A MOTHER who spent almost her whole lifetime building her childcare career is set to open her own nursery.

Sammi Walker, 29, from Basildon, and her husband James Walker, 35, are due to open Monkey Puzzle in April.

Harwich and Manningtree Standard:

Positive - Sammi and James

It will cater for children aged from three months old up to five.

Sammi said: “I’ve always worked in childcare, at school in Year Ten I did work experience. When I left I studied childcare at college. I’ve been in the industry ever since.

“Even though I’ve always loved doing childcare, it was my kids, Danni who is ten and Paige who is four, who made me decide to open my own nursery.

“It’s lovely to think my own children can look up to me and have something secure for their futures, which I will pass onto them.”

The day nursery, based on Carnarvon Road, in Southend, was previously a GP surgery but has been transformed into an open plan space with four rooms, including Lullaby Lane, Adventure Avenue, Discovery Close and Explorer Street.

Sammi added: “I want to make it a home from home for the kids and their families. When the children visit, I don’t want them to feel like it’s just day care but like we’re an extended family.

“We will provide outstanding care for the children by hiring highly qualified staff who will receive regular training and opportunities, with a room leader in each room at all times.”

it will be open from 7.30am until 6.30pm.

Included in their fees, Monkey Puzzle will offer half day or full day sessions, nappies, wipes and a dedicated key worker for each family.

Sammi aims to get the nursery involved in the community, and hopes to arrange care home visits, police talks, and involvement with Southend United.

She added: “I’m looking forward to seeing what the kids think. When we had our open day for the parents, it melted my heart to see the kids in there.”