The Princess of Wales’s younger sister, Pippa Matthews, 41, is preparing to open a nursery for children aged between nine months and five years, and a new statement has been issued about the upcoming plans. Pippa aims to open the nursery at Bucklebury Farm, a 72-acre estate she owns with husband, James Matthews.
The local council has now approved the proposal, stating that the development would deliver “strong social benefits”. According to documents released by the local council on 28 July, the council reaffirmed the decision, saying the plans “would deliver strong social benefits in that it would provide additional early year places where there is a shortage of places available.”
Pippa and James sought permission to change the use of an existing log cabin on the site to “allow a flexible use of space for farm workers dwelling, office space, meeting room, workshop, studio and nursery”.
The couple’s application planned to “address an urgent need for early years childcare places in West Berkshire, while utilising a unique and enriching natural environment.”
They stated: “There is currently a notable shortage of nursery spaces in the local area, which has made it increasingly difficult for parents to access high-quality early education and care for their children.
“Our proposed nursery at Bucklebury Farm will ease this pressure, offering an additional 20 to 25 places for young children and enabling many parents – particularly mothers – to return to work or increase their hours, thereby supporting the local economy and improving family wellbeing.”
The nursery is expected to open within the next year, pending final preparations and approvals.
It marks the latest addition to Pippa and James’s efforts to expand Bucklebury Farm into a thriving family-focused destination.
Pippa’s latest venture is in line with her sister, Princess Kate’s ethos, when it comes to early years education.
The Princess of Wales is dedicated to helping the Early Years sector and her Royal Foundation’s Centre for Early Childhood has researched how vital support for children and families is in the first five years.