Rosedene Nurseries

Figures analysed by Rosedene Nurseries show that 100s of two-year-olds in Tees Valley may be missing out on funded nursery places.

The latest ONS data on education provision for children under five years old found that more than 500 toddlers have not taken up government funded places between 2021-2022.

Fifteen hours per week of funded childcare is offered to the families of two-year-olds on a low income. In addition, Rosedene offers free meals to any child eligible for this scheme.

Across the region, 83.6 per cent of eligible two-year olds are attending nursery on a funded place, higher than the UK average of 72 per cent.

In Tees Valley, the number of two-year olds who have not taken up places for which they are eligible are:

• Redcar and Cleveland - 136 children (23 per cent)
• Darlington – 87 children (20 per cent)
• Stockton - 148 children (19 per cent)
• Middlesbrough - 120 children (13 per cent)
• Hartlepool - 34 children (seven per cent)

Research conducted by the Sutton Trust about the impact of the pandemic on education found that 56 per cent of parents felt that all aspects of development were impacted by their child not attending nursery, with a quarter of these parents specifying that language development had suffered.

Further studies have found that early years education is particularly beneficial for children from disadvantaged backgrounds, due to the intensive and targeted support that can be provided within a small group environment.

Alice McCullagh, director at Rosedene, said: “It is incredibly encouraging to see that so many parents of two-year-olds in Tees Valley know what they’re entitled to and are taking up their opportunities.

“However, there are still hundreds of children, most prominently in Redcar and Cleveland, who aren’t taking up their eligible places, and we want to encourage parents to rectify this.

“If you’re a parent who thinks they might be eligible, you are welcome to come along to any Rosedene setting, and one of the team would be happy to help you with the application to make sure you get the place your child deserves.

“Supportive early years care is essential for growth and development, and we want to help all families in Tees Valley access a fantastic start on the road to education.”

Rosedene Nurseries has 10 settings across Tees Valley and North Yorkshire. It has achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the regulator Ofsted for many of its childcare services.

ENDS

NEWS RELEASE: ISSUED ON BEHALF OF ROSEDENE NURSERIES

CONTACT: Josh Mason on 01325 363436

Notes to editors:

Rosedene Nurseries is a family-owned nursery group which first opened in the 1960s. Under directors John and Clare, the business has grown from a single nursery in 1993 to a group of 10.

Rosedene Nurseries has achieved an ‘Outstanding’ rating from the regulator Ofsted for many of its childcare services.