How EFSI benefits SMEs in Europe - Credito Emiliano case study: Le Tate Matte (Italy), education

“Le Tate Matte”, which means ‘crazy nannies’ in Italian, was started up in 2009 by three kindergarten teachers: Simona, Nicoletta and Elisa. “We were all experienced teachers already and we really wanted to do our own thing,” explains Simona Amoretti, “It’s the dream of every kindergarten teacher actually – to do things their way and run their own shop. What held us back at first was the high financial risk that such a project entails. Nevertheless, we took a deep breath and took on the challenge.   That’s why we called ourselves ‘Tate Matte’ – because we thought we were a bit crazy for making the leap of hope and starting this adventure.”

The project started as a ‘baby parking’, hosting children only for a few hours. With time, it grew and now hosts 46 children in a space of 600m2. “We combine the classic pedagogical methodology with elements inspired from the Montessori and the Reggio Emilia approaches.  Aside the traditional activities, we organize transversal educational workshops, the kids get to do swimming class at the local pool, they attend mini circus workshops and theatre performances. We also believe in the importance of a closer contact with nature, that’s why we offer sessions of pet therapy, farm visits and even harvesting. Getting familiar with pets and nature is an unforgettable experience for children growing up in the city.”

Hosting children from 3 months to 6 years of age, Le Tate Matte is located strategically in Parma, very close to two ring roads, making it very convenient for parents to drop off their kids. “We took over this new kindergarten in 2017 and we needed to renovate the place. “In our line of work, organizing a safe and pleasant space is crucial. Painting, changing the floors, and of course buying a whole new set of toys for the kids were our priorities but for this we needed some cash…” With the help of an EU-guaranteed loan through CREDEM and backed by the Investment Plan for Europe, Simona, Nicoletta and Elisa were able to touch up the building and are now thinking of expanding to two floors to have two different areas; one floor equipped for the daycare and a second floor dedicated to the kindergarten.

“What’s most fulfilling about this job is creating a network of social relations between children, educators and parents. Very often when kids that have grown up, finished our classes and left, come back to visit us. It is more than just a teacher-pupil relationship. We establish a real connection with the kids and this is very important to us. It makes us very happy and proud. We are more and more convinced that our crazy leap of hope was absolutely worth it,” says Simona.

Company: Le Tate Matte (Italy)

Type of business: education

EIF financing: COSME LGF, EFSI

Financial intermediary: Credito Emiliano (CREDEM)

For further information about EIF intermediaries in Italy, please refer to: http://www.eif.org/what_we_do/where/it