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 comprehensive 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 ratings 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 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 multi-tasker – 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.