A New chapter for Rugrats and Half Pints
When Caroline Bevan took over the former Magic Land, she knew she would have a long struggle to refurbish and revamp the centre. With a considerable loan behind her she set about transforming it to the new “must go” place for young families in Gloucestershire and surrounding areas.
Within one year, she received a certificate of excellence from Trip Advisor and achieved 5-star ratings from the Dept of Environment. A year later, she received Trip Advisors highest accolade – the Travellers Choice Award 2020, putting the centre in the top 10% of attractions worldwide.
No one could have imagined that the pandemic would hit soft play centres so hard. First to be ordered to close, and last to be reopened. Over 30% of play centres have closed for good, yet Caroline has fought on and used the government bounce back loans to buy new sensory equipment for the older children and a role play area. But she is mindful that this may not be the last lockdown we have to endure, so she has taken out further loans to build a nursery at the centre which will help secure the future of the soft play should a lockdown be repeated.
The nursery, Tiny Tots at Rugrats, will accommodate 63 children – having 4 separate rooms for nursery, toddlers, rising threes and Preschool.
The nursery has required considerable refurbishment to the old offices and now offers a contemporary, funky and colourful setting.
A covered outdoor garden space has also been created and will complement the visits to the nearby amphitheatre and forest walls. Access to the sensory and soft play centre will be available via a secured doorway between the units.
“Over the past three years we have managed to build an amazing reputation for our soft play centre, and I now want to build on that reputation and add a complimentary business to the unit, which will contribute towards keeping the soft play centre afloat in these difficult times.
“As I strive for high standards, I want this new nursery to be the best and have recruited a manager with 14 years’ experience who managed an Ofsted Outstanding nursery. I won’t rest until we have the best childcare service in the region. Tours of the nursery are now available so email tinytots@rugratsandhalfpints.com “
Whilst they have been building this new chapter for Rugrats, they are also committed to improving the current offering at the soft play centre and there’s more improvements coming shortly.
As Caroline says, “To keep an eye out on what we are doing, follow our Facebook pages, Rugrats and Half Pints Cirencester and Tiny Tots at Rugrats.”
tinytots@rugratsandhalfpints.com 01285 885419 Meadow Road, Cirencester, GL7 1YA
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