Family-owned children’s nursery expands into Bristol with £1 million funding

Established in 1990 by husband and wife Andrew and Emma McCarthy, the business provides childcare to families in and around Somerset for children from three months until first year of school. Its nurseries based in Nailsea and Weston-super-Mare are rated “outstanding” and “good” by Ofsted respectively.

The funding from Santander Business Banking will allow Golden Valley House Day Nurseries to purchase a third nursery, in Bristol. The nursery will have capability to look after 40 children and provide jobs for 14 staff.

Emma McCarthy is a former primary school Head Teacher and registered on the Early Years Register, while Andrew McCarthy holds a diploma in pre-school practice. The business currently employs 25 members of staff across the existing two sites and prides itself on its top employees. Golden Valley House Day Nurseries pays its staff above the national minimum wage and doesn’t use agency staff – two key factors behind the company’s success.

Andrew McCarthy, Joint Founder, Golden Valley House Day Nurseries, said:

We are excited to be opening our third nursery in the South West. The hard work and dedication of our staff has meant the two nurseries have been incredibly successful. The support from Santander has been fundamental to this purchase as the team we have worked with there really understand the children’s day nursery sector.

Chet Mistry, Relationship Director, Santander Business Banking, commented:

Golden Valley House Day Nurseries has succeeded by providing an outstanding services to parents and children in the North Somerset area. We have been impressed with the founders’ expertise and knowledge in childcare, as well as their business acumen. We look forward to working closely with them to make the Bristol nursery a success.