A WOMAN who started her own nursery in Washington when she needed quality childcare for her own children is now opening another in Sunderland.

Deborah Troup started Little Treasures 13 years ago and the expansion is to meet the growing demand for places.

Troup, who has taken on her daughter Sarah as deputy manager, already employs 11 nursery nurses and early years practitioners and has more than 55 children registered at Washington. And she has recruited six more staff as she opens the new Little Treasures in Sunderland’s John Street.

“There is a real growth in demand,” said Troup. “The Government is encouraging women back into the workplace and there is no doubt that many families rely on that income. Some mothers are deciding to return to work when their maternity pay reduces at six months.

“In addition, many parents want some nursery provision for their children to help develop their communication and social skills with pre-education and just so they can enjoy the facilities and equipment available.

“Our aim is to provide cost- effective, quality childcare.

“I have always wanted to provide the secure, stimulating and loving nursery environment that I was seeking for my own children.

“I had the necessary qualifications and experience with local authorities, private schools and creches so I decided to start my own business and have never regretted it.”

With three and four-year-olds entitled to 15 weeks’ free care in a private or local authority nursery and vouchers or tax credits also available, more parents are taking advantage of nursery education.

“We have invested substantially to refurbish and equip a house in Sunderland so that children feel they are in a second home,” added Troup.

The Sunderland nursery will cater for babies to five-year-olds while Washington takes up to eight- year-olds. Among the services offered at the nurseries are basic French and sign language lessons, yoga and cake-baking.

“We pride ourselves on the supportive relationships established between children, staff and parents,” said Deborah.

“A lot of our children stay in touch ... we have someone on work experience with us now who was a toddler in our nursery.”