.

Thornton-based Adventures in Learning used £500k from HSBC to launch a Little Explorers Nursery in Poulton-le-Fylde, Carleton.

The expansion is due to create 10 jobs and double the firm’s turnover.

The new Little Explorers Nursery includes a garden for activities such as fire pit building and mud kitchen play.

It forms part of Adventures in Learning’s focus on outdoor activities, which includes weekly forest school sessions to help children engage with the environment and build confidence.

Amy Crook, manager of Adventures in Learning, said of the expansion: “We’re really delighted with how well our Carleton nursery has been received since opening.

“It was important that we could provide a space that engaged children as much as our existing nursery and the Carleton site has ticked all the right boxes.”

She added: “We’re already caring for up to 30 children a day and can’t wait to meet even more local families in the future.”

HSBC’s area director for Lancashire, Brian Heyes, commented: “The Little Explorers Nursey brand has a great local reputation as a fun and welcoming nursery.

“Their unique approach to outdoor learning was something that really stood out to us and we hope the business can continue to stand out as a valuable part of the community.”

Jon Higginson, relationship director at HSBC’s Manchester-based commercial banking operation, completed the deal.