Wensum Trust opening new daycare in Wells-next-the-Sea

The new care centre is opening in Wells later this year, thanks to a collaboration between Wensum Trust and the local parents - with the new centre being named Little Gillies.

It will open in the former Polka Day Care building on Polka Road, which closed in December 2022.

The centre will provide childcare places for children aged 0-three, and comes after the Wensum Trust worked with Little Gillies and Norfolk County Council to become a replacement provider.

The county council is investing £50,000 in the daycare to improve the building.

Helena Deakin, who set up Little Gillies (Image: Helena Deakin)

Helena Deakin, who set up Little Gillies, said: “As a parent who used Polka I felt the loss of the nursery immediately and knew something needed to happen to set up a new facility.

"I have been working with a small group of people in Wells since January setting up a fantastic new place for our children to attend.

“We will oversee the running of Little Gillies and hope to employ local people to work there.

"We have been so lucky to work with the Wensum Trust, and with their support, we hope to offer a fantastic setting that will stand the test of time.”

It’s hoped Little Gillies will open after the autumn half-term, subject to sign-off by the Department for Education and Ofsted.

Daniel Thrower, CEO of the Wensum Trust (Image: Wensum Trust)

Daniel Thrower, CEO of the Wensum Trust, added: “We know how important childcare is to parents in Wells and the wider community so we’ve been really pleased to work with Little Gillies to get this daycare facility in place for the new school year.”

Cllr Penny Carpenter, Cabinet Member for Children’s Services, said: “I wish Little Gillies and all of its children lots of happiness and success for the future.

"Good early education is really important in supporting our ambition for every child in Norfolk to flourish.”