Little Beans Nursery has shared plans for a major expansion at its Weymouth premises on the Granby Trading Estate, supporting between 30 and 40 additional full-time jobs.

The nursery has already secured the lease on the neighbouring space, formerly occupied by Sharky’s Fun Factory, to add 6,000 sq ft to its footprint and grow its capacity from 28 children to as many as 100.

For the first time, the Weymouth site will offer a baby unit, complete with a dedicated play space, sleeping area and garden.

The first of three phases in the expansion, due for completion by January 2025, will accommodate 40 children from three months to 10 years.

Tamsin Ledger, director at Little Beans, said: “We’re delighted to expand our services to include baby care, allowing families the convenience of having siblings cared for in one nurturing environment.

“By also extending our provision to care for children up to 10 years old, we’re now able to offer an even more comprehensive wraparound service for families, supporting them before and after school as well as during school holidays.”

The recent changes to government funding for childcare, which allows parents to access funded support from as early as nine months old, has also come as welcome news for the team at Little Beans.

Sebrina Drew, director, added: “With the new government funding expansion, which includes support for all families and an increase of up to 30 hours for working families, we’re so delighted to be widening our offering of inclusive provision.

“Parents can apply their entitlement to any of the sessions we offer at Little Beans.

“This expansion allows us to continue providing the exceptional care Little Beans is known for, while meeting the growing demand from local families.

“We can’t wait to see this project come to life.”

With accessibility in mind, all facilities in the new build will be based on the ground floor, including spacious indoor play areas, an activity resource hub featuring a technology suite, library, sensory area, cosy quiet corners, cooking, arts and expressive design areas.

Little Beans has been working with DJ Property, also based at Granby Trading Estate, on the expansion plans.

Tamsin said: “DJ Property has been instrumental in the viability of this development, providing practical assistance and expert advice.

“Their guidance and support has been invaluable in helping us bring this expansion to life.”

Mickey Jones, CEO of DJ Property, added: “We’re proud to support Little Beans in their expansion.

“Their dedication to nurturing children and building an inclusive, supportive community is truly inspiring.

“The proposed facilities, accessible location and wraparound care will offer a better choice for busy families.

“We wish them every success.”

Registration for the expanded nursery is now open, with spaces filling fast.

• littlebeansdaycare.com