THE INSPIRATIONAL NURSERY BOSS ‘HUMBLED’ AS SHE IS HONOURED IN KING’S BIRTHDAY HONOURS LIST

The boss of a Salford nursery empire is celebrating after being awarded an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours for services to early years education in the city.

Nicola Fleury, 59, launched the Kidzrus Nursery Group in 2010 and now has a group of five award- winning nurseries across the city of Salford.

Thirteen years ago she began a small business looking after eight children and employing three staff. 

She now has a team in excess of 120 people with ‘an in-depth knowledge of the area as well as qualifications, experience, and skills to meet the specific needs of more than 500 children and families in our care’

The Palace’s citation says:

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“Under Nicola’s leadership each setting has been graded ‘outstanding’ or good with ‘outstanding’ features by Ofsted.  

“She has been accredited with many personal awards including Greater Manchester Business Person of the Year, as an Inspirational Leader, for Outstanding Contribution and as an Employer and is widely respected in the early years sector for her work in raising standards in early years education and as an employer.  

“The group has received accolades for work within the local community and for staff wellbeing.”

 

Nicola is Salford born, bred, and educated; and one accolade that confirms her status in the local community is as a recipient of the 2021-22 Ceremonial Mayor of Salford’s Award for charitable endeavours.

In 2018 she introduced the Kidzrus Family Food Bank in response to the immediate needs of and to support nursery families and the wider community encountering food poverty. 

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“Nicola’s work has impacted on the education and wellbeing of many thousands of children, staff and their families in our care, especially throughout the pandemic,” says the citation.

“During that time, she personally purchased and delivered food parcels, food hampers and picnic boxes to celebrate landmark events as well as bundles of books to promote literacy. 

“At Christmas 2020 the Kidzrus Family Food Bank provided more than 100 Christmas food hampers and more than 500 toys for local children. 

“As a result, Kidzrus Nursery was awarded NMT Community Nursery of the Year in recognition of their efforts.”

 

Nicola told the Local Democracy Reporting Service:

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“I am deeply humbled and extremely proud to be nominated for ‘Services to Early Years Education and to the community in Salford’. 

“Who would have thought from my humble beginnings in Lower Broughton, Salford to receive such an honour is truly remarkable?

“ I only hope it really inspires many others to work hard, have a vision and be totally determined despite the many setbacks. 

“We are very fortunate to have met and cared for so many lovely children and families since setting up the first Kidzrus Nursery in 2010, many of which are in touch today.  

“However, our greatest asset is our team, and we would like to thank every one of them as they have all made a significant contribution.  

“I started my childcare career as a childminder in 2006 with a vision to provide quality childcare and make a difference to children in Salford and to offer the most wonderful opportunities and experiences to all children regardless of their background, culture, and religion.

“Anyone who knows me knows how immensely proud I am to be from Salford, we are a very proud community who always support each other, especially at times of need.  

“I am incredibly proud of all my achievements to date.  However, this is by far my greatest achievement as I have the pleasure of being invited to receive the amazing honour at Buckingham Palace or Windsor Castle in the coming months.  I am really looking forward to celebrating the spectacular occasion along with my family. ”