Our story
I Learn, came from the determination and drive of our founder and director, Michelle Drury, to open an inclusive and accessible day nursery in the area.
Rewind to 2006, Michelle had moved into the area due to work commitments and saw an opportunity to open a children’s day nursery. With no former knowledge of the sector, she was at the time working as a Probation Officer, Michelle started to walk a new path that would turn into one of the biggest learning curves of her life.
After two years, the first I Learn Education setting opened, with Michelle initially relying on staff and managers to run the business. During the next few years, Michelle continued to not only try and establish the business but also be a mum to her growing family.
Michelle and the team work very hard to meet the needs of all the children that attend I Learn, their efforts reflecting a genuine commitment to our children and families. As the business took hold in the local community, Michelle returned to university to obtain Early Years Teacher status. But, still not content in understanding the sector, Michelle took it upon herself to become an Ofsted Early Years Inspector too.
“I now see inspections from both sides,” Michelle said. “Allowing me to understand the difficulties Early Years providers face on a regular basis. Not only do I see the struggles providers face from Ofsted, the government and local authority but also the struggles they face in being isolated and receiving very little in terms of support.
“It seems we are often expected to provide more and more, while receiving less and less, both in terms of support and finances. And it is for this reason that I am passionate about helping others understand what is expected of them, and to raise standards in the childcare sector. Providing training, support, monitoring and consultancy services to other settings, I always look to go ‘Back to Basics’ and impart as much wisdom as possible.
