The very first child to attend Scallywags Childcare Centre back in 1988 has qualified as a primary school teacher.
Matthew Ryan attended the nursery at the age of three when it first opened its doors to local children.
As he grew up, he realised that he had a keen interest in helping younger children develop and went back to Scallywags when he was 17 to learn the ropes. He worked as a nursery assistant for two years at the nursery and used his university holidays to continue his work experience there.
Now 24, Matthew is a fully qualified primary teacher and works with Year 5 pupils at a school in Crawley.
Scallywags was founded by Matthew’s mother, Belinda. The children (Belinda’s own and just a few others) were originally looked after in a residential house and the nursery was registered for 12 children. After gradually increasing its numbers Scallywags is now celebrating 21 years of childcare provision - and in March moved to purpose built premises on the Wey Valley School Campus in Weymouth. It currently has 18 fully qualified staff and is registered for 88 children aged 3 months to 11 years.
The childcare centre has seen literally thousands of children come and go in the past 21 years. “I’m really proud that Matthew has decided to follow in my footsteps and work with young children,” Belinda said. “It’s such a rewarding career.”
