An Uxbridge-based nursery founded after one woman struggled to find childcare for working mothers is celebrating its 40th anniversary.
The Young Ones Nursery was opened by Yvonne Turrell in 1986 after she became one of the only people in her company to take maternity leave in 1982, believing there simply was not enough childcare available for working women.
Kelly Turrell, Yvonne’s daughter, said: “The love has never changed. We’re so passionate about the job.
“Mum will still say now that I wouldn’t still have this business if I didn’t live and breathe it.”
That passion has remained at the heart of the nursery for four decades and helped establish Yvonne as a pioneer in childcare across the borough.
She became the first person to open a baby nursery in the London Borough of Hillingdon and was among the first few nursery owners to offer full daycare in 1986.
After opening the nursery, Yvonne also gained her childcare qualifications and, alongside a colleague called June, helped write the NVQ with Reading University, contributing to the development of childcare training.
Her background as an ex-fashion designer and former artist in residence also shaped the nursery, with creativity becoming a key part of children’s earliest learning experiences.
Today, that legacy continues through daughter Kelly, who has spent 20 years as part of the nursery’s managerial team alongside Becky, who has been in the role for 23 years.
Together, they have guided the nursery through decades of changes to education, training and Ofsted while holding on to the values Yvonne established from the very beginning.
Kelly believes the nursery’s greatest strength has always been its people, with a long-serving team who genuinely care about the children they look after.
She said every member of staff treats the children as though they were their own, wanting them to leave ready for the next stage of their education while ensuring families always feel supported.
The nursery’s lasting impact can perhaps best be seen in the families who continue to return.
Kelly’s children attended the nursery, while former attendees have gone on to work there before bringing their own children through its doors.
One current parent who first attended the nursery as a child later became a member of staff and now brings her own daughter, while many other families return through siblings and recommendations.
Kelly said she and Becky rarely forget the children they have cared for, often recognising names instantly and recalling memories from decades earlier, adding that seeing former children return as parents is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“I think she [Yvonne] struggles to accept the compliments and things, but she just needs to realise how amazing she is,” Kelly said.
“There were many firsts back in the 80s, and she’s still going. It’s very rare that you’ve got a business owner that’s still doing the same thing 40 years later.”
Asked to describe her mother’s achievement in just one word, Kelly paused. “Legacy,” she said.
She added: “Outstanding achievement… care… commitment.”
As the nursery marks its 40th anniversary, Kelly said the milestone still feels surreal.
“We’re all extremely proud of her,” she said.
Featured Image credit: The Young Ones Nursery
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