Local mum launches new Little City franchise in East Lancashire

Little City, the award-winning children’s mobile role-play experience, will soon be opening its doors to families and carers of preschoolers and toddlers across East Lancashire.

The new franchise has been opened by former primary school teacher Deb Westwell, who is keen to bring imaginative play opportunities to families throughout Pendle, Burnley, West Craven, Ribble Valley, Hyndburn, Blackburn, Darwen, and Rossendale.

Deb was inspired to set up her own branch after working as a nanny in London and being impressed by the whole concept of a mobile role-play city. Having witnessed firsthand how engaged children were as they indulged their imaginations in a range of miniature setups, including supermarkets, vets, mechanics, and more, Deb was keen to learn more.

She says: “The first time I visited a Little City session, I was blown away. I had taken a five-year-old boy to a birthday party, and the children were so engaged in their play, which was wonderful to see.”

“I’ve worked in the childcare sector my whole life, from being a nanny and a childminder to working as a TA and a primary school teacher, and it was immediately clear how many learning opportunities were within the Little City concept. Much of my experience has been working with children with SEND, and I’m so excited to see how my sessions can link in with speech and language and occupational therapy programmes, as well as mainstream play”

Deb lives in Pendle, and she’s excited to take her Little City sessions straight into the local community near her home. As a mum herself, she knows firsthand how complicated it can be to visit towns such as Burnley or Blackburn for child-related activities, so she’s keen to bring the sessions closer to home.

“I get emotional watching the way that children play and create their own imaginative worlds. It’s really special to witness. I used to have to drive to Halifax to offer my own children this type of experience, so it feels incredible to know that I can bring this to a local village or town, making it far more accessible for families with young children. The easy nature of Little City means I can take it anywhere, from church halls to community centres, and I want to bring my sessions to as many places as possible.”

Vicki Fletcher is the founder of Little City UK, the national brand behind the East Lancashire franchise. She says: “We are delighted to welcome Deb to the Little City family. As a former teacher, she brings experience and passion for imaginative play that make her the perfect partner to launch her own branch. We’re so excited to learn more about what she has planned and how she will support local children across the region.”

As part of her vision for the business, Deb wants to take her sessions as far and wide as possible. She already has a range of sessions booked in and is open to further suggestions of other locations in the local community. She also wants to connect with local children's entertainers, childminders, and early years specialists to help families prepare their children for the transition to school.

Deb’s first Little City East Lancashire sessions will take place on the following dates and times.

Location: Briercliffe Community Centre, Briercliffe BB10 2JD

Date: Monday June 15, then the 3rd Monday in the month 

Times: 9.30am - 10.45am, 11am - 12.15pm

 Location: Bank Mill Centre, Great Harwood BB6 7NF

Date: Wednesday  June 17, then the 3rd Wednesday in the month

Times: 9.30am - 10.45am, 11am - 12.15pm

 Location: Clitheroe Community Church Hall, BB7 2LE

Date: Friday June 19, then the 3rd Friday in the month

Times: 9.30am - 10.45am, 11am - 12.15pm

Location: Holmefield House, Barrowford BB9 8ND

Date: Saturday June 20, then every 3rd Saturday

Times: 10am - 11.15am, 11.30am - 12.45pm

For updates, session dates and booking information, families are encouraged to follow Little City East Lancashire on social media or visit www.littlecityuk.com