EDUCATION
New beginnings – Riverbank Nursery opens later this spring.
SPLASHING OUT
Six-figure Riverbank Nursery investment brings premium baby and toddler care to Teesside High
WORDS: MICHAEL MCGEARY
Balancing the demands of a busy career while giving their little ones the very best in early years care just got easier for mums and dads throughout the Tees Valley.
In a first for a school of its kind, Teesside High School in Eaglescliffe has proudly unveiled Riverbank Nursery, a brand-new provision for babies and toddlers aged from six months to four years old.
Offering a nurturing, home-from-home environment, the stunning suite of three specially designed classrooms is the result of a six-figure investment from one of the area’ s leading independent schools, which is already a byword for academic excellence.
“ Riverbank offers the highest quality of childcare, but it’ s also much more than that,” says nursery manager Carolyn Williams.“ It’ s about laying strong foundations for the future and inspiring curiosity, confidence and a love of learning from the very beginning of the educational journey.
“ When a child is six months old, parents prioritise care and nurture; they want to know their child is safe and happy. But when you get to age three, early education is really important, so we’ ve developed a curriculum that fits the needs of our children best and prepares them for a successful future.
“ Our approach is rooted in purposeful, child-led experiences. Every day, the children will be out in the woods getting fresh air, exploring and utilising our wonderful site.”
Designed in partnership with Stockton Borough Council, Riverbank is at the heart of Teesside High’ s Prep School, surrounded by stunning 22-acre grounds that include a Forest School, which the children will visit regularly.
The classrooms open out into a bespoke outdoor area of their own where children can take part in a wide variety of fun and stimulating activities.
A“ no-shoe” policy in the nursery classrooms promotes a calmer environment, with special cots making sure everyone gets all the sleep they need!
Under the leadership of head of school Kirsty Mackenzie, Teesside High has won a succession of accolades, including being named the best-performing post-16 provider in Teesside for student progress last year.
It consistently appears in the top tier of regional league tables for both A-level and GCSE results and its most recent Independent Schools Inspectorate report recognised the school’ s significant strengths.
“ What we provide at Riverbank Nursery mirrors the small, nurturing environment and the strong personal and academic outcomes Teesside High School is renowned for,” said Kirsty.
“ At the heart of everything we do is partnership with families. We truly believe that by working closely together, we can give children the very best start in life – emotionally, socially and academically.
“ We already offer our families excellent Early Years provision and now is the perfect time to expand our offer to the youngest in our community, creating a hub of early years excellence at the heart of the school.”
And the good news is that fees are extremely competitive, with no hidden charges. What’ s more, working parents can take advantage of the government’ s 30 hours funded childcare scheme.
Designed by Newcastle-based Envision Design Group, Riverbank Nursery was built by Teesside firm Leba Construction Services.
Families are welcome to visit and see what sets Teesside High and Riverbank Nursery apart – registration is now open and demand is already high, with doors expected to open at Easter.
RIVERBANK ROOTS
> Encouraging kindness, empathy and resilience > Engaging with nature > Promoting a healthy lifestyle > Developing a love of books, stories and language > Fostering environmental awareness
Home-from-home – the new nursery will foster a love of learning.
56 | Tees Business
Call 01642 782095, email info @ teessidehigh. co. uk or visit teessidehigh. co. uk for more information or to book an appointment.