Salford nursery director recognised in King’s Birthday Honours list

A Salford nursery director has been made an MBE in the King’s Birthday Honours list.

Nicola Fleury, managing director of Kidzrus Nurseries, has been recognised in King Charles’ first Birthday Honours for services to early years education and to the Salford community.

Ms Fleury, who was born in Broughton, will attend a ceremony in the coming months to be invested by a senior member of the Royal Family.

She said: “I am deeply humbled and extremely proud.

“Who would have thought from my humble beginnings in Lower Broughton, Salford,  to receive such an honour is truly remarkable. I only hope it really inspires many others to work hard, have a vision and be totally determined despite the many setbacks.”

Since opening in 2010, Kidzrus Nurseries has gone from strength to strength, with five branches across Salford, supporting more than 500 children.

She continued: “We are very fortunate to have met and cared for so many lovely children and families, many of which are in touch today. However, our greatest asset is our team, and we would like to thank every one of them as they have all made a significant contribution.

“Anyone who knows me knows how immensely proud I am to be from Salford. We are a very proud community who always support each other especially at times of need.”

She was a recipient of the 2021-22 Ceremonial Mayor of Salford’s Award for charitable endeavour, alongside Greater Manchester Business Person of the Year.

In 2018 she introduced the Kidzrus Family Food Bank to support nursery families and the wider community. She personally purchased and delivered food parcels, food hampers and picnic boxes to celebrate landmark events as well as bundles of books to promote literacy.

She added: “We have created an amazing fully inclusive and extremely diverse culture within Kidzrus Nursery Group of which we are super proud, our ethos is Every Child, Every Chance.

“We want to give children in Salford the best chance to achieve whatever they want to as the formative years are by far the most important and we want to support them in achieving their full potential and enabling them to have as many quality experiences and rich opportunities as possible.”