The super Salford nursery giving free childcare to Ukrainian families

With branches across Salford, Kidzrus private day nurseries are all about helping the local community.

They set up Kidzrus Family Foodbank during lockdown, which was a huge success and helped many nursery families and those from the wider community.

Having provided a designated Facebook page for families to make food parcels requests, they received several awards in recognition, most recently the Salford Ceremonial Mayor Citizens Award for their charitable work during the pandemic.

Now, they have launched Kidzrus in the Community – and part of their pledge is to offer free childcare to Ukrainian families living in Salford. 

“We have been notified that there are a huge number of families coming to Salford from the Ukraine,” says Nicola Fleury, director of Kidzrus Nursery Ltd.

“We are welcoming Ukrainian families and supporting them with their childcare needs whilst arranging a care package dependent on their individual family needs.

“For example, we are currently supporting two families (mums and children as their husbands are having to remain to fight in the war) who are living close to our Media City setting. 

“We have made donations to support the family and the children are now settling into nursery life. 

“In addition, we are assisting with contacts to the local college, Future Skills, Media City for the mums to undertake English courses as we have long established links with the college and were recently awarded Employer of the Year 2022 at Salford College Apprenticeship Awards. 

“We have also supported the families in terms of funding from Salford Council and we have arranged for an interpreter to assist with any meetings.”

Kidzrus recognise that with the horrendous situation that families are having to face, and arriving in an unknown country with absolutely nothing, they can offer some support to these families. 

“To arrive with children and babies with no immediate support is unthinkable and our pledge is to do whatever we can to help them,” says Nicola. 

“We have provided communication support in order that the parents can continue to be in touch with their loved ones as they have literally arrived with the clothes on their backs. 

“To that end, we have launched our Kidzrus Community Clothes Closet whereby nearly new clothes are distributed to parents in need. 

“We appreciate some parents are happy to donate, and many need basic clothing for their children.”

Kidzrus intend to meet each family to provide a bespoke package of support, and so far they have experienced very positive feedback, with many of their existing nursery parents willing to help.

“However our priority is reaching out to those families just arriving from Ukraine, welcoming them into our community and helping them to settle,” says Nicola. 

“We understand that offering free childcare will ease the transition whilst they seek to find employment or undertake education or training.” 

 Anyone looking for more information on the scheme or to offer help can contact Kidzrus Media City on 0161 743 9315.