Little Gillies hiring staff ahead of opening in autumn

Staff are now being hired for Little Gillies, a community-founded daycare centre in Wells, which is set to open later this autumn.

The centre is taking shape in the former home of Polka, a childcare service which closed late last year.

Frances Marshall, one of the founders of Little Gillies, said the group had hired a centre manager and is interviewing for practitioners this week.

She said a number of parents had started asking how they could send their children to the centre.

Work on Little Gillies daycare centre in Wells, (the left is before the work started, with the right being after) (Image: Fran Marshall)

“It definitely feels we have turned the corner," Mrs Marshall said.

"It’s been like sorting a teenager's bedroom - you make a start then wonder what on earth you’ve taken on."

“We’ve now completed the sorting - disposed of anything damaged and obsolete, have a massive list of things to purchase and now everything is being put back together.”

Mrs Marshall praised the Holkham Estate, the team at Pinewoods Holiday Park and Jonathon Court from Norfolk Tree Services for their support. 

Work continues on the Little Gillies daycare centre in Wells (Image: Fran Marshall)

She said: “We just couldn’t have achieved what we’ve done so far without their help.

"Still a way to go and the paperwork is endless but we can definitely see the light at the end of the tunnel.”

The building’s roof has been sorted, and the scaffolding is now down.

The group is focused on finishing the interior.

Holkham has refurbished its two kitchens and Norfolk County Council is carrying out further repairs to the exterior in the next couple of weeks.

The centre will offer places for children aged 0-three and is a collaboration with the Wensum Trust.

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

Visit littlegillies.co.uk for more information.