A new nursery is set to throw open its doors in the New Year, and will welcome 72 pupils. 

Redhill Nursery, located in the heart of the Roseworth area of Norton, in Stockton, will open in the new year. It is the latest early years education location to be opened by family-run nursery chain Rosedene Nurseries. 

This week, the new facility, which will officially open on January 2, held an open event attended by dozens of local families. Children of all ages were able to take place in Christmas-themed activities, while sipping hot chocolate and even got to meet the man himself – Father Christmas - who stopped by to spread some festive cheer.

Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Jim Beall helped to launch the nursery, by putting the star on the top of the newly-planted Christmas tree to mark the occasion

Opened by directors John, Clare and Alice in 1991, Rosedene Nurseries has grown from a single location to a group of ten. All of their nurseries are rated "Outstanding" or "Good" by watchdog Ofsted. 

Redhill will be the fourth nursery run by family-owned Rosedene Nurseries in Stockton-on-Tees and its tenth across Teesside and North Yorkshire.

A spokesperson for Rosedene Nurseries said: "When the nursery begins operating from January 2024, children will be enriched in Rosedene’s unique ethos, which centres around child-led learning, the curiosity approach, community partnerships, includes forest school sessions, bringing outdoor adventure to the heart of learning."

This comes at a critical time to support the government’s childcare expansion for two-year-olds for all working parents from April 2024, and nine-month-old children from September 2024. Rosedene will be providing private and funded placements for children from 0-5 years.

Mayor of Stockton-on-Tees, Councillor Jim Beall said: “It’s important for all children to have the very best start in life, which is exactly what will be happening from what I have seen at Rosedene Redhill.

“I’ve been incredibly impressed with Rosedene’s forest school ethos which encourages the children to respect and care for the environment, ultimately having a positive impact on our future.

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Alice McCullagh, managing director at Rosedene Nurseries said: “Our whole Rosedene Nurseries team are ecstatic to be opening a new state of the art nursery in the Roseworth community.

“Over the past 30 years, Rosedene has developed an incredible formula for early years experiences for our children, parents and employees - and we just can’t wait to bring this to the local area!

“The sector has faced one of its most challenging years yet, however I’m so happy that there is positive news to bring to the sector and area. We have recruited strong and talented practitioners to ensure we can deliver Rosedene’s high quality and unique early years experience.”