Nursery World - Flexible hours set nursery up for prize

Sheila Cruickshank, who set up a nursery in the north-east offering extended and flexible opening hours, has seen off competition from hundreds of other Scottish businesses to earn a place in the finals of the Prince's Scottish Youth Business Trust/Royal Bank of Scotland Business Awards. At a ceremony in Glasgow last week Ms Cruickshank, one of six finalists chosen from more than 500 eligible businesses, was presented with a cheque for 250 for nursery funds. She opened the Clever Tots nursery in Peterhead two years ago in response to demand for childcare from parents who work outside of conventional nine-to-five hours.

At a ceremony in Glasgow last week Ms Cruickshank, one of six finalists chosen from more than 500 eligible businesses, was presented with a cheque for Pounds 250 for nursery funds. She opened the Clever Tots nursery in Peterhead two years ago in response to demand for childcare from parents who work outside of conventional nine-to-five hours.

She told Nursery World Scotland, 'The fish markets open from half past six onwards. We also know that not all working parents are off on bank holidays and over Christmas and New Year.'

The nursery is officially open from 7am to 6pm, but Ms Cruickshank will arrange for staff to come in at 6.30am if parents request it, and to stay late if necessary. The nursery is also open on Saturdays from 9am to 1pm, but even this is flexible. 'We are here for the parents and will stay later if they need us,' Ms Cruickshank said.

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