Sale Montessori Nursery focused on future growth

Danielle Hignett, a North West Montessori nursery provider has expanded her business following extensive renovations to the Pear Tree Montessori Nursery in Sale. Supported by funding from Allied Irish Bank (GB), the nursery has undergone complete refurbishment and increased its capacity in its pre-school department for up to 24 children and created two full time jobs.

Danielle Hignett bought her first nursery in 2015, the ‘Outstanding’ rated Holly Tree Montessori Nursery in Edgeley, Stockport which employs 20 staff, and acquired what was Park Avenue Nursery last year and relaunched it as the Pear Tree Montessori Nursery.

The Pear Tree Montessori Nursery has five bright, spacious rooms on the ground and first floor of a large detached period property on Park Avenue in Sale. Following the recent loan facilities from Allied Irish Bank (GB) the nursey has undergone a full renovation across the entire building to completely update all rooms and facilities.

Danielle Hignett, Managing Director explains: “We have updated the whole of the nursery with most notable additions to the pre-school department which we have expanded and increased capacity. We have also created a new improved play area outside and updated all facilities throughout the nursery, using a neutral colour pallet creating a bright and airy feel in line with the Montessori philosophy.

“As a qualified Montessori teacher, I am very passionate about using the Montessori teaching methods which help to create a nurturing environment that supports each child’s growing need for independence. This is supported with the use of equipment that is designed to help children develop their language, fine motor skills and gross motor co-ordination, as well as their senses.  We are focused on following each child’s different learning styles and carefully structure activities to allow your child to develop at their own pace which is enhanced with our improved facilities. I am also working on some exciting future plans to enter into new sectors and my ambition is to open a Montessori training academy in the North West. The team at Allied Irish Bank (GB) have once again been a great support in helping to provide funding to support my growth plans at Pear Tree.”

Gareth Bennett, a specialist healthcare Relationship Manager at Allied Irish Bank (GB) worked with his colleague David Booth, Relationship Manager to structure a funding package for Danielle’s growth plans.

Gareth Bennett, Allied Irish Bank (GB) said: “Danielle is an extremely experienced and entrepreneurial nursery operator and I am very happy to support her growth strategy and renovation activities. Danielle has some very exciting ideas for the future development of her nurseries in line with the Montessori philosophy. The recent enhancements at Pear Tree Montessori Nursery are just the start as she looks to expand her team and grow her business further and introduce more children to the Montessori method of education that is based on self-directed activity, hands-on learning and collaborative play.”