Learning Land Nursery, Workington celebrates '20 wonderful years'

Learning Land, based on Derwent Street, celebrated its 20th year on Tuesday, June 4, with the nursery stemming from a dream of owner Hilary McCarron over two decades ago.

Ms McCarron said: “To be honest it doesn’t feel like 20 years ago when I was on maternity with Kyran and Kiana. I looked for the building, changed it, and here we are 20 years later.

Georgina Frears and Sarah Mattear with children in the pre-school. (Image: NQ staff)

“It’s been amazing. I love it, I love my job, being with the children and nurturing them and just being a special part of their journey, it’s amazing.”

The nursery has welcomed thousands of children through the doors and are now starting to take children whose parents attended the nursery when they were young.

Hilary said: “We have parents now who came here when they were little and now they are bringing their children.”

Lisa Walker with children from the toddler room (Image: NQ staff)

Hilary’s eldest daughter Kiana McCarron, who was four when the nursery opened, decided to also pursue a career in childcare and has now become deputy manager at the nursery.

Talking about what made her want to pursue her career, Kiana said: “Just seeing my mam succeed in something she loves doing.

“I went to Lakes College, came here on placement and then went on to university to do my degree so I could do the deputy manager role.

Hilary and Kiana McCarron outside of Learning Land (Image: NQ staff)

“I can remember it being renovated slightly. It just feels nice that is a family run business. I spent a lot of my childhood here and now it’s work. I love coming in and it doesn’t feel like work.”

Hilary and Kiana have thanked all the staff and parents who have supported them over the last 20 years, saying the business wouldn’t have been as successful as it has without them.

Jazmine Ramage, Millie Irving, Melanie Ireland and Amanda Galletly with children in the baby room (Image: NQ staff)

Hilary said: “Thanks to all the staff past and present for their dedication and passion, because it is a job you need to be passionate about - it is hard work.

"And to the parents, thank you for trusting us with your children and allowing us to be part of their journey, without them we couldn’t do it, the dream wouldn’t be there.”

Following the government's announcement about new funding hours for working parents, the nursery is expanding with a new baby room and is currently looking for staff to assist with the children.