At the heart of Clubland is a story of passion, resilience, and a deep commitment to supporting families. Karen, Clubland’s founder, started the organization with a single vision: to provide affordable, high-quality childcare that children love and parents can rely on. Inspired by her own experience as a working parent, Karen grew Clubland from a small, community-based service into a beloved family business. Here’s a look at her journey, her values, and her hopes for Clubland’s future.
Years ago, as a full-time working mom, Karen struggled to find a childcare option that met her needs. “I wanted to offer an affordable, high-quality childcare provision that children wanted to attend,” she recalls. She saw a gap in options available for parents balancing work and family life and dreamed of creating a childcare solution that felt like an extension of home.
Karen’s journey began unexpectedly. “As the chair of the PTA, a friend approached me to see if I could help find someone to start a childcare program,” she explains. At the time, she was taking a break from her career to care for her children and had begun childminding with a friend. When her friend suggested she take the lead, Karen decided to take the leap—and thus, Clubland was born.
The road wasn’t without challenges. Just two weeks before launch, her original partner relocated, leaving her to manage the new venture on her own. Undeterred, Karen forged ahead, connecting with Surrey Social Services and securing TDI School as Clubland’s first location.
Karen’s vision for Clubland has always centred on creating a joyful, engaging environment. “I looked back at what made my own childhood, and my children’s childhood, special,” she says. To that end, Clubland combines structure with spontaneity, offering activities like cookery, craft, and sports while giving children the freedom to play, explore, and invent games of their own.
Her favourite memories reflect this vibrant atmosphere. “I loved playing rounders on the field, with all the staff and children joining in,” she reminisces. “Water fights, watching the children gain confidence, and seeing them wave excitedly when I’d arrive at the playground—those memories mean everything.” For Karen, the reward comes from seeing the impact Clubland has had on families over the years. “When parents tell me they wouldn’t have been able to keep working without Clubland, or when former Clubland kids return to work with us, it’s incredible,” she shares.
Integrity, care, and community are at the heart of Clubland’s culture. “I was always prepared to do any part of the job that I expected my staff to do,” Karen says. From preparing meals to joining in on dance parties, she modelled the dedication she wanted her team to embody. For her, honesty and approachability have been essential in building strong relationships with families and the community.
As a family business, Clubland has always been close to her heart. “Clubland is like another child in our family,” Karen reflects. “We’re not a large corporation, and we don’t want to be. We care about the individual, whether that’s a child, a staff member, or a parent.” Her family values—honesty, compassion, and hard work—are embedded in the organization’s foundation and have shaped the way Clubland has grown over the years.
After years of dedication, Karen recently made the decision to step back from daily operations, with her daughter Emily now leading Clubland as Managing Director. “I’d been considering it for a while,” Karen explains, adding that her husband’s retirement and a desire to explore new adventures helped her feel the time was right. Alongside attending as a child herself, and working at settings as a young adult, Emily’s background in Event Management and experience from her work at a large national charity bring a fresh perspective to the role, and she’s well-prepared to manage the day-to-day operations. “I’m enormously proud of Emily and all she’s accomplished,” Karen says. “She has the skills and passion to take Clubland into its next chapter and continue our family’s legacy.”
Looking forward, Karen hopes Clubland will continue to evolve and adapt to meet parents’ changing needs. “I hope Clubland continues to thrive and diversify,” she says. “I want us to be known not only as a childcare provider but as one that truly listens and cares about each individual.” For Karen, Clubland’s legacy is all about supporting families, fostering community, and creating a space where every child feels valued.
As Clubland continues to grow, it remains rooted in Karen’s original vision: a family business dedicated to caring for families, led by the same values of honesty, compassion, and a commitment to quality.