New chapter for Little Stars as manager becomes owner

The manager of the award-winning Little Stars Nursery here at Mamhilad Park Estate has become its new owner as the previous owners ‘pass the baton’ after 23 years.

Nursery manager Becky Gregory, who is from New Inn and lives in Sebastopol, has worked at the nursery for eight years, including during her degree in Childhood Studies from Aberystwyth University.

Little Stars at Mamhilad has a team of 25 full- and part-time professionals who look after 65 children aged between six weeks and five years each day, with over 100 local families relying on its care. All are staying on under Becky’s ownership.

Having served as room leader for both babies and toddlers, Becky then became manager of Little Stars Mamhilad. Keen to progress her career, she had asked the former owners, Emma Matthews and Marie Ellis-Jones, to consider her if they were ever to set up a new nursery.

“They later approached me about buying Little Stars Mamhilad and, while that felt a bit daunting at first, I soon thought it was the perfect next step for me,” says Becky.

“I know the building and the operations inside out and, most importantly, I know the children and the team – who are brilliant and have the highest standards of care. Plus, Little Stars has a track record of outstanding inspections and we have won so many awards – I soon realised it was the ideal scenario!”

Becky says she has been “bowled over” by the warm reactions and congratulations from staff, parents and the Mamhilad Park Estate team.

“I was a little apprehensive about the announcement as Emma and Marie established and then ran the nursery so successfully for so long, but everyone has been so positive and supportive – and reassured, I think, about the continuity this brings,” said Becky.

“The Mamhilad Park Estate team has also been really helpful, welcoming me as the new official occupier – I have absolute confidence that they will sort out anything that we need property-wise.”

Peter Downes of Johnsey Estates, which owns and manages Mamhilad Park Estate, said the move was excellent news for the current 150 and future occupiers.

“The nursery is an important part of life here, for those who work on the estate and in the local area,” he said.

“We’ve always been really proud to have such a well-regarded childcare offer on-site and are delighted that the Little Stars ownership has transferred to an equally well-regarded, trusted new owner in Becky. We wish her every success and will do everything we can to support her.”

When Emma and Marie decided to step away, they were delighted that Becky was keen to take over.

“After more than 23 years of owning and running Little Stars Nursery, we have decided that the time is right to pass the baton to Becky. We extend our best wishes to Becky and the team as they embark on this new chapter,” they said in a Facebook post announcing the decision.

While Becky has no immediate plans for changes, she intends to involve staff, parents and children in any future developments – including exploring the potential for a school holiday club.

“I’m looking forward to talking with staff, parents and children about anything new going forward – all of their voices are really important to me,” she said.

“Parents have previously been keen on the idea of a school holiday club and that’s definitely something we will be looking at.”