(Image: Supplied)
A new nursery designed to give children the best possible start in life has officially opened its doors.
Little Phoenix Nursery, part of Yarm School, was opened by Tees Valley Mayor Ben Houchen, who joined families, staff and project partners for a special opening event at the site on The Spital in Yarm.
The purpose-built nursery offers 62 places for children aged six months to three years and delivers year-round care from 7.30am to 6pm.
Mr Houchen said: "This incredible nursery adds to the already great facilities across Yarm School.
"What Huw and the team have been able to deliver here is fantastic and for me, whenever I am talking to people about investing in Tees Valley, citing Yarm School as a shining example of the educational provision available is something I am very proud to do."
The nursery has been designed to support early childhood development through play, exploration, and nature-based learning.
Dr Huw Williams, headmaster at Yarm School, said: "We are absolutely thrilled to be in this new building, with our exceptional staff team welcoming new children and families to the nursery.
"It’s been going brilliantly and every day is a hive of activity as the youngest members of our community explore, play, learn and develop."
The nursery’s outdoor space includes bespoke play equipment and a water feature, while the baby room has a large sheltered roof terrace to allow safe outdoor access in all weather.
Little Phoenix is managed by a team with more than 60 years of combined childcare and education experience.
Staff are supported with ongoing professional development and apprenticeship opportunities as part of Yarm School’s investment in early years education.
Sarah Moon-Gatford, nursery manager, said: "Little Phoenix has been created around a very clear vision of what we believe an exceptional early years’ should look and feel like for babies and little ones.
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"It was wonderful to welcome our local Mayor, our families and so many of the people who have helped us bring Little Phoenix Nursery to life.
"Seeing children now enjoying the curated play space is the culmination of a great deal of hard work, and we are incredibly excited about the nursery’s future."
Sustainability was a key consideration in the nursery’s development, with a focus on using UK suppliers.
The project team included contractor Tom Willoughby, architects BCHN, and Copper Beech Play, which worked on the outdoor facilities.