Ruth Newton radio appearance

Ruth was once again a guest on the Jonathan Cowap show on BBC Radio York on 5th March.  Discussing topics of the day, Ruth has become a regular guest on the programme, and will be on again on Monday 3oth April 2012 at 10.00am. We hope you can listen in.

THE PRESS, FRIDAY 4 MARCH 2011

Nursery Growth (by Ron Godfrey, Business Editor)

As a children’s day nursery in Escrick approaches its second birthday, its owner is reporting a record attendance.  Former banker Ruth Dowswell, owner of Young Discoverers Day Nursery in Escrick Business Park, found on Wednesday that she and her staff had to look after 21 children out of the 40 it has on its membership roll – more than ever before.

She said “Given that we started with just three children, it shows just how far we’ve come.”  And in anticipation of yet more growth, Ruth has now recruited two more staff, a qualified nursery practitioner and an apprentice, bringing the total on her payroll to 12.

Now she caters for children aged three months to five years at nursery; and for children aged between four and 11 years at a “before and after-school club” as well as a holiday club.

THE PRESS, TUESDAY 27 JULY 2010

Childcare gap set Ruth on new path.  (By Ron Godfrey, Business Editor)

Some would say that as a former bank manager, Ruth Dowswell could not go wrong when it came to her own venture, Young Discoverers Ltd, at Escrick Business Park in York.  But it was just as much her love of children that powered the business to astonishing success within a year of opening – to the extent that she is now seeking the New Business of the Year and Women in Enterprise titles in The Press Business Awards 2010.

As a single parent with two small daughters, Grace, nine, and Maisie, seven, Ruth identified the huge need for good childcare services in the Escrick area and methodically set about filling the gap.  She initially launched a two hour Young Discoverers Childcare as an after school club at Escrick School.  Then she received Ofsted registration for up to 26 children in January 2009, extending the hours to offer a breakfast club as well as longer afternoon sessions.

Meanwhile, Ruth was making plans for a full career switch, and finally launched her Young Discoverers Children’s Day Nursery at nearby Escrick Business Park with Ofsted and planning clearance for 51 places.  Since opening her comprehansive service for children aged three months to 11 years, which includes a holiday club, occupancy levels at both settings have quadrupled and continue to grow, each month proving the best ever.

Both her childcare operations received ‘good’ Ofsted artings and were highly commended in the latest Nursery World Awards.  Her hand picked team of 11 staff reflects a variety of skills and experience.  She has also had to hone her own skills, earning her first aid and safety qualifications as well as completing an NVQ level 4 in childcare, learning and development.

“I suppose I am a bit of a multitasker – as cook, carer and financial purse strings holder” she says.  In the next year, Ruth plans to increase occupancy by a further 50 per cent and to increase to 24 children per session for her Before and After School Club

THE PRESS, SATURDAY 19 JUNE 2010

A Children’s day nursery has celebrated its first birthday by raising almost £1500 at an Oscar-themed charity ball.  Young Discoverers at Escrick, near York, split the proceeds from the event, with half going towards York Hospital’s Special Care Baby Unit (SCBU) and the rest towards improvements to the nursery’s own garden area.

“The SCBU is a cause close to the hearts of many of those involved with Young Discoverers, some of whom have spent time at the unit with their own children” said Director Ruth Dowswell, adding her own daughter Grace had spent a short time there after her birth.

She said the cash would be invested in specialist equipment, and also help parents spend more precious time with their children.

“We were delighted to be able to support such a fabulous charity.” She said.

SELBY TIMES FEBRUARY 2010

read article

SELBY TIMES 13 NOVEMBER 2008

A RICCALL mum has launched a new childcare facility in Escrick, creating five jobs and 26 child places. Former Harrogate bank manager Ruth Dowswell created the ‘Young Discoverers’ after-school club, based at Escrick Primary School, to spend more time with her two young daughters Grace and Maisie. She is currently applying for Ofsted registration for the facility, and hopes to expand the opening hours to incorporate a breakfast club.

The entrepreneur is also seeking planning permission for a children’s day nursery at Escrick Business Park to provide care for 50 children aged from three months to five years, and create a further 15 jobs.

Ruth said: “I feel very passionately about high quality childcare because I have used it myself in the past.

“The response from parents has been fantastic. I have had some excellent feedback, and I am really pleased with how it’s going.”

She added: “It has given me a bit of time back with my own children, and it’s a pleasure to see so many other children enjoying the facilities.”

Children at the after- school club can take part in crafts and reading, enjoy some quiet time or get help with their homework.

YORKSHIRE POST, BUSINESS POST TUESDAY 18TH NOVEMBER 2008

TACKLING THE HURDLES FACING WOMEN IN BUSINESS WORLD

SPEAKING OUT:Theresa May, left, with Etta Cohen of Forward Ladies, and members Kate barrett from FDYL, Bradford; Ruth Dowswell, Young Discoverers Ltd, York; and Jenny Eugene JEEP Productions, Leeds

Yorkshire business women have told the Shadow Minister for Women that flexible working and inadequate careers advice are the main challenges facing them in today’s workplace.

During a visit to the region, Theresa May spoke to members of networking group Forward Ladies and listened to their opinions and concerns on key issues and discussed what the future holds for young women entering the business arena.

“There are two key issues,” she said.  “One is flexible working and issues surrounding childcare.  There is a lot that can be done by sharing good practice.  For example, it’s been shown that there is a significant increase in productivity and a greater retention rate in companies that allow flexible working.  Some managers might be a bit worried about how flexible working will work but they are more inclined to try it if they can see how it has been introduced elsewhere.”

Ms May, who had lunch with members of the Forward Ladies at the Met Hotel in Leeds, said the other key issue for women was the lack of careers advice in schools.

She said: “We have a tremendous generation of young women coming through and it’s important to have their skills and talent recognised.  One of the things we need to look at is careers advice in schools and make sure women are aware of the opportunities available to them.”

Speaking about the nature of business women in the region, she added: “Yorkshire has a tremendous group of ladies out there who have set up their own businesses.  They are women who have to be pretty determined with a lot of Yorkshire grit to get where they are.  They are role models.”

Ms May also recently launched the May for Equal Pay campaign to support equal pay for men and women in the workplace.  She added: “Despite it being the 21st Century, men are still getting paid 17.2 per cent more than women.  This means that the average woman will lose or forgo a massive £300,000 over her lifetime.”

For further details on Forward Ladies visit http://www.forwardladies.com/