Teesside High School is opening a new nursery next spring.

Teesside High School is an independent day school located in Eaglescliffe, County Durham catering to children aged three to 18.

Leaders at the school have worked in partnership with Stockton Borough Council to progress the project. Construction has just begun to transform part of the school’s existing riverside site into Riverbank Nursery, designed for up to 40 children, babies and children aged from six months to three years.

Riverbank Nursery will be housed within the school’s existing prep school building, featuring modern, purpose-built facilities including an open-plan, light-filled layout and areas for group activities, quiet reading, outdoor learning, an age-appropriate washroom and dining facilities, and peaceful sleep spaces.

Children will have direct access to the current early years playground and the school’s forest school. There will be a strong emphasis on outdoor learning, supported by a dedicated and qualified forest school leader.

Riverbank Nursery will operate from 7.30am to 6pm, five days a week for 50 weeks of the year. Eligible families will be able to access up to 30 hours of funding through the Free Childcare for Working Parents scheme.

Kirsty Mackenzie, head at Teesside High School, said: “I am thrilled to introduce Riverbank Nursery, a state-of-the-art facility which reflects our commitment to extending our unrivalled educational provision to the very youngest children in our local community.

“Supported by the expertise and dedication of our exceptional Teesside High School staff, Riverbank Nursery will be a nurturing and inspiring space where children aged zero-to-three can play, learn and grow, providing a seamless start to their education.

“This exciting development builds upon our already exceptional early years provision. Every element has been thoughtfully designed to deliver high-quality, flexible care for families –enhanced by age-appropriate outdoor learning, bespoke forest school experiences and access to our stunning