Yarm welcomes new 62-place nursery

A new 62-place nursery is set to open in Yarm, providing year-round childcare for babies and children aged up to three.

Little Phoenix Nursery, on The Spital, will welcome its first children on September 14, with 15 members of staff already appointed and further recruitment underway.

Located close to Yarm School, the purpose-designed setting will cater for children from six months old, with an emphasis on nature, outdoor learning and learning through play and discovery.

Facilities include dedicated indoor spaces, a garden with bespoke play equipment and a water feature, as well as an outdoor roof terrace for the baby room.

The nursery will operate from 7.30am to 6pm throughout the year, with provision designed to support working families, including parents returning from maternity or parental leave.

Its management team brings together more than 60 years of childcare and education experience, while staff will have access to professional training and apprenticeships.

Nursery manager Sarah Moon-Gatford, who is a qualified early years teacher who has worked across nursery settings as well as with charitable organisations and advisory boards, said: “Little Phoenix has been created around a very clear vision of what we believe an exceptional early years’ experience should look and feel like for babies and little ones.

“Every detail has been carefully considered, from the resources children encounter to the opportunities they have to be outdoors, explore nature and to develop their own interests. 

“We hope children feel happy, secure and curious from the moment they arrive.

“We also understand the practical realities for families. 

“Providing year-round care from 7.30am until 6pm, alongside helping parents make sense of the funding available to them, means we can provide the flexibility and support that modern family life requires.

“We have already recruited a fantastic team ahead of opening. 

“I am incredibly excited to welcome our first children and families in September.”

Children will also be able to progress into pre-school, with a pathway to Yarm School available for families who choose it, although there is no requirement to subsequently join the school.

Dr Huw Williams, headmaster at Yarm School, added: “The opening of Little Phoenix is an exciting development for us and, importantly, for families across the local area  given the demand for high-quality provision of this sort.

“We wanted to create something very special: a nursery which combines outstanding early years expertise with an environment in which children have the freedom and encouragement to explore, play, discover and develop, expanding our age range whilst retaining our determination to continue Educating for Life.

“It also gives families continuity should they wish to continue into our pre-school and ultimately Yarm School, while remaining a nursery that is very much open to families regardless of where they intend their child to continue their education.

“We recognise that the earliest years of a child’s life are enormously important and Little Phoenix reflects the care, thought and ambition we have invested in creating the very best possible start for children and families alike.”

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